Tucked away in Ireland’s wild northwest corner, Donegal’s golf courses are like that friend who doesn’t post on social media but secretly lives the most interesting life.
While the world flocks to the usual suspects down south, those in the know slip away to this rugged coastline with breathtaking Atlantic views.
The best part? Donegal’s courses share one common trait – they’ll make you forget your scorecard and remember why you fell in love with golf in the first place!
So let’s hit the road and discover the best golf courses in Donegal (some of the best in the world, even!) for the most unforgettable tee time!
What’s the average cost of playing golf in Donegal?
The cost to play golf in Donegal varies by course and season, but on average, green fees start from €20 to €200.
How We Chose the Best Golf Courses in Donegal
1. Donegal Golf Club
| Course Layout & Design | 4.8/5 |
| Course Difficulty & Condition | 5/5 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | 4.9/5 |
| Accessibility & Location | 4.9/5 |
| Fees & Booking | 4.8/5 |
Situated on the Murvagh Peninsula, Donegal Golf Club’s spectacular links course is a masterpiece designed by legendary architect Eddie Hackett. It was later refined by Pat Ruddy (known as the master of links design), making it among Donegal’s top courses.
The course stretches over 7,400 yards from the championship tees, featuring dramatic dunes and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bluestack Mountains.
Known as one of Ireland’s most challenging links courses, it demands utmost accuracy. We found its maintenance to be generally excellent, with firm, fast-running fairways and true greens typical of premium links courses
Just note that the course plays differently depending on wind conditions, which can be quite severe given its coastal location. While experienced golfers will relish the challenge, high handicappers might find it overwhelming, especially in adverse weather.
Additionally, we love their modern clubhouse that offers comfortable amenities. These include a well-stocked pro shop, clean locker rooms, and a welcoming bar and restaurant serving traditional Irish fare.
When it comes to green fees, we found that they offer great value for the quality of golf experience. Peak season rate is at €210, while they charge €60 from November to March.
During the peak season, we recommend booking your tee time well in advance.
Customer Reviews
Has to be in the Top 10 Golf courses in Ireland. Very challenging. Greens are great. The scenery is out of this world amazing. Has to be played to be believed. – Michael Galvin, Google Reviews
Wonderful golf course that presents a real challenge to the golfer. Lovely staff and you will receive a warm welcome. One not to miss. – Ian Salmon, Google Reviews
2. Portsalon Golf Club
| Course Layout & Design | 4.9/5 |
| Course Difficulty & Condition | 5/5 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | 4.8/5 |
| Accessibility & Location | 4.7/5 |
| Fees & Booking | 5/5 |
Portsalon Golf Club, established in 1891, is a hidden gem along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The course was thoughtfully redesigned by Pat Ruddy, creating a challenging 18-hole layout that maximizes its stunning coastal setting.
The course presents a fair challenge for golfers of all abilities while maintaining its links character. The greens are typically maintained in excellent condition, while natural hazards, including burns, dunes, and strategic bunkering, add to the challenge.
At the clubhouse, we appreciate that they have clean locker rooms along with a well-stocked pro shop. Practice facilities include a putting green and a small warm-up area, though they’re somewhat limited compared to other clubhouses.
Located on the Fanad Peninsula, the course is approximately an hour from the Donegal center.
While the remote location means fewer crowds, it requires some planning to reach and it would be best to book a hotel nearby. The journey, however, is rewarded with some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
One of the most attractive aspects of Portsalon is its exceptional value for money. Green fees (starts from €60) are notably reasonable for a course of this quality.
What’s more, we appreciate that booking is pretty straightforward through their website or by phone, and the staff are also accommodating with tee time requests.
Customer Reviews
Well worth the trip, stunning scenery, challenging and fun course with really good greens! Played 2 rounds in one day, great value golf with very friendly people in the clubhouse, I’d highly recommend it. – Richie Egan, Google Reviews
This is an outstanding Club. Nestled along the Portsalon beach the links course is interesting, challenging and beautiful. The Clubhouse is charming with spectacular views. Staff in pro shop and restaurant are very warm and welcoming. – Cathie Hynes, Google Reviews
3. Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
| Course Layout & Design | 5/5 |
| Course Difficulty & Condition | 5/5 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | 5/5 |
| Accessibility & Location | 4.7/5 |
| Fees & Booking | 4.8/5 |
Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort offers two exceptional championship courses: the modern Sandy Hills Links and the classic Old Tom Morris Links.
A third course, the St. Patrick’s Links, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2021 has already gained international acclaim for its dramatic layout and stunning coastal views.
The course is around an hour and 20 minutes from the Donegal center and approximately 45 minutes from Letterkenny. While somewhat remote, the journey showcases the spectacular Irish countryside.
Since the location is farther away, it’s great that there’s a 4-star hotel accommodation on-site for convenience.
As for the course condition and difficulty, the greens are exceptionally maintained all-year round. Sandy Hills is particularly challenging, demanding accurate driving through narrow corridors between dunes.
