North Dublin Membership Options

Carpo86

Hi Guys,

First post in a long time and hoping to tap into your collective wisdom. I was a member for a number of years in Palmerstown and really enjoyed it, working my way down to 7 by the time I left at the end of 2016. At that point I left as I just didn’t have the time available to justify the membership cost.

I am still facing significant time constraints (due mainly to a very young child) but having gotten back to playing a bit of society golf this year I’m chomping at the bit to rejoin a club.

What I’m looking for in a ideal world:

Not too far a round trip from home (Glasnevin)
A reasonably quick round
Relatively easy to get out
Good value (as even with the above I’m still unlikely to get out that much!)

Obviously the higher the quality of course the better but I know I need to make some trade offs.

Clubs that run 9 hole comps (you can probably tell there is a running theme here) and/or offer discounted membership rates for the under 35s are also of particular interest!

Thanks a mil for any and all advice...

Milkers

St Margaret's immediately springs to mind although they've improved the course so much it's gotten a lot busier so ease of getting out may not be great.

reax

Hollywood lakes in ballyboughal would be a 25 minute drive out the North road. They have deals for under 35s and they have qualifying 9 hole comps mid week

Carpo86 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

First post in a long time and hoping to tap into your collective wisdom. I was a member for a number of years in Palmerstown and really enjoyed it, working my way down to 7 by the time I left at the end of 2016. At that point I left as I just didn’t have the time available to justify the membership cost.

I am still facing significant time constraints (due mainly to a very young child) but having gotten back to playing a bit of society golf this year I’m chomping at the bit to rejoin a club.

What I’m looking for in a ideal world:

Not too far a round trip from home (Glasnevin)
A reasonably quick round
Relatively easy to get out
Good value (as even with the above I’m still unlikely to get out that much!)

Obviously the higher the quality of course the better but I know I need to make some trade offs.

Clubs that run 9 hole comps (you can probably tell there is a running theme here) and/or offer discounted membership rates for the under 35s are also of particular interest!

Thanks a mil for any and all advice...

RoadRunner

Carpo86 wrote: »

Thanks a mil for any and all advice...

St. Margarets is a great option for you. 9 holes HC qualifiying comp is new there and seems to be popular. There's reduced first year joining rates. If you are only playing during the week there's a midweek membership option. No under 35 rates though. Course is nice and a friendly environment.

Roganstown worth a look too. A friend moved there from margarets. I think it was a little pricer, but represented better value for him as membership there also gets his kids access to their swimming pool.

eoghan104

Castleknock seems the best choice based on the criteria. The course is always in great nick and the membership is growing year on year.

Carpo86 wrote: »

Not too far a round trip from home (Glasnevin) 20 mins drive
A reasonably quick round 4hrs max
Relatively easy to get out Never had a problem getting a time
Good value (as even with the above I’m still unlikely to get out that much!) The flexible membership sounds perfect for you.

There is a 9 hole qualifying competition every Wednesday evening.

The best thing is the flexible membership for someone with time constraints like yourself. The cost is €1,450 and that translates to 1,450 credits. Peak time 18 holes is 30 credits and 20 off peak. The beauty is that anything not spent on golf can be used in the bar, restaurant or pro shop. You simply won't do better that €20/30 a round with any other North Dublin membership unless you are playing multiple times a week.

Any other questions feel free to ask.

Johnk16

Was in the same position last year and decided to go around and give them a test run before pulling the trigger! Spoiled for choice up here and was really impressed by a number of clubs. All depends on how far you want to travel i suppose! I'm living in Swords and decided to join Corrstown and have been happy out since (previously Waterford GC). Make sure to pay it a visit if your considering St Margarets as it's right beside it but offers 27 holes. Always nice to have a spare 9 holes to pop out onto when the other course is busy:)

eoghan104

Johnk16 wrote: »

Was in the same position last year and decided to go around and give them a test run before pulling the trigger! Spoiled for choice up here and was really impressed by a number of clubs. All depends on how far you want to travel i suppose! I'm living in Swords and decided to join Corrstown and have been happy out since (previously Waterford GC). Make sure to pay it a visit if your considering St Margarets as it's right beside it but offers 27 holes. Always nice to have a spare 9 holes to pop out onto when the other course is busy:)

