Donegal
Course
Donegal Golf Club, Murvagh, County Donegal
Founded 1976. Links Course
Donegal Golf Club is the ideal golfing stop en-route from Northern Ireland or Ballyliffin to the great links courses of the Irish Northwest. Measuring over 7,000 yards from the medal tees, Donegal was designed by Eddie Hackett and officially opened for play in 1976 although the layout has undergone considerable alterations since, most of which have been carried out under the direction of Pat Ruddy. There is little pomp or ceremony surrounding this club, it’s just an excellent golf links. Situated in beautiful Donegal Bay and backed by the Blue Stack Mountains, Donegal has been described as the Muirfield of Ireland, similar in terrain with two loops of nine holes, the first nine an outer loop and the second nine an inner loop running in the opposite direction. An excellent test of golf, when the wind blows, this is a fearsome challenge.
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.
