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A Legacy on the Links Since 1892
Founded on the shores of Baltray in 1892, County Louth Golf Club is one of Ireland’s most historic and celebrated links courses. Shaped by pioneering vision, refined by world class design, and defined by championship golf, Baltray remains a pure and enduring test of the game.
The Early Years
Club Formation logo
On Saturday, 6th August 1892, the Drogheda Argus announced the formation of The County Louth Golf Club. A nine hole course had been laid out on the seashore at Baltray, just three miles from Drogheda, and was ready for play. Under the guidance of acting secretary G.H. Pentland and greenkeeper Tom Smith, the foundations of what would become one of Ireland’s finest links courses were firmly set.
Baltray, or Baile na Trá meaning Town of the Strand, sits on the north side of the Boyne estuary along the coast road to Termonfeckin. A small and well preserved village, it remains steeped in charm and character, with its coastal setting and enduring connection to the game.
Standing Left to Right
P. Tallon, G.H Daly, G.W. Frazer, Tom Smith (Greenkeeper)
Seater Left to Right
S.H Searancke, G.H Pentland, R.C Pentland, J.V. Byrne
The Founding Visionaries
Thomas Gilroy
Born in Dundee, Scotland in 1852, Thomas Gilroy was one of the early pioneers of golf in Ireland. After settling near the mouth of the River Boyne in the 1880s, he laid out an early course before eventually working with George Henry Pentland to establish the links at Baltray. His influence helped secure the club’s early success before he departed for England in 1895 to become Secretary of Seaford Golf Club.
George Henry Pentland
Local landowner, sportsman, and non practicing barrister, George Henry Pentland recognised the potential of the Baltray linksland. Instrumental in shaping the club’s early development, he served as Captain and later President. His dedication ensured the club flourished in its formative years and established a reputation for excellence that endures today.
Awards
Course Evolution
In 1938, renowned golf architect Tom Simpson, assisted by Molly Gourlay, redesigned the course. Their work proved so successful that the layout remains largely unchanged today. Celebrated for the quality of its greens and the natural flow of its routing, Baltray offers a traditional links experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure.
Measuring 7,031 yards from the back tees, the course is shaped by coastal winds, strategic bunkering, rolling dunes, and natural hazards. Memorable holes include the demanding opening par four, the blind approach at the par five third, the valley framed sixth, the elevated drive at fourteen, and a closing hole guarded by formidable bunkers.
Championship Pedigree
Baltray has proudly hosted the East of Ireland Championship annually since 1941, a tournament famously won twelve times by legendary Irish amateur Joe Carr. The club further cemented its place in Irish golfing history when it hosted the Irish Open in 2004 and 2009, the latter marking Shane Lowry’s remarkable victory as an amateur.
A Family Club
While renowned internationally for its championship pedigree, Baltray remains at heart a family club. Generations of members have shaped its character and culture, fostering a welcoming atmosphere grounded in community, commitment, and pride. It is not simply a great golf links, but a great golf club.
Officers and Committee
2026 Management Committee
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Michael Kierans |
| Captain | Mark Briscoe |
| Lady Captain | Martha McCabe |
| Vice Captain | Barrie Breen |
| Lady Vice Captain | Anne McClean |
| Honorary Secretary | Norville Connolly |
| Honorary Treasurer | Seamus Keenan |
| Course Convenor | Fred Hoey |
| House Convenor | Peter Collier |
| Junior Convenor | Adam Bohill |
2026 Presidents
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Mens President | Kevin Byrne |
| Lady President | Susan McCulloch |
2026 Trustees
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Trustee | Fleur McCloskey |
| Trustee | Eimear Matthews |
| Trustee | Jim McMahon |
| Trustee | Vincent Murray |
| Trustee | Bryan Ronan |
2026 Mens Committee
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Mens President | Kevin Byrne |
| Captain | Mark Briscoe |
| Vice Captain | Barrie Breen |
| Honorary Secretary | James Allen |
| Hon Comp Sec | Brian Fox |
| Hon Handicap Sec | Frank Gray |
| Committee Member | Niall Kearney |
| Committee Member | Conor Breen |
| Committee Member | Martin Carr |
| Committee Member | Shane Winters |
2026 Ladies Committee
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Lady President | Susan McCulloch |
| Lady Captain | Martha McCabe |
| Lady Vice Captain | Anne McClean |
| Honorary Secretary | Ciara Moore |
| Honorary Treasurer | Ruth Hughes |
| Hon Competition Secretary | Orla Briscoe |
| Hon Handicap Secretary | Carole O’Neill |
| Ex-Officio | Karen Healy |
| Committee Member | Suzanne Kierans |
| Committee Member | Aoife Allen |
| Committee Member | Geraldine Meegan |
| Committee Member | Eileen Garvey |
| Committee Member | Sharon Grace |
How to get here
County Louth Golf Club is located at Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 HK03. We are just 45 minutes from Dublin Airport and under an hour from Dublin city centre, with Belfast International Airport approximately 90 minutes away.
By car, exit the M1 motorway at Drogheda and follow signs for the town centre, then take the R167 towards Baltray. Cross the River Boyne, follow the north bank for approximately 5km and you will find us on the right as you enter the village.
By rail, Drogheda train station is approximately 8km away, with taxis readily available.
By bus, Bus Eireann route 168 links Baltray with Drogheda town several times daily. We recommend checking the Bus Eireann website for up-to-date timetables.
Discover Drogheda
A visit to Baltray also offers the opportunity to explore the vibrant town of Drogheda. Wander its historic streets overlooked by Millmount Museum, experience its thriving restaurant scene, or enjoy local theatre and galleries. Walk the scenic Boyne Greenway to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and discover one of Ireland’s most significant historic sites. Drogheda combines culture, history, and hospitality, making it the perfect complement to your golfing experience.
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