Agree that Corrstown is an excellent option also and they have reduced rates for either under 30 or 35 AFAIK.

newindublin

North Dublin courses have been my pursuit for a while, here is what I have found:

St. Margaret's - Excellent course, renovations still underway, but steadily improving.
Coorstown - Nice enough, not as flashy as St. Margaret's. I think you get a 5 day at Forrest Little for joining now
Elmgreen - Reasonable price, and close to you. Not my favorite course, but if the price is right...
Castleknock - I did not care for this course, dont see what the fuss is about
Luttrellstown - Really great course, but probably too pricy based on what you have said
Roganstown - Very good course, comes with a 5 day to Swords
Swords - Shorter course, not nearly what Roganstown is but not bad and you get a 5 day to Roganstown
Beaverstown - Nice course, the first 9 is far superior
Donabate - Nondescript but also very affordable. Bland.
Balcarrick - Weird blend of parkland in a links format. I would not reccomend it.
Corballis Links - 5 or 6 average links holes, the rest is subpar.
Hollywood Lakes - Not bad, not great. Probably too far away.
Clontarf - no. Expensive and a poor, crowded course.
Portmarnock Hotel - Very nice links course, but not cheap
St. Annes - Nice course, but pricy
Royal Dublin - Even more expensive than St. Annes.
Silloge Park - no


Honestly I would say St. Margarets is your best choice if the price is not too much. Roganstown or Luttrellstown would also be excellent choices.

searay

A friend of mine works in Glasnevin and is a member of Elmgreen. Can fit in a game early on Wednesday and Sunday morning which suits him from a work/life perspective.

Not the most exciting course, but good greens and very well maintained and it might suit you for a few years until the kids are older.

I played Roganstown a week ago and thought it was in excellent condition but probably won't work for you from an access perspective.

mike12

Roganstown have a 9 hole qualifying comp u can play any day.
There are 2 midweek comps Tuesday in roganstown and Friday in swords.
If u pay upfront u get access to the gym and swimming pool.
U have 36 holes to play midweek so it's never busy.

Seve OB

I was thinking straight away that St Margarets would be good for you. but then I read this.

Carpo86 wrote: »

Good value (as even with the above I’m still unlikely to get out that much!)...

So if you are not going to get out that much, the credits membeship is a good option at Castleknock as you can't loose your money. Bring the wife and kids over for a bit of grub, buy your gear and balls in the shop.

Now I won't say it's the best course by any stretch, but it is better than most listed above and does tick all your boxes.

But my advice is to look at those 2 clubs especially, but don't rule out any of the others. Research them all and get yourself a shortlist. Then visit & play the courses (I'm sure most will let you out for free if you are looking to join).

finglashoop

newindublin wrote: »

North Dublin courses have been my pursuit for a while, here is what I have found:

St. Margaret's - Excellent course, renovations still underway, but steadily improving.
Coorstown - Nice enough, not as flashy as St. Margaret's. I think you get a 5 day at Forrest Little for joining now
Elmgreen - Reasonable price, and close to you. Not my favorite course, but if the price is right...
Castleknock - I did not care for this course, dont see what the fuss is about
Luttrellstown - Really great course, but probably too pricy based on what you have said
Roganstown - Very good course, comes with a 5 day to Swords
Swords - Shorter course, not nearly what Roganstown is but not bad and you get a 5 day to Roganstown
Beaverstown - Nice course, the first 9 is far superior
Donabate - Nondescript but also very affordable. Bland.
Balcarrick - Weird blend of parkland in a links format. I would not reccomend it.
Corballis Links - 5 or 6 average links holes, the rest is subpar.
Hollywood Lakes - Not bad, not great. Probably too far away.
Clontarf - no. Expensive and a poor, crowded course.
Portmarnock Hotel - Very nice links course, but not cheap
St. Annes - Nice course, but pricy
Royal Dublin - Even more expensive than St. Annes.
Silloge Park - no


Honestly I would say St. Margarets is your best choice if the price is not too much. Roganstown or Luttrellstown would also be excellent choices.

What did you settle on in the end?

