 Druids Glen Golf Resort has evolved over the past decade, now featuring two championship golf courses – Druids Glen Golf Course and Druids Heath Golf Course – and a golf academy, along with the historic Woodstock House and the AA five-star Marriott Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club. The resort is conveniently located just 20 minutes south of Dublin in the midst of the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. Druids Glen was originally the Woodstock Estate and dates back as far as 1600. Druids Glen Clubhouse, fondly known as “Woodstock House”, was built in 1770 and has been thoroughly restored to its former grandeur. Druids Glen Golf Course is often referred to as “The Augusta of Europe”. The flora and fauna of the parkland Druids Glen Golf Course provide acolourful backdrop to a magnificent golf course. The forests and streams produce a haven for wildlife in what was once a home to the druids.
Designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, Druids Glen opened in 1995. The Druids Glen name originates from a stone altar of pre-Christian worship, which was discovered during the construction of the golf course in a thickly-forested area overlooking the 12th green. Today, a druid stands proudly at the site as a reminder of the history of the glen.
Druids Glen was the Home of the Irish Open for four consecutive years from 1996-1999. In 1996 and 1997, seven-time European number one Colin Montgomerie won the title. He was denied a hat-trick of victories the following year by David Carter, in a dramatic play-off. Record crowds witnessed teenager Sergio Garcia win the Irish Open at Druids Glen in 1999, securing his first professional victory.
In 2002, Druids Glen was the host venue for the Seve Trophy, a biennial event between the leading Tour professionals of Great Britain & Ireland and their counterparts from Continental Europe. The teams were captained by Colin Montgomerie and Seve Ballesteros. Great Britain & Ireland won by 14½ to 11½.
The Marriott Druids Glen Hotel and Country Club opened in 2002. The hotel offers a range of advanced business and leisure facilities, a choice of seven meeting rooms and a variety of dining options. The hotel boasts 148 luxurious guestrooms along with one of Ireland’s top spa and health clubs.
The creation of the sensational Druids Heath Championship golf course which opened in September 2003 has achieved the objective of Druids Glen – to become one of the World’s finest golf resorts. Described as “Nature’s Gift to Golf”, Druids Heath is situated on a unique piece of land that provides golfers with spectacular views of mountains, sea and Irish countryside. Druids Heath is true to the history of the great golf game and represents acomplete contrast in design to the parkland Druids Glen Golf Course.
The variety of exciting challenges and the spectacular setting produce an unforgettable golfing experience on this unique and thrilling golf course which combines links and heathland. Druids Heath has tested the skill of reigning US Open champion Retief Goosen and also Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke, Sam Torrance, Ian Poulter and Paul McGinley.
The Resort Golf Academy is located adjacent to the Marriott Druids Glen Hotel and the first tee box at Druids Heath Golf Course, offering stunning panoramic views out over the Irish Sea. It provides the perfect opportunity to limber up before tee off or indeed to practice the game.
The resident PGA head teaching professional, George Henry, is on-site for tuition and caters for individuals and groups alike.
In 2005, Druids Glen Golf Resort received the prestigious European Golf Resort of the Year award, voted by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
The Marriott Druids Glen Hotel was also awarded the five-star accolade by the AA last year.
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