Portmarnock is Irish links golf at its most refined. Located on a flat peninsula just north of Dublin, surrounded on three sides by water, it has hosted more Irish Opens than any other venue, along with the Walker Cup, Amateur Championship, and countless elite events. The layout is completely natural – no towering dunes or tricked-up holes, just a seamless blend of strategic brilliance and classic shot values. The routing twists subtly, meaning the wind is always shifting. Fairways are generous but narrowing in key landing zones. Bunkers are placed with ruthless precision, and the greens are firm, sloping, and beautifully constructed. It’s a course that reveals itself over time – the more you play it, the more it tests your intellect. The par-3 15th is a standout over a sea inlet, and the closing holes into the prevailing wind are a true examination. Portmarnock doesn’t rely on drama or scenery – its greatness lies in purity, restraint, and execution. It’s been called Ireland’s Muirfield, and the comparison is fair.