What’s more, it’s consistently ranked among Ireland’s top courses. Meanwhile, the Old Tom Morris Links offers a more forgiving experience while maintaining strategic interest.
Another great thing about the club is its extensive facilities. The practice facilities are comprehensive, with a driving range, short game area, and putting greens.
The adjacent four-star hotel offers luxury accommodation, spa facilities, and fine dining options, making it ideal for golf breaks.
For their green fees, you can expect that it would reflect the premium nature of the facility but remain competitive compared to similar-caliber courses.
Customer Reviews
We are just back from another trip to Rosapenna. We have made it a yearly event now, the ideal location for a short get-away in Ireland. Three brilliant links, a great service both in restaurant, bar & pro-shop – always so helpful, attentive and friendly – it really makes our trip that little more special. Courses were in great condition, really excellent to see St.Patrick’s Links open so strongly – such a great experience. Cannot recommend highly enough. – Patrick G., TripAdvisor
Played the 3 courses over the last few days. World class courses, fantastic food, suites are amazing and to top it off I had my first ever eagle in my life on the Old Tom Morris course. Well done everyone, we will be back again next year, as we have been each year for a number of years. Amazing place. – Darren Nelson, Google Reviews
4. Ballyliffin Golf Club
| Course Layout & Design | 5/5 |
| Course Difficulty & Condition | 5/5 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | 5/5 |
| Accessibility & Location | 4.8/5 |
| Fees & Booking | 5/5 |
Ballyliffin Golf Club, located around 90 minutes from the Donegal center, boasts two exceptional championship links courses: the Old Links and the Glashedy Links.
The Old Links, dating back to 1947 and refined by Nick Faldo, is a traditional masterpiece featuring natural undulating fairways and remarkable green complexes.
Both courses maximize the natural terrain of Ireland’s most northerly golf club, with each hole presenting unique challenges and stunning vistas of the Inishowen Peninsula.
Course conditions are consistently exceptional, with both layouts maintained to championship standards. The Glashedy Links, host of the 2018 Irish Open, presents a stern championship test with strategic bunkering and challenging green complexes.
Meanwhile, the Old Links, while slightly more forgiving, requires precise shot-making due to its natural undulations.
We particularly love that the clubhouse offers excellent amenities. From ample practice facilities and a well-appointed pro shop, to comfortable locker rooms and a restaurant serving quality food with panoramic views across the links.
Their green fees (starts from €20 and €60) represent good value considering the quality of both courses.
Additionally, take note that advanced booking is essential, particularly during peak season (May – September). Also, it’s nice that the club maintains an efficient online booking system and responsive communication.
Customer Reviews
Played the Glashedy and it’s an absolutely fantastic course with beautiful views and ALL the par 3s are incredible. Staff are all very helpful and it’s worth a trip to the restaurant afterwards. This is the second time playing it and definitely grows on you more and more each time you play it. – Paul Cromie, Google Reviews
Two great courses in brilliant condition. Didn’t want the round to end. – David Egan, Google Reviews
5. Cruit Island Golf Club
| Course Layout & Design | 4.9/5 |
| Course Difficulty & Condition | 4.8/5 |
| Clubhouse Facilities | 4.7/5 |
| Accessibility & Location | 4.8/5 |
| Fees & Booking | 5/5 |
Cruit Island Golf Club offers an authentic, old-world links experience that serious golfers will appreciate. While it lacks the refinements of more famous courses, it more than compensates with its dramatic setting, value, and pure golfing challenge.
We think it’s a must-play for golf enthusiasts seeking to experience raw, natural links golf at its most authentic.
Despite being only 9 holes, each one is carefully crafted to maximize the natural terrain of the island. The signature 6th hole is particularly memorable and often compared to Pebble Beach’s famous 7th hole.
While relatively short at around 5,151 yards for 18 holes (playing the 9 holes twice), the course presents a fair challenge primarily through its exposure to Atlantic winds. The greens are well-maintained though slower than some major championship venues.
The clubhouse is modest but functional, offering basic amenities including changing facilities and a small bar. While not luxurious, it provides a warm, friendly atmosphere typical of rural Irish golf clubs.
One of the most attractive aspects is the exceptional value for money. Green fees start from €40 with promos available depending on tee times. You may book by phone or online, and it’s great that the club maintains a flexible, visitor-friendly approach.
Customer Reviews
Amazing 9 holes. Dramatic scenes on every tee box. Challenging with the heavy wind and occasional shower but all part and parcel for an island golf course like Cruit! – Jack N., Google Reviews
What a hidden gem, a visit is a must! The golf club was a little 9 hole course. You don’t need to be a member to play, and the hospitality in the clubhouse is second to none.
The scenery is spectacular and is well worth the effort to drive to the top of the island.
Should you be up at that part of Donegall, don’t bypass it truly fabulous. – Isaac Cowan, Google Reviews