Northwest Ireland Golf Travel

Pure, raw, Irish links - golf's best kept secret.

Along Ireland's wildest coastline, where Atlantic waves crash against dramatic cliffs, Northwest Ireland has emerged as one of golf's most exciting frontiers. This untamed region, long overlooked by traveling golfers, now showcases some of the game's most spectacular modern designs alongside historic links that have challenged players for over a century.

Rosapenna Resort stands at the heart of this golfing renaissance, offering three distinctive experiences. The Old Tom Morris Links, enhanced by Pat Ruddy's design of the new Strand Nine, seamlessly blends the historic Valley nine along Tramore beach with new holes offering stunning views across Mulroy Bay. The challenging Sandy Hills course, opened in 2003, takes a boldly different approach - where Old Tom settled for routing alongside the dunes, Pat Ruddy carved straight through them, creating an awesome sequence of spectacular holes with stunning views across Sheephaven Bay. The resort's crown jewel, St. Patrick's Links, opened in 2021 as Tom Doak's latest masterpiece. Set on magnificent linksland of unprecedented scale, its diverse routing takes players on an extraordinary journey through massive dunes and along coastal heights, creating an experience unlike anything else in the UK and Ireland.

At Ireland's northernmost reach, Ballyliffin Golf Club presents two outstanding links experiences. The Old Course charms players with its natural rhythm and rumpled fairways, while The Glashedy Links offers a more robust championship test across spectacular terrain. The historic Portsalon Golf Club, dating to the 1880s as one of the founding members of the Golfing Union of Ireland, delivers an authentic links experience beneath the Knockalla mountains. Originally designed by Charles Thompson of Portrush and enhanced by Pat Ruddy in 2000, with recent improvements guided by Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, this top-25 Irish course combines blue-collar spirit with stunning views across Ballymastocker Bay.

The reimagined Narin & Portnoo Links represents the region's evolution, where architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner transformed a good course into a great one, saving it from potential closure. After a gentle opening that allows players to find their rhythm, the course unveils an extraordinary stretch from the 5th through the 17th holes that captures the essence of traditional links golf - terrifically old-fashioned, natural, and pure fun. Cruit Island, though only nine holes, might be the region's most dramatic setting, its clifftop holes providing an unforgettable experience above the Atlantic waves.

Destination Experiences: Culture & Leisure

Donegal's wild beauty extends far beyond its fairways. The towering cliffs at Slieve League, among Europe's highest sea cliffs, provide spectacular coastal walks. The historic town of Donegal offers authentic Irish charm with its craft tweed shops, traditional music sessions, and 15th-century castle.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way, discover hidden beaches, ancient stone forts, and villages where Gaelic remains the daily language. Glenveagh National Park presents 40,000 acres of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and Victorian gardens surrounding its castle. Local pubs serve fresh seafood and hearty traditional dishes, while master weavers continue the region's centuries-old tradition of Donegal tweed.

Practical Information

Location & Access:

• Dublin Airport (DUB) serves as the primary gateway with extensive international connections

• Perfect base location at Rosapenna Resort

Best Time to Visit:

• May through September offers optimal playing conditions

• Summer months provide extended daylight hours for evening golf

• Spring and autumn showcase dramatic coastal scenery with fewer crowds

Planning Your Visit

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf retreat or combining play with Ireland's cultural attractions, our team specializes in crafting bespoke itineraries that maximize your experience. Contact us to discuss preferred tee times, accommodation options, and supplementary activities that will make your Irish golf journey truly memorable.