Ballyliffin
Course
Ballyliffin Golf Club, Ballyliffin, County Donegal
Founded 1948. Links Course
The most northerly golf club in Ireland, Ballyliffin boasts two superb championship links courses. The Old Links dates to 1948 and was recently redesigned by Nick Faldo, while the Glashedy Links opened for play in 1995 and was designed by a combination of Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy, of European Club fame. It’s difficult to imagine how two courses on the same piece of land can be so different but this is very much the case. The Old Links boasts a lunar landscape full of humps and hollows, while Glashedy is probably the tougher proposition and is generally recognised as the championship layout. Which is better is purely down to personal opinion. It may require a lengthy road trip but it’s worth the journey and you should really try to play both courses, whether the same day or on consecutive days, staying locally for a night or two.
Sightseeing
The main attraction of Ireland as a golf destination may indeed be its great golf courses but the overall experience is influenced by many other factors including great accommodation options, restaurants, pubs, people, and not least it’s stunning scenery and superb visitor attractions. Each region offers something very different and with all locations being quite close together, it’s very easy to mix the stunning countryside and coastline with more urban attractions.
We work closely with our clients to recommend what suits their trip best. You may have a full day to spend sightseeing or you may prefer to squeeze in a quick scenic stop on the way to or from the golf course but we will make sure that you maximise your experience at all times. The below is intended as a very general guide to sightseeing in West and Northwest Ireland Ireland.
Often the path less travelled in Ireland, the region has much to offer. Galway is a vibrant city with excellent restaurants, shops and pubs and it’s a great base from which to explore the the area. Moving west towards Connemara and the beautiful town of Clifden, you will encounter some of the most ruggedly beautiful scenery in Ireland and should include a visit to Connemara National Park and take a hike up Diamond Hill. Other recommendations include Kylemore Abbey (pictured below), the scenic Renvyle Peninsula, Aran Islands and the Quiet Man Museum in Cong.
Travelling north from Connemara, Westport is another lively, picturesque town from where you should make sure to visit Westport House and Gardens, while the more energetic amongst us will enjoy a hike up Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s Holy Mountain (pictured below). Another interesting stop is the Ceide Fields Visitor Centre near Ballycastle, while the towering Slieve League Cliffs and Glenveagh National Park should not be missed when in Donegal.
