Headfort Golf Club

Established in 1928, Headfort Golf Club is one of the finest parkland complexes in the Country. Boasting a 36 hole layout, both courses have beautiful trees which enhance this picturesque setting. It is consistently ranked in the top 10 parkland courses in Ireland and this year won the 'Discover Ireland 2012 best parkland course in Leinster' award.

The idea of creating a new club near Kells, to the North-west of Dublin, was first agreed in 1929 and the Course came into play the following year with nine holes laid out in a section of beautiful parkland leased from the Headfort estate. The Club was then affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1930 and celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2005. In its formative years the Club was well served by a vet and his horse. The local animal doctor, a certain Mr Val Kelly, set his sights on producing the finest greens on the East Coast and worked tirelessly to this end. While the vet is remembered with gratitude and affection, the poor old horse was sold for a mere £18 in 1939, just a few months after the Club bought one of those new-fangled motor tractors. However, with the start of World War II and the shortage of petrol, the loyal horse was once again back on the Headfort fairways!!

In 1956 the Course was extended from nine to eighteen holes and the Club reached another milestone in its history when, in 1987, the members bought the Course outright from the then owner of the Headfort estate, a Canadian by the name of Bill Kruger. In 1998 the Headfort Members were given the opportunity to purchase a tract of adjoining land stretching down to and beyond the River Blackwater. This land included two wonderful islands on the River, home to a magnificent Asiatic tree collection lovingly assembled by the former Lord Headfort.

Christy O'Connor was then commissioned to design a second 18 holes on this land, making maximum use of its trees, water and natural features, the result of which was simply breathtaking. The Course which was officially opened to members in 2000, boasts some of the best Par 3's in the Country. Holes 4, 7, 11 and 17 are not only visually stunning, they will test the mental attributes of even the most seasoned golfers. Par 4's like 8, 10 and 18 will call for pinpoint accuracy and long par 5's like that of the 6 th and the 14 th make this course the complete package.

Headfort, now in existence since 1928, is an experience to rival the best in Ireland.