Play Golf in County Donegal

Tucked away in Ireland’s rugged northwest, Donegal offers a collection of courses that are as natural and breathtaking as they are challenging. With rolling dunes, sweeping Atlantic views, and a warm local welcome, it’s little wonder many golfers call it Ireland’s hidden gem.

The Magic of Donegal’s Links Golf

What makes Donegal so special for links golf is its raw, unspoiled beauty. The courses here feel carved from the landscape rather than built upon it. You’ll find fairways that twist through towering dunes, greens framed by wild grasses, and the ever-present Atlantic breeze adding both character and challenge to every round.

Must-Play Links Courses in Donegal

1. Rosapenna Golf Resort

Rosapenna is the jewel in Donegal’s golfing crown, boasting three outstanding links courses. The Old Tom Morris Linksblends traditional charm with coastal drama, while Sandy Hills—designed by Pat Ruddy—is a modern masterpiece that weaves through high dunes, demanding both precision and imagination. The St Patrick’s Links by Tom Doak, recently opened to rave reviews, has quickly gained recognition as one of the best new links courses in the world.

2. Portsalon Golf Club

Nestled on the shores of Lough Swilly, Portsalon offers a true classic links experience. Originally laid out in the 1890s, it’s been updated beautifully while retaining its old-world charm. The second hole—one of Ireland’s finest—is a thrilling par four that sweeps along the beach, equal parts beauty and bite.

3. Narin & Portnoo Links

Overlooking Gweebarra Bay, Narin & Portnoo is pure Donegal—remote, scenic, and utterly captivating. A recent redesign by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner has elevated this course to new heights, emphasizing the natural contours and spectacular sea views that make links golf so special.

4. Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh)

Often described as “the Muirfield of Ireland,” Donegal Golf Club sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Donegal Bay. It’s a long, challenging links that rewards strategic play, with holes that test your shot-making and nerve, especially when the wind picks up.

More Than Just Golf

Beyond the fairways, Donegal offers everything you’d hope for on an Irish golf trip—friendly pubs, traditional music, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re tackling 36 holes at Rosapenna or exploring the wild beauty of Slieve League, you’ll find that the region’s relaxed pace and hospitality are every bit as memorable as the golf itself.

Final Thoughts

County Donegal doesn’t shout for attention—it quietly impresses. For golfers seeking authentic links golf in its purest form, it’s hard to find a better destination. With world-class courses, stunning landscapes, and that unmistakable Irish welcome, Donegal truly delivers the full links experience.

So pack your clubs, embrace the breeze, and discover why Donegal is one of the world’s great links golf destinations.