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For years, golf travelers to Ireland have been drawn to the headline acts — the dramatic cliffs of the southwest and the championship pedigree of Northern Ireland. But now, a new story is being written on Ireland’s untamed Northwest coast — one of history reborn, links rediscovered, and design brilliance at its peak.
Welcome to a region where golf feels pure again. Wild, scenic, and still wonderfully under-the-radar, the Northwest of Ireland is quickly emerging as the next must-play destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers seeking something fresh (and friendlier on the wallet).
At the heart of this renaissance are two modern legends — Tom Doak and Gil Hanse.
Doak’s masterpiece, St. Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna, opened in 2021 to international acclaim and has quickly become a global pilgrimage site. Routed through rolling dunes overlooking Sheephaven Bay, it captures everything great links golf should be — minimalist, natural, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Just an hour west, Narin & Portnoo tells another story — one of rediscovery. Gil Hanse’s renovation transformed this hidden gem into a must-play, blending old-world charm with Hanse’s unmistakable touch for natural flow and shot variety. The course feels like it’s been waiting centuries for this moment.
The rebirth of the Northwest doesn’t start or end with new names. County Sligo (Rosses Point), one of Ireland’s true classics, remains a timeless test framed by Knocknarea and the Atlantic. Its blend of tradition and raw beauty continues to inspire generations of golfers.
Just up the coast, Enniscrone offers towering dunes and exhilarating shot-making — a wild and joyful ride that rivals any of Ireland’s marquee courses. It’s one of those rounds where you’ll remember every hole, every view, every gust.
For the adventurous, there’s Cruit Island, a nine-hole course that might be the most scenic in all of Ireland — perched dramatically along the cliffs, accessible by bridge, and full of personality. Pairing Narin & Portnoo with Cruit Island in a single day delivers one of the most unique, soul-stirring golf experiences imaginable.
It’s pure golf — no crowds, no pretense, just laughter, wind, and waves crashing below your tee box.
The further north you go, the better it gets. Portsalon, one of the oldest clubs in Ireland, remains a shining example of authentic links golf — understated, perfectly routed, and framed by the glimmering waters of Ballymastocker Bay.
Then there’s Ballyliffin, the northernmost course in Ireland and a host of the 2018 Irish Open. With two world-class links — Glashedy and Old — it’s a cornerstone of the region’s rising reputation.
And out on the western edge of the Wild Atlantic Way, Carne Golf Links stands as a masterpiece of rugged beauty — a true pilgrimage site for those who want to feel the land as much as play it. Every hole here tells a story of passion and perseverance, designed with heart and shaped by the hands of the community itself.
The Northwest is no longer the “hidden corner” of Irish golf — it’s the frontier of a new chapter. With world-renowned architects, historic classics, and pure, unspoiled landscapes, it offers everything that makes links golf special — plus the warmth, authenticity, and value that make Ireland unforgettable.
Whether it’s your first trip across the Atlantic or your fifth, Ireland’s Northwest will make you feel like you’ve discovered something the world hasn’t caught up to yet. So grab your clubs, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure — because the Northwest of Ireland is calling, and it’s time to answer.
Plan your Northwest Ireland golf journey with All Access Golf Travel. From St. Patrick’s Links to Ballyliffin and Carne, we create fully customized itineraries that combine championship courses, hidden gems, and authentic Irish charm.
Trip Inquiries: sales@allaccessgte.com
