Killeen Castle

In recent years, Killeen Castle has turned itself into a high-class golfing resort, thanks to stunning accommodation and the setting of the castle, while offering one of the finest inland golf courses in the country. The venue is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, along with three lodge buildings for its accommodation, and even the opportunity to own property at the resort as well.

The golf course at Killeen Castle is one of two Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses in Ireland, with the other being Mount Juliet. It is also one of the longest in the country, playing at more than 7,700 yards from the championship tees. There are tree-lined fairways, along with plenty of water and sand to keep you on your toes. The venue also has a brand-new driving range with TopTracer technology, along with a glorious short game area.

Lodges and cottages are the name of the game when it comes to the accommodation at Killeen Castle. The Tara-Style Lodges, Willow-Style Lodges and Rose Cottage can all be rented out in their entirety by large groups, or by couples and individuals renting out each room. Both styles of lodges each have four rooms, ranging from Standard Guestrooms to Superior Guestrooms, while the Rose Cottage has two rooms. Away from the rented accommodation, there is also the ability to purchase property at Loughmore Wood as well.

Visit Killeen Castle's website here.

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At more than 7,700 yards from the championship tees, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle is one of the longest, not just in the country, but anywhere in the world! With water hazards and tree-lined fairways as well, it all makes for one of the most difficult courses in Ireland. Thankfully, for us mere mortals, there are plenty of teeing options to make a round at Killeen Castle enjoyable! It is also well worthy of a spot on the NCG Top 100s: Ireland list as well.

Though it starts with a long par 4, there is the nice touch of a grass shamrock that sits as a little island in the large fairway bunker on the left as you get your round at Killeen Castle underway. The 6th is the first of four par 3s on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, and the shortest, despite being 180 yards. Five greenside bunkers surround the putting surface, so it still is not the easiest test.

The 7th is a double dog-leg par 5, reminiscent of the 5th at Whistling Straits, where Bryson DeChambeau showed off his monstrous power during the 2021 Ryder Cup. The longer hitters may be tempted to take the corner on, but there is plenty of water and trees in the area to stop you from doing so. The 8th – a 240-yard par 3 from the tips – also plays over water.

The tough closing stretch on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle begins with the par 3 16th hole, which plays around 200 yards from the tips. That is pretty much all carry over water to a kidney shaped green that sits diagonally from the tee. As well as water, there are two greenside bunkers. 17 is a dog-leg right that plays over and around a large water hazard, with the closing hole hitting to a wide fairway over a stream. Four bunkers around the green provide one final tricky approach shot as you conclude your round.

The 16th is very similar, but a bit shorter. It kicks off a tough closing stretch at Killeen Castle, as your approach shot has to carry over water! The 17th plays around another water hazard, playing as a dog-leg right, while a stream comes into play on the last. Play the final three well and you will definitely make shots up on the field!

Check out our full piece on the golf course at Killeen Castle here. 
 

The accommodation at Killeen Castle comes in the form of rooms and lodges. These come in two forms – the Tara-Style Lodges and the Willow-Style Lodges.

Each of the Tara-Style Lodges offers a trio of Classic Guestrooms and one Deluxe Guestroom. The Willow-Style Lodges hold a Standard Guestroom, two Classic Guestrooms and a Superior Guestroom. All of these rooms can be booked individually, while larger groups can also rent out an entire lodge.

There is also the Rose Cottage, which sits separate from the lodge buildings, tucked away in a beautiful corner of the estate. There are two standard guestrooms in the Rose Cottage, and it can be rented in its entirety by a group of four to provide exclusive use of the building.

Where is Killeen Castle?

Killeen Castle is located in the east of Ireland, just 20 miles from the centre of Dublin. The course is just two miles from the M3, which runs northwest from the Irish capital city. The venue sits between the towns of Dunsany, Tara and Piercetown in County Meath.

What is the nearest airport and station to Killeen Castle?

Dunboyne is the nearest train station to Killeen Castle, but it is over ten miles from the golf course. Visitors will most likely have to drive to get to the venue. For international travellers, Dublin Airport is just 25 miles to the southeast of Killeen Castle, and has a wide range of flights and destinations.

What golf facilities does Killeen Castle offer?

Along with the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Killeen Castle is also home to a driving range, which opened in 2024 and features TopTracer Technology in every bay. There is also a stunning short game and approach area with several greens, bunkers and space to practice all kinds of shots. Another chipping green, along with a large putting green, sits by the 1st tee box.

What are the green fees at Killeen Castle?

The price of a green fee at Killeen Castle changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay and play offers at the resort as well.

For more information on current green fees at Killeen Castle, visit their website here.

What accommodation is on offer at Killeen Castle?

The accommodation at Killeen Castle comes in the form of guestrooms inside lodges and cottages. The Tara-Style Lodges, Willow-Style Lodges and the Rose Cottage all have a selection of guestrooms that can be booked out individually and as a whole.

What other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list are nearby?

Killeen Castle is one of several golfing venues in and around Dublin, many of which are on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list. Carton House is just 15 miles away, while The K Club and the Portmarnock Hotel Resort are both within 30 miles of the venue. The Heritage and Druids Glen are also within a 50-mile drive.