West of Ireland
The west of Ireland is a golfer's paradise, offering a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the vibrant city of Galway and experience traditional Irish hospitality in charming towns such as Donegal and Sligo. The golf courses in the region, including Carne, Connemara, County Sligo, Donegal, Enniscrone, Galway Bay, Narin & Portnoo, and Strandhill, are set against stunning landscapes and offer a challenging and exhilarating experience. Each course has its own unique character, from the challenging links at Enniscrone to the stunning scenery at Carne. Playing golf in the west of Ireland provides golfers with a chance to immerse themselves in the best of Irish culture and nature.
Carne
Carne links at Belmullet, Eddie Hackett’s final design, is considered his best. Located on County Mayo’s Atlantic edge, the course sits on a peninsula with colossal dunes and picturesque views of Blacksod Bay and Inis Gloire and Inis Geidhewild islands. Playing Carne is a must for a complete trip to Ireland's west coast.
Connemara
Founded by Eddie Hackett in 1973, Connemara is a rugged and challenging links course measuring over 7,200 yards. With craggy rocks and a remote location, it's a test for any golfer. The 27 holes include the Championship course, with the last six holes leaving a lasting impression.
County Sligo
County Sligo, also known as Rosses Point, is a stunning west coast links situated in Yeats country. With spectacular views of the Darty Mountains, Benbulben, and Drumcliffe Bay, this course offers beautiful scenery of the Atlantic, harbor, and Ox Mountains, making it one of the most picturesque courses in Ireland.
Donegal
Donegal Golf Club is situated on the enchanting and isolated Murvagh peninsula. Eddie Hackett designed the championship-length course in 1973, using the rugged and crumpled links land to create one of his finest designs. The panoramic view across Donegal Bay is sensational, with the Bluestack Mountains as a dramatic backdrop.
Enniscrone
Enniscrone Golf Club was transformed into a world-class golf destination thanks to Eddie Hackett's 18-hole extension in 1974 and Donald Steel's 27-hole addition, featuring gigantic sandhills and rippled links land. The main course, Dunes, is a challenging and scenic masterpiece, while the Scurmore nine offers another playing option.
Galway Bay
Galway Bay Golf Resort, built in 1993, lies beside Renville Park in Oranmore on Galway Bay's coast. Designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr, it's "parkland by the sea" with broad fairways and spacious USGA greens. With clear indications of substantial earth moving during construction, it's a must-visit for those who appreciate manicured greens.
Narin & Portnoo
Nestled in the remote corner of County Donegal, Narin and Portnoo links is a natural, unspoilt course that deserves greater recognition. After losing its way in the early 2000s, a change in ownership led to a monumental reversal in fortunes, culminating in a redesign by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner that will "blow away" golfers with stunning visuals and added challenge.
Strandhill
Strandhill Golf Club is located beneath the towering "Moon Mountain" in Sligo Bay. The course was originally a modest 9-hole layout until legendary designer Eddie Hackett expanded it to 18 in 1973. The challenging greens are full of undulations, making Strandhill a must-play for any golfer seeking a thrill.