Im considering joining a club but time is an issue for me and most likely i would join elmgreen as its closest to me so would be easily accessible.

My main concern is actually playing the same course all the time as i enjoy playing different courses evey week, which is what i have done since i took up golf about 5 years ago.

I do like the idea of comps and an official handicap

RoadRunner

newindublin wrote: »

North Dublin courses have been my pursuit for a while, here is what I have found:

St. Margaret's - Excellent course, renovations still underway, but steadily improving.
Coorstown - Nice enough, not as flashy as St. Margaret's. I think you get a 5 day at Forrest Little for joining now
Elmgreen - Reasonable price, and close to you. Not my favorite course, but if the price is right...
Castleknock - I did not care for this course, dont see what the fuss is about
Luttrellstown - Really great course, but probably too pricy based on what you have said
Roganstown - Very good course, comes with a 5 day to Swords
Swords - Shorter course, not nearly what Roganstown is but not bad and you get a 5 day to Roganstown
Beaverstown - Nice course, the first 9 is far superior
Donabate - Nondescript but also very affordable. Bland.
Balcarrick - Weird blend of parkland in a links format. I would not reccomend it.
Corballis Links - 5 or 6 average links holes, the rest is subpar.
Hollywood Lakes - Not bad, not great. Probably too far away.
Clontarf - no. Expensive and a poor, crowded course.
Portmarnock Hotel - Very nice links course, but not cheap
St. Annes - Nice course, but pricy
Royal Dublin - Even more expensive than St. Annes.
Silloge Park - no

Haven't played it in a long time, but would put Castleknock well above elmgreen. That being said, joining Elmgreen significantly cheaper and gets you playing rights on Corballis Links. Corballis is a beaut (my opinion, some love some hate). Elmgreen very close to you though.

Seve OB

agree, Castleknock and Elmgreen are not just in different divisions, they are different leagues

finglashoop

Seve OB wrote: »

agree, Castleknock and Elmgreen are not just in different divisions, they are different leagues

In what ways?

I often seen people run elmgreen down on here but never give an actual reason.

Seve OB

finglashoop wrote: »

In what ways?

I often seen people run elmgreen down on here but never give an actual reason.

Course quality, condition, test. In fairness I believe Carr golf put a bit more into it these days and it’s a while since I played it, but my memories were always I& I never play this course again it will be to soon

finglashoop

Seve OB wrote: »

Course quality, condition, test. In fairness I believe Carr golf put a bit more into it these days and it’s a while since I played it, but my memories were always I& I never play this course again it will be to soon

Its been a couple of months at least for me but it was in superb condition when i last was there.

Playing Saturday and apparently they are watering "round the clock" due to weather.

Seve OB

finglashoop wrote: »

Its been a couple of months at least for me but it was in superb condition when i last was there.

Playing Saturday and apparently they are watering "round the clock" due to weather.

well if you like it and it suits your needs then it is worth considering.
its not for me though

londonred

finglashoop wrote: »

What did you settle on in the end?

Im considering joining a club but time is an issue for me and most likely i would join elmgreen as its closest to me so would be easily accessible.

My main concern is actually playing the same course all the time as i enjoy playing different courses evey week, which is what i have done since i took up golf about 5 years ago.

I do like the idea of comps and an official handicap

I have the Corballis/Elmgreen pay as you play membership as don't get out very often e350 with a handicap , Corballis is great in the winter no mud , I play a lot of opens in the summer some as great courses in NCD with good deals , if I had more time and less kids would consider joining St Margarets or Roganstown.

charlieIRL

Corballis have deals starting from €299 as well, it's printed on the card

Ollieboy

Two clubs for the price off one at Corrstown or Forrest Littleis is an amazing deal with no restrictions on time sheets for members. Correstown also has the spare 9 to play when the comps are on the 18 at the weekend. It’s also the most logical location for you.

But try a few and then join one that you like and find the warmest welcome at plus short drive to work and home. You have loads of choice with all different levels of pricing and quality.

sydneybound

Ollieboy wrote: »

Two clubs for the price off one at Corrstown or Forrest Littleis is an amazing deal with no restrictions on time sheets for members. Correstown also has the spare 9 to play when the comps are on the 18 at the weekend. It’s also the most logical location for you.

