If you’ve already played the famous courses of Scotland & Ireland’s South West, then North West Ireland should be next on your list. This remote and rugged region is home to some of the most spectacular and underrated links courses in the world. It may take a little effort to get here, but that’s part of the charm—once you arrive, you’ll find a golfer’s paradise unlike any other.
We made the trek last week—purely for research purposes, of course. Someone had to take on the tough job of playing world-class links, sampling the local pubs, and soaking up the scenery. The sacrifices we make for our clients… But seriously, this place is something special. Read on to find out why North West Ireland should be your next golf adventure.
Our journey started in Belmullet, where Carne Golf Links sits perched on the edge of the Atlantic. This place is pure, untamed links golf and was the perfect place to start to get our golfing juices flowing. It’s made up of three 9 hole loops and has the most dramatic sand dunes of any golf course I’ve ever played. Towering dunes, unpredictable winds, and dramatic elevation changes make Carne one of the most thrilling rounds you’ll ever play. It’s a true test of golf, and maybe in that respect was a tough opening round fresh off the plane—every shot needs to be thought through, and the ever-changing coastal winds definitely kept us on our toes.
After a windswept but exhilarating round, we stopped by McDonnell’s Bar in Belmullet. The Guinness tasted even better after battling Carne’s fairways, and the seafood chowder was exactly what we needed after a long day on the links. We perhaps overdid the Guinness a little but it was our first night and were too busy chatting golf and excited about the rest of the trip to notice!
