Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
compared to St. Andrews. The century-old par-73 championship
seaside links is on an island in Dublin Bay, 4.8km (3 miles) north-
east of the city center. Like Portmarnock, it has been rated among
the world's top courses and has played host to several Irish Opens.
The home base of Ireland's legendary champion Christy O'Connor,
Sr., the Royal Dublin is well known for its fine bunkers, close lies,
and subtle trappings. Greens fees are
120 ($145) daily.
St. Margaret's Golf Club , Skephubble, St. Margaret's, County
Dublin ( & 01/864-0400; www.st-margarets.net), is a stunning,
par-72 parkland course 4.8km (3 miles) west of Dublin Airport.
Though one of Dublin's newest championship golf venues, St. Mar-
garet's has already hosted three international tournaments, includ-
ing the Irish Open in 2004. Greens fees are
75 ($90) Monday to
Thursday,
90 ($108) Friday to Sunday.
HORSEBACK RIDING For equestrian enthusiasts of any experi-
ence level, almost a dozen riding stables are within easy reach. Prices
average about
25 ($30) an hour, with or without instruction. Many
stables offer guided trail riding, as well as courses in show jumping,
dressage, prehunting, eventing, and cross-country riding. For trail rid-
ing through Phoenix Park, Ashtown Riding Stables ( & 01/838-
3807 ) is ideal. They're located in the village of Ashtown, adjoining the
park and only 10 minutes by car or bus (no. 37, 38, 39, or 70) from
the city center. Among the other riding centers within easy reach of
downtown Dublin are Calliaghstown Riding Centre, Calliagh-
stown, Rathcoole, County Dublin ( & 01/458-8322 ), and Carrick-
mines Equestrian Centre, Glenamuck Road, Foxrock, Dublin 18
( & 01/295-5990 ).
WALKING For casual walking, the Royal Canal and Grand
Canal, which skirt the north and south city centers, respectively, are
ideal for seeing both the city and neighboring areas. Both have been
restored as marked trails for serious walkers, so you can't get lost.
And because they stick to the towpaths of the canals, they are flat
and easy. Moreover, both routes pass through a range of small towns
and villages that can be used as starting or stopping points. For more
information, contact the Waterways Service at Duchas the Her-
itage Service ( & 01/647-6000 ).
The walk from Bray (the southern terminus of the DART) to
Greystones along the rocky promontory of Bray Head is a great
excursion, with beautiful views back toward Killiney Bay, Dalkey
Island, and Bray. It's readily accessible from Dublin. Follow the
beachside promenade south through town; at the outskirts of town,
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