County Louth Golf Club

County Louth, a.k.a. Baltray, was my first round off the plane on a summer trip to Ireland, and what a re-introduction to the country it was. What Baltray may lack in severe dunescapes and weird one-off holes, it more than makes up in relentlessly high-quality, enjoyable and challenging golf shots. The course stays low in the dunes out of sight of the sea before climbing up higher at the 13th hole. When the golfer stands on the 14th tee, looking back down the east coast of Ireland towards Dublin, it is a magical moment well worth the wait.

Another point in Baltray’s favor: it is the annual host of one of the country’s biggest golf tournaments: the East of Ireland Amateur Championship. Large boards in the cozy clubhouse recognize more than half a century of past winners, including several big names. Any course that supports competitive golf gets extra praise from me.

I first played County Louth in 1994, and it has only improved in the nearly 30 years since. This was our last round on our 2023 trip to Ireland and it was unanimously the best of the six courses we played. The weather was beautiful. The course was in great shape. We had helpful and friendly caddies. Lunch was delicious as well. The course has a great mix of challenges. This won't be my last visit.

I have played here twice now. It was the first course I played in Ireland, and the first true links course. We played Royal County Down and Royal Portrush after County Louth, pretty great trip!

However, County Louth is as good as it gets. We stayed on property for 4 days upon arriving in Dublin. This is a great way to get over jet lag! We stayed upstairs in the clubhouse, while very modest, perfect! The course is one of the best, the staff is the best! Home cooked meals everyday after golf and great conversation a short stroll away at the 19th hole every evening.

I would recommend CL to anyone who wants to enjoy links golf at its very best! We were there the first time on a boys trip, the second time on a couples trip. Both were great.

During a couples trip to Ireland we played here. It was the only course we played on our trip. The course is beautiful, on the coast of the Irish Sea. We were one of only a few groups out there and it went quickly. If I ever make it back I would play here again.

A very fair links course with some top quality golf holes. Unlike other links courses in Ireland, blind shots are at a minimum. The greens were in excellent condition and running very true. Punishing rough and well positioned bunkers mean course management plays a bit part of scoring well on this track.

County Louth was a fill in to bridge our groups trip between Dublin and The courses in N Ireland. We wanted to play Royal County Down and needed another course to get us into the area and selected CL for this.

What a pleasant surprise as this was a very demanding and nice lead into what would be much harder courses. Like so many links style courses this also split the holes between the tough dunes areas and the flatter grounds away from the coast.

Make no mistake the dunes are very demanding and the layout seemed to channel more balls into fairway bunkers than other courses so you need to watch your line.

While there were a few goofy holes (3 in particular), the course provided a good test of accuracy off the tee. Failing this as you entered the dune areas was punishing. The greens were very undulating on many holes but in very good shape

All in all a good course that our group enjoyed and an excellent fill in for the start of the harder courses up north

County Louth G.C about an hour north of the city right on the coast. County Louth (or Baltray to the locals) is an excellent layout totally exposed to the prevailing winds but on this day the wind was non existent.

The course is extremely fair with accommodating fairways bordered by calf high rough. Wider than that is deep rubbish that eats golf balls but it takes a pretty awful shot to be that wide.

The course opens with a medium length par four followed by a par 5 with a blind green. It gets more interesting after that with some great short 4's and a very good collection of par3's. The course heads off in all directions with only two consecutive holes playing in the same direction. The 14th is a super shortish 4 and the finishing pair make for a challenging end to the round.

The fairways were in good nick and greens putted well despite some renovations having been carried out recently. In one sense I felt a little cheated with the lack of wind but will probably be thankful for that by the end of this trip

First on the course we got the best of the weather and were blessed for late November. Course was in pristine condition. Couldn't rate this higher, helped by the fact we got a deal for 33euro, I think it's normally 140 in the summer months. It is a lot and I'm not sure I could justify that. But all in all the day out we got was perfect. For the rain that has come the days prior to playing it could have been early September when we played it.

This course is a wonderful golfing experience. Will definitely return. Fortunate to be paired with a top class couple from Florida.

A classic links course. We got good weather which helps. Very friendly staff. Pace of play was good. Worth a visit.

Intriguing layout, casual feel, but challenging in the wind. Fun pub and restaurant make this a good destination.

This course was recommended by friends and lived up to expectations! It was great fun to play, in great condition and had several specatacular holes. The staff were very friendly and welcoming too and we enjoyed the catering after our game.