Originally called Dublin Golf Club, it received its Royal designation in 1891, when there were 250 members paying an £2 annual subscription (after an entrance fee of 8 guineas).

[citation needed] Captain William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame was, in the early 19th century, one of those invited to solve the long-standing problems of providing shipping with a safe, straight and deep approach into Dublin.

With £10,000 compensation from the military, and starting in 1919, 64 firing ranges were disassembled by hand, the clubhouse was re-constructed and the links course was redesigned by H. S. (Harry) Colt, the world-famous golf course architect from Sunningdale.

In 2022 club members voted to approve the CDP recommendations, works are due to commence in November 2022 lasting several months.

Accessed at one end via an old wooden bridge, or via a modern causeway mid-way along, Bull Island is a sand bank formed as a result of the construction of a sea wall in the 19th century.

The club owns its grounds, while the rest of the island is city property, including the Wooden Bridge and Bull Wall, which previously belonged to Dublin Port.

In addition, television commentator David Feherty won his first professional tournament at Royal Dublin - the 1980 Irish National PGA Championship.

In fact Royal Dublin hosted the tournament from 1978 through 1980 and was won by Christy O'Connor, Des Smyth and David Feherty respectively.

The tournament continues to this day as the Irish PGA Championship which was won by Padraig Harrington the week before both of his British Open victories.