The club has been feeling the winds of change in the market place with increased competition and a more demanding golfer. So it has installed sophisticated drainage and irrigation over the past few years, introduced electric caddy carts and upgraded the clubhouse.

Now it is looking to attract new members.

The lovely course is expected to be in historically good shape this summer and older players, of whom there are many, will find the new trollies a veritable lifesaver. Club manager Darragh Tighe is also a PGA professional and he will give four free lessons to anyone taking up the twomonth offer of Monday-toFriday golf at just Euro500. At the end of the two-month period the golfer can walk away or avail of five-day membership which should lead to full membership about two years later.

"We have recognised that the world is changing, " says Tighe, "and we have to move with it to some degree. It is important that Howth be seen as a welcoming place for all visitors of goodwill. It has always been that but a little extra effort is never amiss."