North West Ireland Golf Trips

Spectacular Links & Hidden Gems

North West Ireland is one of golf’s great hidden treasures. Tucked away from the more travelled routes, this rugged, remote corner of the country offers a raw and unfiltered golfing experience.

It may take a little extra effort to get here, but that’s all part of the adventure – and the reward is well worth it.

The courses are nothing short of spectacular and home to some of Ireland’s finest yet lesser-known links, with plenty of tee-times and reasonable green fees. Ballyliffin’s two championship layouts deliver panoramic views and a true test of links golf. County Sligo, laid out by Harry Colt, is a timeless classic with sweeping views of Benbulben Mountain. Enniscrone is another standout, winding through towering dunes with some of the most thrilling holes in Ireland.

What makes the North West so special is the authenticity – unspoiled landscapes, warm welcomes, charming seaside towns, and a relaxed atmosphere. With its spectacular golf, genuine charm, and untamed beauty, North West Ireland is a place every golfer should experience at least once. Read our insiders guide to North West Ireland here.

North West Ireland Sample Golf Trips

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Golf Courses in North West Ireland

Ballyliffin Golf Club

Ballyliffin Golf Club is Ireland’s northernmost golf destination. It boasts two exceptional links courses: the Glashedy Links and the Old Links. The Old Links provides a traditional, bumpy, and natural test of golf. The Glashedy Links is a modern masterpiece with towering dunes, elevated greens, and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Carne Golf Links

Carne Golf Links, perched on the remote Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo, offers one of the most awe-inspiring and soulful 27 hole golf experiences in Ireland. Set against the wild Atlantic Ocean and shaped by the natural contours of towering dunes, this is a place where the raw beauty of the landscape feels almost mythical.

Connemara Golf Links

Connemara Golf Links is a renowned 27-hole championship links course. Established in 1973 and expanded in 2001, the course is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Bens mountain range, offering breathtaking views and a challenging golfing experience. The course features undulating fairways, natural terrain, and coastal winds that test golfers.

County Sligo Golf Club

County Sligo Golf Club, known as Rosses Point, is one of Ireland’s most storied and atmospheric golf destinations. Set on a spectacular headland overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the course offers a profound sense of place, with views stretching across Sligo Bay and the dramatic silhouette of Benbulben rising in the distance.

Cruit Island Golf Club

Cruit Island Golf Club is a hidden gem among Ireland's links courses.Established in 1986, this 9-hole, par-68 course is renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging play. The course is perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering panoramic views that are both breathtaking and intimidating and provides a pure links experience.

Donegal Golf Club

Donegal Golf Club, also known as Murvagh Golf Links, is a renowned championship course established in 1959. The par-73 course offers a traditional links experience with two loops of nine holes, providing varied challenges amid stunning coastal scenery, set against the backdrop of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains.

Enniscrone Golf Club

Enniscrone Golf Club, tucked into the rugged coastline of County Sligo, is one of Ireland’s most dramatic and visually captivating links destinations. Set beside the sweeping sands of Killala Bay and the River Moy estuary, the course carves through towering dunes that are among the tallest in Irish golf, creating an unforgettable sense of scale and seclusion.

Narin & Portnoo Links

Narin & Portnoo Links, set against the rugged beauty of County Donegal’s Atlantic coast, is one of Ireland’s most captivating and thoughtfully restored golf destinations. The course flows effortlessly through ancient dunes and sweeping ocean vistas, offering a pure and immersive links experience.

Rosapenna

Rosapenna is home to three distinctive championship courses, each offering a unique take on Irish links golf in a spectacular coastal setting. The St. Patrick’s Links, has quickly earned a spot in the world's top 50 courses. The Sandy Hills Links offers a bold and immersive experience and The Old Tom Morris Links pays tribute to Rosapenna’s historic.

Golf Accommodation in North West Ireland

Mount Falcon Estate

Mount Falcon Estate is a luxurious retreat blending history, nature, and modern comfort. Set amidst 100 acres of lush woodlands, this stunning manor offers an elegant escape, with charming rooms in the main house to private lodges, all designed with classic elegance and comfort in mind.

★★★★

Rosapenna Hotel

The four star Rosapenna Hotel, nestled along the stunning Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal, offers golfers an exceptional luxury retreat. With its combination of elegant rooms, world-class service, and breathtaking coastal views, the hotel provides the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation.

★★★★

The Ebrington Hotel

The Ebrington Hotel in Derry offers a luxurious and convenient base for golfers looking to explore the city and surrounding area. Set in a beautifully restored former military barracks overlooking the River Foyle, the hotel blends rich historical character with modern comforts, making it an ideal retreat for golfers.

★★★★

Ballyliffin Town House Boutique Hotel

Ballyliffin Town House Boutique Hotel offers golfers a luxurious and convenient retreat. Situated less than 3 kilometers from the Ballyliffin Golf Club, the hotel provides easy access to world-class golfing facilities. The hotel features a range of accommodations designed with golfers' comfort in mind and a spa.

★★★★

The Driftwood

The Driftwood offers a serene retreat for golfers seeking both comfort and convenience. Located just a short walk from County Sligo Golf Club, this boutique guesthouse provides a peaceful and stylish base for a golf getaway. The Driftwood’s accommodations feature unique, high-quality touches, blending rustic charm with modern luxury.

★★★★

North West Ireland Attractions and Sightseeing

Slieve League Cliffs

Sligo Town

Transport links and climate in North West Ireland

Northwest Ireland is accessible via Donegal and Ireland West (Knock) airports, offering domestic and some international flights. The region is also connected by bus and road networks, linking major towns like Sligo, Donegal, and Letterkenny. Car rental is recommended for exploring rural areas.

Northwest Ireland experiences mild, wet, and often windy conditions throughout the year. Summers (June to August) are generally cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 19°C (57°F to 66°F). Summer days are long, with daylight lasting up to 17 hours.

Winters (December to February) are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) see temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F), with spring generally being drier. Autumn can be particularly wet and windy. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are recommended when visiting.

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