But try a few and then join one that you like and find the warmest welcome at plus short drive to work and home. You have loads of choice with all different levels of pricing and quality.

Can I ask why Corrstown don't offer a under 35s membership?

It's actually this group of people who are the hardest up due to saving for, or buying, a house, getting married, having kids... In my 20s I had none of the above and had much more disposal income!

I ask as Corrstown seems a very progressive club.

Stacksey

Jesus this is a no brainer, Castleknock is by far the best course on the Northside of Dublin, Corrstown, Roganstown and Margaret's play 2nd fiddle to Castleknock

Seve OB

Stacksey wrote: »

Jesus this is a no brainer, Castleknock is by far the best course on the Northside of Dublin, Corrstown, Roganstown and Margaret's play 2nd fiddle to Castleknock

for a start, it is not a patch on luttrelstown

Ollieboy

sydneybound wrote: »

Can I ask why Corrstown don't offer a under 35s membership?

It's actually this group of people who are the hardest up due to saving for, or buying, a house, getting married, having kids... In my 20s I had none of the above and had much more disposal income!

I ask as Corrstown seems a very progressive club.

We do it up to 32.

Derek Zoolander

Stacksey wrote: »

Jesus this is a no brainer, Castleknock is by far the best course on the Northside of Dublin, Corrstown, Roganstown and Margaret's play 2nd fiddle to Castleknock

I'd say the members of Portmarnock, Royal Dublin, The Island and Portmarnock Links might take umbrage with that statement....

Carpo86

Lads, thanks a mil for all the input. Just need to find the time to get out and play a few of them (in some cases for the first time, in some cases not) now.

Just one thing that didn’t get that much discussion, are any of Margaret’s, Corrstown, Castleknock (which seem the three best options) know for having significantly better or worse timesheet pressures? Appreciate Corrstown does have the second nine...

RoadRunner

Can't speak for the others, however Margarets is busy on the weekends. You need to set your alarm for when the timesheet opens and be hitting refresh if you have a specific time in mind. If you miss your time, you can add yourself to the waiting list. I've always gotten out.

Ollieboy

You’ll always get out in Corrstown with a little bit of effort and flexibility. I usually play the same 4ball at the same time on both Saturday and Sunday but I book it when the time sheet opens on Friday evening. If I miss it, I go on waiting list and can enter a time range for any particular day that suits me. We also have a cool club app.

You also become a owner within the club and get to vote at club meetings etc. this means the club can’t increase subs or change rules without the members permission.

Brilliant clubhouse with ok practice facilities but then you have the spare 9 to practice on too.

Carpo86

Lads, thanks again for all the insight. From what people have said and from having done a bit more research I think Castleknock makes the most sense for me (it doesn’t hurt that I played it a month ago and really liked it).

Just one further question: beyond golf, the pro shop and the restaurant, can the credits be used for anything else? By that I mean can they be used for

- comp entry
- the range
- lessons
- anything else I might be missing

Seve OB

Carpo86 wrote: »

Lads, thanks again for all the insight. From what people have said and from having done a bit more research I think Castleknock makes the most sense for me (it doesn’t hurt that I played it a month ago and really liked it).

Just one further question: beyond golf, the pro shop and the restaurant, can the credits be used for anything else? By that I mean can they be used for

- comp entry
- the range
- lessons
- anything else I might be missing

Comp entry.... Yes for midweek comps but weekend comps you have to pay. It's 5 bucks and 2 extra if you want to go in the 2's. I wouldn't bother with the 2's as it's only on the 9th and 18th.

There is no range. You get discount at Luttrelstown range also as Carr golf run Elm Green they often throw the members a few credits for the range up there.

I think you can use credits for lessons but don't quote me on that.

Carpo86

Seve OB wrote: »

Comp entry.... Yes for midweek comps but weekend comps you have to pay. It's 5 bucks and 2 extra if you want to go in the 2's. I wouldn't bother with the 2's as it's only on the 9th and 18th.

There is no range. You get discount at Luttrelstown range also as Carr golf run Elm Green they often throw the members a few credits for the range up there.

I think you can use credits for lessons but don't quote me on that.

