Celbridge Golf Club Summer Opens

Celbridge Elm Hall Golf Club opens its course to visiting golfers throughout the summer months, giving anyone with a set of clubs the chance to play a well-kept parkland layout on the edge of one of Kildare’s liveliest towns. The summer opens are 18-hole stroke play competitions - that means two loops of the nine-hole course - with prizes across categories and a prize presentation in the clubhouse bar afterwards. It suits visiting club golfers of any standard: the course was designed to be genuinely enjoyable for a wide range of handicaps, not just low markers.

What to expect

The course itself is a par 70 parkland layout stretching to over 6,000 yards, opened in 1997 and built on a sand base that keeps the greens in good condition even through wet Irish summers. Tight fairways, four holes with water in play, and a spread of bunkers at fairway and greenside give it enough bite to make 18 holes interesting. Before you tee off there is a practice area beside the first tee - a putting green, chipping zone, and practice net - worth ten minutes of your time if you have not played here before. Golf trolleys are available for hire. The clubhouse has a bar and a coffee shop serving food and drinks; most opens finish with a prize presentation there, so allow time after your round.

Entry fees for the summer opens run in the €50 - €75 range and pre-entry is recommended as competition slots fill. Check the club website or call ahead to confirm the specific open on 22 July and to book your tee time.

Getting there

Celbridge sits about 20 km west of Dublin city centre, just off the M4 motorway at Junction 5. By car from Dublin, take the M4 and exit for Celbridge; the journey is typically 25 to 30 minutes outside of peak hours. From Naas or the south of Kildare, the R403 connects you to the town directly. Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus both serve Celbridge from Dublin, with the 67 route running from the city centre, though most golfers travelling with clubs will find a car the easier option. Parking is available at the club.

While you’re in Celbridge

Celbridge is home to Castletown House, the largest Palladian mansion in Ireland, with grounds that run down to the Liffey and are free to walk. It is an easy stop before or after a round if you have time. There is more to see in Celbridge and across Co. Kildare.

Good to know

• Date: Wednesday 22 July 2026, starting 9:00am
• Format: 18-hole stroke play (two loops of the 9-hole course)
• Entry: €50 - €75
• Pre-entry recommended - contact Celbridge Elm Hall Golf Club on 01-6288208 or via celbridgeelmhallgolfclub.ie
• Soft spike golf shoes only on the course
• Bar and catering at the clubhouse; prize presentation after play