The village of Baltray is just 35 miles from Dublin airport and there lies one of the most demanding and rewarding courses alongside the Irish Sea. Club Professional Paddy McGuirk claims there is not a weak hole on the course; thus there have been relatively no changes to Tom Simpson's original design. Baltray is one of the “great” links courses in Ireland, the word “great” referring to its size, amongst a number of other things.

This 18 hole course presents great challenges and is situated in an area of great beauty...one could use many superlatives to describe the County Louth course. And yet, there is nothing pretentious about this course, only the sport itself counts here. With its 6,783 yards, the course has a considerable length, especially when you consider the natural hazards of a links: blowing winds and heavy rough. And these two factors should not be ignored, because they are responsible for your score at the end of the game.

This course is difficult and in order to do it justice, one should describe all the holes. Here, at least are some of the most challenging ones: number 3 - a par 5 over 544 yards, with a blind third shot over a knoll onto a small green; or hole number 6 - another par 5, which leads through a valley of sand dunes to a green hidden behind two hills; number 14 is noteworthy because of its spectacular tee from a high plateau to the fairway 190 yards away. Malicious bunkers on the 18th hole make sure that the County Louth course will be well and long remembered.

County Louth Golf Course is a Championship links which can be enjoyed by every category of golfer and although Baltray’s demands are stern its rewards are many, not least in the fun and enjoyment it evokes and the sense of freshness that prevails.