Thanks a mil, will ping them a mail with the lesson question. Think if you can use for that as well I might even get a couple of mates interested as well!

Carpo86

Seve OB wrote: »

Comp entry.... Yes for midweek comps but weekend comps you have to pay. It's 5 bucks and 2 extra if you want to go in the 2's. I wouldn't bother with the 2's as it's only on the 9th and 18th.

There is no range. You get discount at Luttrelstown range also as Carr golf run Elm Green they often throw the members a few credits for the range up there.

I think you can use credits for lessons but don't quote me on that.

Final question! What’s the format for winter comps? Are they generally 9/12/14/18 holes? Thanks again for all the insight.

Seve OB

Carpo86 wrote: »

Final question! What’s the format for winter comps? Are they generally 9/12/14/18 holes? Thanks again for all the insight.

18 at weekends. They really need to shorten it for winter. I said it to them last year and it will be looked at.
There are 9 hole comps run midweek for most of the year.

eoghan104

Carpo, glad to hear you are interested in Castleknock.

I am not sure about using the credit for lessons, worth ringing the pro shop to find out, all the staff are very helpful.

I think it is by far the best deal around for your circumstances, I was in Corrstown last year and Castleknock is better value and a better course. I have never had an issue with time sheets.

The only small problem I have is that every competition is singles which gets a bit boring.

If you do end up joining we should get a game.

newindublin

finglashoop wrote: »

What did you settle on in the end?

Im considering joining a club but time is an issue for me and most likely i would join elmgreen as its closest to me so would be easily accessible.

My main concern is actually playing the same course all the time as i enjoy playing different courses evey week, which is what i have done since i took up golf about 5 years ago.

I do like the idea of comps and an official handicap

Just saw the replies to my post in this old thread, so a couple of responses:

I joined Roganstown for 6 months but let my membership lapse after that. Great course, but some issues that I ultimately lead me to not want to renew. A few bad encounters with other members (lots of good encounters too, just a takes a few to spoil it though), and some maintenance issues that just felt...well sub-par.

I loved having a official GUI handicap and long to renew that. Just feels more official and regulated, but so far I have not pulled the trigger on a new club.

I have been playing in two societies this year (boards.ie society and another one) and have been very happy to play a variety of courses. This is what holds me back the most from joining another club, as I love to experience all the amazing courses Ireland has to offer.

Castleknock is *well* above Elmgreen as others pointed out, and I did not mean to seem it was that way. I re-read my post and see clearly that the way I worded things it could sound that way. I guess I just heard SO many good things about Castleknock that I was expecting more. Still a good course, and I love their membership approach.

Since my post I have played a few more Northside courses (except Forest Little, which finding an agreeable tee time has eluded me!!!), but nothing has stood out enough to warrant more commentary.

I am most interested in joining St. Margaret's at some point in the future, but for now my weekends are full with either society golf or other matters. Maybe next year?

_DMac_

Hey folks. Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I see a few questions being asked about Castleknock golf club here. I am a member in a local course and contemplating a move and like the look of Castleknock but I can’t find any info on 5 day memebers playing weekend comps. Is it a no go or do you have to pay for them like you were a visitor or how does it work? I am looking at the 5 day as most of my golf is played during the week and I might only golf at the weekend 5/6 times a year. Thanks for any info.

Ollieboy

_DMac_ wrote: »

Hey folks. Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I see a few questions being asked about Castleknock golf club here. I am a member in a local course and contemplating a move and like the look of Castleknock but I can’t find any info on 5 day memebers playing weekend comps. Is it a no go or do you have to pay for them like you were a visitor or how does it work? I am looking at the 5 day as most of my golf is played during the week and I might only golf at the weekend 5/6 times a year. Thanks for any info.

I'm sure someone else will confirm this from Castleknock but 5 days usually only covers Mom to Fri and at the weekend your a none member and will pay full green fee and not be entitled to enter the members comp. Hence the price difference.

We have 5 day plus which does give you access to the extra 9 at the weekend which I think is a very unique and don't know any other clubs that offer that facilitate to 5 days memberships.

