Portsalon Golf Club

Portsalon Golf Club is set on one of the most northern reaching parts of Donegal on the shores of Ballymastocker Bay, alongside a beach recently voted the "second most beautiful beach in the world". Like Rosapenna and Narin & Portnoo, its near neighbours on the northwestern Donegal coastline, Portsalon is quite unknown in international circles.

The course is seriously good golf links with roots in the 19th century, located in some of the most beautiful terrain imaginable and offering stunning views. With heather clad mountains plunging into the deep blue waters of the bay, Portsalon has few peers with regard to scenic splendour. To play it, you will need to use every club in your bag. It's a short, quirky little course, that will test your golfing and orientation skills. Its most beautiful features are is classically wrinkled fairways and rolling greens. Open to all the elements on the end of the Fanad peninsula, when the wind gets up it is a tricky course making accuracy a pre-requisite. If ever there was a hidden gem, this is it.

Location

Portsalon, Fanad, Co. Donegal

Facts and Details

• Type of course: Links Course
• Holes: 18, Length: 6185m, Par: 72
• Architect: Pat Ruddy

Green Fees

Grading: * * * *

Recommended accommodation

• Arnolds Hotel

Comments

"This is an incredible course. It is very old-fashioned and unique in this way. There are a few criss-crossing holes, and some blind shots. The first 6 holes are the best first 6 in Ireland. After that, there a handful of great holes and some average ones. On the whole, this is one Ireland's greatest. eccentric, scenic, old-fashioned and fun." (Guest Review)