Sunny golf day on the northwest coast with a coastal panorama

Portsalon Golf Club

Pat Ruddy

1891

18

72

7,120

Links

Pat Ruddy

1891

18

72

7,120

Links

DublinBelfastDerryCorkShannon map pin

Portsalon Golf Club was founded over 100 years ago in 1891 in County Donegal. It is located towards Ireland’s most northerly point and is surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Portsalon Golf Club is located just over 20 miles north of Letterkenny. It offers golfers an opportunity to play golf on an original golf links design, an unspoiled and uncrowded natural links land. The opening hole is an uphill dogleg around a cliff that is followed by a par three of some 196 yards over water to a green that juts into the bay.

In 2000, a major redesign of the links was undertaken. Renowned architect, Pat Ruddy was tasked with upgrading the links to keep pace with the modern game. The course was lengthened considerably and nine completely new holes were added.

In 2010, some additional improvements to the course commenced, under the guidance of 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley. These changes significantly improved the bunkering on several holes and also included the building of a new first tee, which really sets the tone for what lies ahead.

Highlights

The 3rd hole, unchanged since 1891, is a downhill par four played across and along the beach to a green guarded by two ancient rock formations. It is an exhilarating start and so it continues at Portsalon, with fairways and greens threading through sand dunes untouched by the course of time.

Facilities

Portsalon Golf Club has a well equipped clubhouse to cater for your every need, including golf club and caddy hire. The club shop provides all the basic necessities and stocks a range of Portsalon merchandise with the club logo.

Food & Drink

Portsalon Golf Club offers a spacious restaurant positioned directly behind the 18th green. A wide selection of good food is served here to hungry golfers.

The bar is stocked with a wide range of beverages, allowing you to while away the afternoon soaking in the dramatic views of Ballymastocker Bay. The bar is situated on the first floor of the clubhouse with a triple aspect overlooking the 18th, first tee and the beautiful beach beyond.

Map

Image gallery

portsalon golf club overlooking the sea
a sunny day at a golf course on the northwest coast
portsalon golf club second hole and beach
Sunny golf day on the northwest coast with a coastal panorama
Golf course along the sunny northwest coast with coast and mountain views
a sunny day at a golf course on the northwest coast
portsalon golf club second hole and beach
Sunny golf day on the northwest coast with a coastal panorama
Golf course along the sunny northwest coast with coast and mountain views

The local area

portsalon village with people in the sea
macamish fort in lough swilly
knockalla coastal drive in donegal
ballymastocker bay near portsalon donegal

Things to do

Portsalon is a hidden gem on County Donegal’s rugged coastline. When you are finished your golfing take some time to enjoy the acclaimed Blue Flag Ballymastocker Beach (or Portsalon Beach), or hike the Knockalla coast for stunning views of Lough Swilly. You can get an insight into local history and the village’s past at Portsalon House.

Looking for food or drink? Immerse yourself in local culture at the town’s traditional Irish pubs or indulge in fresh seafood in the town’s charming restaurants.

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