Best Golf Courses in North West Ireland

St Patrick's Links, situated on the Atlantic coast, is an awe-inspiring golf course. Crafted by the renowned Tom Doak and nestled amidst vast dunes, bordered by towering cliffs on one side and Sheephaven Bay on the other, it is set apart from any other course in Ireland or beyond.

Each hole is adorned with imposing bunkers, while certain fairways offer breathtaking vistas that stretch for endless miles. Undoubtedly, St Patrick's Links is poised to gain well-deserved acclaim as one of Europe's premier links golf courses.

More info on Rosapenna >>

"The layout is world-class and the scenery is breathtaking but the most important thing is that the course is incredibly fun."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.

Harry S. Colt redesigned the landscape at County Sligo in 1927, the architect responsible for layouts at Wentworth, Sunningdale and Royal Portrush has created a glorious venue, fit to host tournament play.

County Sligo has continued to be awarded the West of Ireland Championship to this very day proving that, in spite of it's mature age, the course still stands up to the recent advances in golfing technology.

More info on Co. Sligo Golf Club >>

"The quality of the course in conjunction with the outstanding scenery of the surrounding seaside, make Co. Sligo a glorious stop off on any golf break or tour."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

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Another young golf course to make our list, the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin only opened for play in 1995. The northernmost club in all of Ireland, what it lacks in history it makes up for in character and artful design.

A tough test for even the most skilled manipulator of the golf ball, the course is considered a brute but also a must play. Ballyliffin looks set to bid for the Irish Open in the near future, something many golfers would welcome.

More info on Ballyliffin Golf Club (Glashedy Links) >>

"Unlike its more traditional sister, there are huge greens here, whose severe slopes make scoring well on a blustery day devilishly difficult."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Carne presents an awe-inspiring experience with its Wild Atlantic Dunes course. This remarkable course combines the back nine holes of the original Hackett course with the new Kilmore nine holes.

Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, these eighteen links golf holes provide unparalleled views and an unforgettable golfing adventure in Ireland. For many, Carne is regarded as one of the finest golfing gems in Irish golf.

More info on Carne Golf Links >>

"A charmingly rustic, untamed and unspoiled golf course. Vast dunes and plenty of rough grass for golf balls to stray into."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Regarded by many, Enniscrone is located in one of the finest regions of links land worldwide, the landscape and sand hills that encompass not just the Championship Links course (Dunes) but also the more recent 9 (Scurmore) create an unforgettable experience.

The par 74 course, stretching over 7,000 yards from the back tees, presents ample chances to reach the green with your approaches, as long as you display precision off the tee to navigate the undulating fairways.

More info on Enniscrone >>

"A good deal of knowledge for navigating the holes in the dunes is required, there are strategic lines off the tee and secure areas on the greens."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Narin & Portnoo has gained a reputation among golfers in search of captivating, innovative, and indelible links golf. Situated on a remarkably stunning stretch of linksland along the Atlantic Coast in the north-west region of Ireland's Donegal, this golf course continues to enthrall visitors.

Hanse and Wagner have successfully reinstated the timeless characteristics that made Narin & Portnoo so captivating. Creating an Irish links course that is highly enjoyable to walk on and has received high praise from both golfers and critics who have visited.

More info on Narin & Portnoo Links >>

"The scenery in this area is truly breathtaking, positioned near the shoreline, with impressive sand dunes. The course is forgiving from the tee, yet becomes more captivating as you approach the green."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Situated within a splendid 300-acre property, which encompasses 50 acres of picturesque lakes, the renowned 18-hole championship course at Slieve Russell seamlessly integrates the stunning lakes and rolling hills of County Cavan's landscape.

The course presents a formidable challenge for even the most skilled players, stretching over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. However, it caters to players of all abilities with its various teeing areas, ensuring an enjoyable round for everyone.

More info on PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell >>

"The course's defining characteristics are its two expansive lakes, interconnected by a flowing stream. Unsurprisingly, water poses a hazard on several holes, adding an extra layer of difficulty to your game."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

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Donegal is situated on a promontory spanning 182 acres, jutting out into the vast Atlantic Ocean. This remarkable links course is built on land that holds great geological importance and has been inhabited for centuries.

The outer loop meanders alongside the sandy dunes and the vast ocean, offering breathtaking vistas of the encompassing region. On the other hand, the inner loop offers more shelter, yet the ever-shifting sea breeze presents an ongoing challenge for both professional and novice golfers.

More info on Donegal Golf Club >>

"The lengthier holes on the golf course necessitate powerful swings, yet typically provide a fair amount of leniency if you happen to veer away from the designated fairway - it won't result in an immediate loss of the ball, but rather a penalty in terms of distance."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.

Strandhill, located in Co. Sligo, is an exquisite 18-hole links golf course positioned on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Golfing along the Wild Atlantic Way is always filled with excitement and never lacks in entertainment.

The golf course boasts close to 6,200 yards of rolling fairways and challenging shortcuts, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all players. With a par 70, the course offers a rewarding yet demanding game with breathtaking views of Knocknarea Mountain, Culleenamore Strand, and Strandhill Beach.

More info on Strandhill Golf Club >>

"Several of the holes possess distinctive characteristics, with a considerable amount of elevation changes that require some adjustment in terms of club selection. As anticipated, the views from the course are frequently awe-inspiring."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.

Portsalson, unlike many renowned Irish links golf courses, is not widely recognized. Nevertheless, this adds to the charm of this hidden treasure, situated on the breathtaking coastline of County Donegal.

The course offers an exceptional proposition with its remarkable affordability, this captivating links course can be enjoyed at a very reasonable expense.

More info on Portsalon Golf Club >>

"Portsalon's allure becomes evident from the outset, the course comes to life with one of Ireland's most magnificent holes. From the elevated second tee, players are treated to breathtaking views of the beach and lough, before embarking on the challenge of navigating the approach shot across a river to reach the green."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.

Handicap: 4
Favourite Course: Old Head
My 'Expert' areas: St Andrews or Dublin
Best trip I've done: St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns & Dumbarnie Links
Where my next trip is to: Augusta to watch The Masters with my Dad

Give Sam a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.