I can remember my very first time standing on a Dublin range: howling wind, and my swing was even worse. I spent an hour hitting balls into the dark Irish mist. That day changed how I looked at golf practice forever. I thought to myself, a good range is a golfer’s best friend. Dublin has since become a world-class hub for such facilities.
Allow me to share with you my list of the best spots. Everything from high-tech screens to budget bays, serious pros to casual family weekend fun-you name it. This guide has taken years to test the mats and the coffee. Let’s get your swing ready for the big championship courses.
Are you ready to find the ultimate place to practice?
- Discover high-tech ranges that track every single shot.
- Find the city’s most affordable buckets of balls.
- Find the best places for mini-golf and fun with your family.
The Top Dublin Driving Ranges
North Dublin and Airport Corridor Options
I love the Saturday mornings spent weaving my way through the busy Northside ranges, often combining the trip with a convenient stop using park and ride Dublin facilities to avoid city traffic altogether. Spawell Golf Academy, Swords Co Dublin. This is a huge facility boasting 42 covered floodlit bays and 20 grass bays. You can even get coaching from Euro Tour pro Peter Lawrie. They have five PGA pros on staff to help you. If you call them up at 01-4907990, they will give you their latest 2025 ball prices.
I also love the wind protection at Kinsealy Grange Golf Academy. It features 42 sheltered bays on two levels. They use top-of-the-range Srixon balls, which are wonderful to hit. Look out for their new grass tees opening in 2025. Halfpenny Golf Centre is ideal for those of us who enjoy using modern technology. They have Trackman in every bay and a really great coffee bar.
For 20 heated practice bays, try Hollywood Lakes. Corrstown Golf Club has 25 floodlit bays and a full restaurant. To go on a budget, try Ward Valley or Balbriggan. Skerries Golf Links has 15 bays with breathtaking championship views. Other excellent local practice areas are in Donabate and the Portmarnock Hotel. If you want quiet time, you may want to check out Rush or Lusk.
South Dublin and City Suburbs Facilities
Living on the Southside, Leopardstown Golf Centre is the king, and it’s an easy stop if you’re exploring the area using car rental Dublin to move between ranges. It boasts 74 floodlit covered bays with fantastic Trackman technology inside each bay. I love using their auto-ball tees for a steady rhythm. It’s open until 9 PM on most busiest weekdays. Stepaside Golf Centre is a brilliant, very friendly local choice. You can get 100 balls for just €11 there.
I found a real hidden gem called The Heath Golf Club. It is the cheapest range I have ever found in Dublin. You can get 30 balls for a tiny price of €3. It stays open from 10 AM until 10 PM daily. Sandyford Golf Centre is also conveniently located just off the M50. It features 25 covered bays and a short game area.
The beautiful family-owned range is called Rathfarnham Castle, with prices as budget-friendly as could be desired. Dun Laoghaire has great sea views while you hit your balls. Killiney and Bray are great in offering grass tees at a premium and mountain views. A couple of other places for a great session are Enniskerry and Woodlands Hotel. These Southside ranges will get you working on your game in next to no time.
West Dublin and Kildare Border Facilities
When I need a high-end resort experience, I head West. The Palmerstown House Estate is truly a high-end, luxury facility. All their practice bays use a time-based system. You pay 18 euros for 60 minutes during the peak times. In my opinion, one of the best academies is the PGA Academy. There, you will also have a very large free parking area meant for you.
Lucan Golf Centre at Finnstown Castle is another brilliant choice. It has 30 bays with indoor simulators, loads of craic. Red Cow Moran Hotel offers Trackman access right near the M50. Castleknock Hotel has a 5-star range with heated bays. Westmanstown offers 40 bays and a huge short game complex. Other nice facilities are Phoenix Park, Luttrellstown, and Citywest.
Essential Facilities: Tech, Comfort, and All-Weather Play
The Toptracer and Trackman Revolution
Modern technology is, in my opinion, the fastest route for improvement. You can clearly see your ball data projected on the digital screen. Leopardstown and Halfpenny have Trackman technology in each and every bay. This incredible technological advancement records the ball speed and total distance of carry.
Auto-tees are installed at Leopardstown, all 74 of their floodlit bays, for easy convenience. Citywest has installed a complete Trackman academy for serious golfers. I believe this data is also beneficial to me as it allows me to correct errors in my swing more quickly.
Red Cow Moran Hotel also offers simulators with indoor facilities for a different experience altogether. The Trackman facility is also available at Halfpenny for €12 for 100 balls. Even the Colin Glen facility in Belfast boasts of the use of such advanced equipment. You would be better off picking these ranges for a much more effective practice session.
Covered Bays, Heating, and All-Weather Practice
I do realise how changeable the weather can be in Dublin. You actually require a set where you remain dry and warm. Almost all the top parks have enlarged covered practice areas. Kinsealy Grange has two tiers that reduce the chilling effect of the Northside wind. They also have 42 sheltered areas where you remain pleasantly comfortable. They have heated areas at Hollywood Lakes in winter.
