Situated only 45 minutes' drive from Dublin lies Royal Tara, a beautiful golf complex situated beside the Hill of Tara, ancient home of the High Kings of Ireland. The Royal Tara course was extended from 9 to 13 holes in 1966 and from 13 to 18 holes in 1969. In the early 1990s it was decided to construct a new 18-hole course, part of which was on the ground occupied by the old front nine. The new course was designed by the popular Europe Tour professional, Des Smyth, and was officially opened for play in 1995. The main course consists of the Cluide (Blue) (named after the Cluide wood through which the course runs) and the Tara (Red) nines. The Bellinter (Yellow) nine is the back nine of the old course.