Seve OB

What Ollieboy says.
5 day member is a 5 day member..... Monday to friday. I believe you can play at weekends, but not in competition time and not in any competitions only open to full members. Im not sure you are allowed to book times on the sheet anymore at weekends as a 5 day member, you would probably need to ring the shop and get ask them to book you in if there are free slots.

frink

Hi Guys, apologies for dragging up an old thread but looking for some direction.

Currently a member of Dun Laoghaire, handicap 5 and generally play every Saturday morning, some Sunday mornings and try get out in the evenings during the summer.
Due to a new job at the airport and thus moving house to Drumcondra I am on the look out for a new course in North Dublin.

Ideally what I'd be looking for is:
Few issues getting a timesheet on a Saturday/Sunday morning
Decent practice facilities
Not too long a drive, currently 30 mins away now so ideally no more than that
Good atmosphere in club

Price not a major concern but I wouldn't be keen on paying an entrance fee

Initial thoughts are Castleknock but happy to bow to your more infinite wisdom!

newindublin

If you are looking at Castleknock, I would look at Luttrellstown also (right next door). Luttrellstown is a better course and has far superior practice facilities with a full driving range and a "mini course" with 3 par 3 practice holes. Can't speak to the comps as I am not a member.

Other quality courses with good practice facilities I would suggest you check out would be St. Margarets (full range for practice) or Roganstown (irons only range).

Elm Green is also close by and I believe does have a range, but is not in the same leauge in terms of the course quality level.

I would suggest you email or call each course you are interested in for a quick visit to the facilities and a round of golf. Every course I have ever had interest in joining was happy to have me come play a round first.

mike12

Roganstown would be a good option, u also get 5 day membership in swords open and access to the gym and swimming pool.
Comps on Saturday and Sunday plus u have a open on Tuesday in roganstown and Friday in swords.
It's 10 mins from the airport.
They also do 9 hole Comps during the summer.

frink

Bringing up this thread again.

I think I am going to join Forrest Little for a year and see how it goes. My ideal solution is a members club with limited about of societies etc which effectively ruled out St Margarets. Is there any members here?

Long term I am looking at Malahide or The Island if the budget stretches to it!

bren2001

frink wrote: »

Bringing up this thread again.

I think I am going to join Forrest Little for a year and see how it goes. My ideal solution is a members club with limited about of societies etc which effectively ruled out St Margarets. Is there any members here?

Long term I am looking at Malahide or The Island if the budget stretches to it!

Have you looked at Corrstown? 27 holes and relatively few societies out there. Located in the same place. I'm a member there myself.

frink

bren2001 wrote: »

Have you looked at Corrstown? 27 holes and relatively few societies out there. Located in the same place. I'm a member there myself.

Yeah its one of my final two options really. Don't know the course at all so will try get out in a open towards the end of the summer

willabur

Why is corballis not on your list?

blue note

This is a particularly handy thread for me now! Corballis is top of my list, but I might check out a coupe of other options. Price is a big factor for me. Just bought a house, getting married in Feb and being made redundant next Friday!

I'm based in Portmarnock. I used to live near castleknock though and played it regularly. That's a great course. My only problem with it was rounds there used to take forever. This was about 6 years ago, so hopefully things have improved since.

swededmonkey

Is Roganstown a member owned club?

newindublin

swededmonkey wrote: »

Is Roganstown a member owned club?

No, it is not member owned.

londonred

Have played most courses in North Dublin not in a position to join due to kids taxi duties at the weekends but if i had more time preference would be Portmarnock Links nice course playable all year round , also like St Margarets and Roganstown is a good deal if you want a leisure centre as well and Swords Open is a nice course and is included also . NCD is full of good golf courses plenty of choice.

Ollieboy

blue note wrote: »

This is a particularly handy thread for me now! Corballis is top of my list, but I might check out a coupe of other options. Price is a big factor for me. Just bought a house, getting married in Feb and being made redundant next Friday!

I'm based in Portmarnock. I used to live near castleknock though and played it regularly. That's a great course. My only problem with it was rounds there used to take forever. This was about 6 years ago, so hopefully things have improved since.

What age are you? If under 35 you have more options then you think.

Personally I hate Corballis, far to slow, to many micky mouse holes and every chance of getting hit by a ball plus it’s miles away. Rather pay more and save money on transport cost.