I personally think staying warm helps you to have a very smooth swing. Castleknock Hotel also has heated bays for the comfort of total practice. Spawell has 42 floodlit bays for you to practice at night. Corrstown also has 25 floodlit bays for your late-night swings. With all these fantastic and modern practice facilities available to you, there’s no need to have any delay due to the rain this winter.
Insider Insights of Pricing, Lessons, and Membership
Price Comparison: Buckets and Loyalty Schemes
I can certainly help you identify where you can get the best value for money in the area… just keep up with me, ya! They are practice ranges for all imaginable budgets in Dublin. The cheapest one is Heath, where you can get 30 balls for only 3 euros.
In Stepaside, you get a very attractive special deal on weekdays when you can play for 6 euros. Ranges in the middle category charge around 12 euros for 100 golf balls in Halfpenny. They also have a deal where you can get 120 balls for 13 euros at midweek rates.
Palmerstown House, on the other hand, has an exclusive time pricing policy. This depends on the duration of the class, and the fees range from €13 to €21. You will be required to pay only €18 if you visit during peak hours and commit to the entire 60 minutes.
Most of these establishments, including The Heath, rely on the token card option. You can ask if they offer loyalty cards too, and this will help you cut costs further.
Improving Your Swing: Golf Coaching and Lessons
I strongly believe that a lesson with a professional is really necessary. Most golf links have qualified PGA professionals working for them. At Spawell, for example, five lessons will set you back a total of €275. Private coaching lessons with Peter Lawrie will cost you €60 for a full hour. The Heath is slightly more affordable with a 30-minute lesson for a mere €40. They offer beginner packages consisting of five lessons for €120.
I came across the Leopardstown Group Clinics on my search, and guess what, they charge only €25! That is really cheap if you ask me. This is a great way for you to learn the basics. They have a full academy at Palmerstown House for really serious golfers. They do cost about €250 per season. I think I recommend a personal training session for your problem with slicing the golf ball.
Let’s Go Beyond Practice (Engagement & Nearby Attractions)
Linking Practice to Play: Nearby 18-Hole Courses
I enjoy the transition from practice range play to actual course play. You can play world-class golf within walking distance of every golf practice facility in Dublin. If you are in the North, try Portmarnock. It has hosted 19 Irish Opens. Malahide (ranked #50 in the world) and The Island are other world-class tests within walking distance.
On the Southside, Powerscourt is an impressive mountain resort and was named one of the top 20 resorts in Europe in 2025. Leopardstown Golf Course is ideal if you just want to pop out and play after unloading your bucket of balls. Then, of course, there is West Dublin and K Club, Lucan, or Carton House if you want the challenge. Arrange an entire day of golf and more around your convenience.
Where did you have your best round in Dublin recently? Did the range time help your final score today? I would love to hear your personal success story!
Family Fun: Mini Golf and Other Amenities
I regularly bring the whole tribe with me just for an extra dose of fun. Crazy golf or adventure golf is available at most ranges to cater to all ages, and it’s a great introduction before progressing to some of the best golf courses in Ireland. Spawell and Stepaside offer excellent mini golf facilities, which children just adore. Footgolf at Sandyford Golf Centre is another alternative involving soccer golf.
Hollywood Lakes also has a fun pitch and putt to play a short game. These courses always have a good restaurant or café to have a post-practice snack. Stepaside has a nice reception area to take a coffee break. Spawell also has a fully stocked pro shop to supply all your equipment needs. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon.
Ready to Hit the Balls?
I hope this guide helps you find your spot. Dublin is a truly great city for golf practice. You will find a range for every skill level here. I encourage you to get out and practice soon. You will see your game improve in no time.
Before heading out, though, call the range and catch up on their latest prices first. What’s the wait then… Look up the closest one in the Dublin area and book a bucket ASAP and enjoy the experience. And follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for more info now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest driving range in Dublin?
Heath Golf Club is the most budget-friendly option. Here, it costs you only €3 for a bucket of 30 balls. I visit this club whenever I want a quick session. This is the most effective way for you to practice on irons if you have budget issues. Here, you are getting top quality balls at an extremely low price.
Which Dublin ranges have Toptracer or Trackman?
Leopardstown Golf Centre and Halfpenny Golf Centre offer the ‘Trackman’ system. These screens allow you to see the exact distance the ball has traveled. I believe this information is extremely valuable in assisting me with club selection. It makes every practice session a tournament experience. Your progress can be monitored over a number of weeks of practice.
Is there a driving range near Dublin Airport?
Yes, both Halfpenny Golf and Spawell are really close by. They are approximately a ten-minute drive from the terminal. I make it a habit to pull in there for a bucket before my flights. It’s an ideal way to unwind when traveling. There’s always parking to be found in both of those spots.
Which ranges are best for families and kids?
I would highly recommend Spawell for its crazy golf course. Stepaside is another great place for its adventure golf course. They also offer junior sets and smaller buckets for children. It is a great way to fill a Saturday afternoon. Meals can even be had in one of the local restaurants.
What is the latest closing driving range in Dublin?
Leopardstown is open until 9 PM on most weekdays. The Heath is open until 10 PM. That is very late indeed for golfers who work late shifts. You can find a floodlit bay at all times where you can hit balls. That is ideal if you need it after a long day at work.