Club History

Established in 1928, Headfort Golf Club is one of the finest parkland complexes on the island of Ireland. Boasting 36 holes, both courses have stunning mature trees, many being specimen, which enhance this unique landscape.

The idea of creating a new club near Kells, to the north-west of Dublin, was first agreed in 1928 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 9 to 18 holes and the club reached another milestone in its history when, in 1987, the club bought the course outright from the then owner of the Headfort estate, a Canadian by the name of Bill Kruger.

In 1998 the club was 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 Junior 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 6th and the 14th make this course the complete package.

Headfort, now in existence for almost 100 years, is an experience to rival the best in Ireland.