Ballyliffin Glashedy
Northwest
Located on the North coast of Ireland, the Glashedy course at Ballyliffen was opened in 1995 and some say is destined to become one of Ireland’s greatest. A different challenge from the Old Course, but nonetheless thrilling, the Glashedy Course was built on the same vast duneland, surrounded by rolling hills and bordered by the Atlantic. This stunning golf course is a must for any golfers visiting the North of Ireland.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range and putting green
- Dress Code: Appropriate golfing attire.
Ballyliffin Old
Northwest
Founded in 1947, this is Ireland’s most northerly course. Faldo described it as the most natural golf course he had ever played; “an undiscovered masterpiece” — the Royal Dornoch of Ireland. Constant pressure on the course and clubhouse by locals and visitors led to the creation of the sister course the Glashedy. Glashedy played host to the Irish Seniors Open in 2006. Both courses are well worth a visit.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range and putting green.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golfing attire.
Carne Golf Links (Belmullet)
Northwest
Ireland’s most westerly course, Carne is well worth a visit for golfers in this area of Ireland (County Mayo). Set in magnificent, unspoiled dunes, with views out to Blacksod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the elevated tees and plateau greens exploit this course’s lovely natural setting. The last links course to be designed by the great Irish architect Eddie Hackett, this is considered by many to be his finest (opened 1995). The fairways rise and fall, the rough is deep, there are numerous blind shots, and the pot bunkers are challenging. In other words: links golf at its best.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes (limited)
- Practice Facilities: Practice area and putting green.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire. Shorts are permitted.
Connemara Golf Links (Ballyconneely)
Northwest
Intoxicating sea air and breathtaking scenery characterise the Eddie Hackett and Tom Craddock designed Connemara Golf Links (founded 1969). With the Twelve Bens mountains as a backdrop and the Atlantic on three sides, this is one of the most splendid settings imaginable for a golf course. Although located on one of Ireland’s most westerly tips, make no mistake, this golf course is well worth the journey.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range and putting green
- Dress Code: No denims. Tailored shorts only.
County Sligo (Rosses Point)
Northwest
Now considered to be one of the top links courses in Ireland, County Sligo (better known as Rosses Point, the peninsula that it sits on) is host to a number of competitions, including the West of Ireland Championships and Internationals. Set in an elevated position on cliffs above three large beaches, the prevailing winds provide an additional challenge. Opened in 1894 as a 9-hole course, County Sligo was extended to 18 holes in 1931 by Harry S. Colt.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Practice area and putting green.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golfing attire. Tailored shorts only. No sleeveless shirts or sports tops.
Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh)
Northwest
A mighty challenge and a majestic links, Donegal Golf Club has the longest course in Ireland. The 12th and 16th have been described as ‘a reasonable train journey’ from the back tees! Located in the scenic north-west of the country, this great Eddie Hackett designed links course is well worth a visit. Set in isolated splendour, the course has panoramic views across the bay and on to the Bluestack Mountains.
- Caddies Available: Yes (July & August only, request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, short game area and putting green
- Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire.
Enniscrone Golf Club
Northwest
In a magnificent situation with breathtaking views of mountain, sea and rolling countryside, this course offers some unforgettable golf. It was host to the West of Ireland championship and the Ladies Irish Close in 1997. It offers an exciting challenge among its splendid sand hills; a particular favourite is the tenth hole, which has a marvellous view from the elevated tee and the chance of a birdie with an accurate drive.
- Caddies Available: Yes (Request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range and putting green.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire.
Narin & Portnoo Golf Club
Northwest
If you are looking to golf in Ireland, Narin and Portnoo Golf Club is situated in a beautiful seaside resort in County Donegal in the northwest of the country. It is considered one of the finest and natural scenic 18-hole links Golf courses in Ireland, with sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay. Opened in 1930, it is engagingly old-fashioned, with a meandering routing over and around the dunes. The course has recently been re-developed and the new par 73 layout offers a range of teeing areas and challenges to suit all golfers. All manner of shots are required here: draws around sharp dog-legs; crisp irons to par threes over cavernous terrain; accurate tee shots down snake-like fairways, some wide and some not so generous; low trajectory shots into the Atlantic breezes; high shots down-breeze into raised and firm greens; chip and run shots over the mounds and dips. Throughout the adventure, all are captivated by the scenery and once experienced, it’s a course to which golfers return again and again.
- Caddies Available: Yes (limited, request in advance through The Golf Travel Group)
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes (limited)
- Practice Facilities: No driving range. Putting green and Practice Net
- Dress Code: Golf attire. Shorts must be tailored.
Portsalon Golf Club
Northwest
This lovely, unpretentious course offers a good test of golf. First opened in 1891, Portsalon is one of the nine founder members of the Golfing Union of Ireland. Before it was remodeled in 2000, the links at Portsalon Golf Club was considered a throwback to the 19th Century and a bit quirky. Today, it’s considered one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Architect Pat Ruddy has done a masterful job with this historic links, improving its playability while retaining its charm and character. The course runs alongside the beautiful beach of Ballymastocker Bay and features sensational views of nearby Lough Swilly and the Knockalla Mountains. Typical of a links layout, most of the holes at Portsalon weave their way through tall, grass-covered sand dunes. The bunkers are numerous and the rough is often deep. This area (northern part of County Donegal), by the way, is one of the windiest in Europe so pick your tees wisely. From the championship markers, Portsalon measures just under 7,100 yards.
- Caddies Available: No
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Putting green only.
- Dress Code: Appropriate golf attire.
Rosapenna Golf Resort
Old Tom Morris Links & Sandy Hills Links
Northwest
Golfers have been traveling to Rosapenna since the late 19th century when the Old Tom Morris Links was ranked 3rd in the British Isles behind only The Old Course at St. Andrews and The Royal County Down Golf Club. With the addition of the hotel soon after the Old Tom Morris Links opened in 1893 Rosapenna is the true first golf resort in the world.
In 2003 Rosapenna opened the second course the Sandy Hills Links designed by Pat Ruddy of The European Club fame. In its relatively short lifetime the Sandy Hills Links has been met with rave reviews and steadily climbed the rankings as it matures into one of the world’s finest modern links courses.
Both the Old Tom Morris Links and Sandy Hills Links are ranked in the Top 50 of Golf Digest Ireland’s Top 100 Courses. The Sandy Hills Links was ranked No. 11 in Golf World’s Top 100 courses in Ireland List 2015.
Westport Golf Club
Northwest
Westport Golf Club is set in 260 acres of rolling parkland and is rated as one of the top parkland courses in Ireland. Situated in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable, Westport Golf Club has a well-earned reputation for its hospitality, warmth and friendliness to visitors. With wonderful views of the 365 islands of Clew Bay, this is glorious golf terrain. The 15th is especially memorable, driving from the tee over an inlet of Clew Bay.
- Caddies Available: No
- Pull Carts Available: Yes
- Electric Buggies Available: Yes
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, short game area and putting green.
- Dress Code: Appropriate attire. No denims.