World Class Brittas Bay Golf Links Set To Close For 18-Month Long Renovation

The European Club owners, father and son duo Raymond and Nicky Conlan, have confirmed that they are planning to transform the renowned seaside course into one of Ireland’s premier golf destinations.

One of Ireland’s top-ranked golf courses, The European Club in Brittas Bay, County Wicklow, is set to close on December 8, 2025 for an extensive 18-month renovation, with reopening expected in late spring 2027.

The course, recently purchased by Raymond and Nicky Conlan for over €35 million, has long been a favorite of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Ranked 18th in the UK and Ireland, it has hosted champions like Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington, while welcoming legends such as Tiger Woods, Johnny Miller, and Gary Player.

In a message to members, the Conlans said:  “This project is an exciting opportunity to create a new and different golfing offering, designed to stand alongside the very best destinations internationally. We look forward to sharing detailed plans with our members soon.”

The Local Impact

The European Club is more than just a golf course — it’s a major draw for tourism in Brittas Bay.

Its proximity to the beach, stunning sea views, and world-class layout make it a unique destination in east Ireland. For many local businesses, the club has been a reliable source of visitors and revenue.

Local hotel owner Siobhán Murphy commented:

“The European Club brings a lot of guests to the area. While the closure will be tough for a couple of years, we’re hopeful the renovations will attract even more visitors once it reopens.”

Short-Term Challenges

The closure could create some obvious challenges for the local community with a decline in golf visitors,  thereby impacting local businesses.

Restaurants, accommodation providers, and local services could see reduced spending while staff employed by the club may face reduced hours or temporary job losses.

Local café owner Tom O’Leary said: “We’ll miss the steady stream of golfers who come in for a bite or coffee after a round. Hopefully, when it reopens, the influx will be even bigger.”

Long-Term Opportunities

There is always a flipside and patience is a virtue. The renovation could deliver long-term benefits and could draw more international visitors and higher-spending clientele.

It'll mean longer stays and more frequent visits could increase business for hospitality and service providers while a  renovated course could further establish Brittas Bay and Wicklow as a premier golf destination.

County Wicklow tourism officer Aoife Brennan said:

“This is a major investment in the region. While there’s a short-term gap during the closure, the upgraded facilities have the potential to boost Wicklow’s profile on the international stage.”

Golf and Tourism in Wicklow

In rural and coastal areas like County Wicklow, outdoor recreation — including golf — plays a critical role in the local economy.

While golf tourism has the potential to generate significant revenue, its benefits depend on how visitors engage with the wider community.

The European Club’s closure represents a short-term disruption, but its reopening could be a turning point, helping Wicklow compete with top golf destinations worldwide.

 “We see this as a unique opportunity for growth,” said owner Raymond Conlan. “The vision is to create something truly world-class that puts Wicklow on the map as a golf destination.”

For residents and businesses, the next 18 months may require adaptation, including diversifying services, promoting other local attractions, and preparing for the influx of visitors when the European Club reopens.

The European Club’s redevelopment is a story of both challenge and opportunity — a chance to elevate Wicklow’s profile on the global golf map, while also testing the resilience and creativity of the local community.