The Irish Weekends Guide: Vol 1. North Coast, Donegal and Dublin
Planning a 2-to-3-night golf weekend with friends in Ireland usually means one thing: two main rounds on Saturday and Sunday, plus an optional Friday/Monday "bonus" round if you can take a day off work.
To help you plan the ultimate weekend getaway, we’ve broken down three of the best regions in Ireland; complete with course tiers, transport logistics, local pub stops, and nearby scenic treks for your post-round recharge.
Region 1: The North Coast
The Logistics: Less than an hour's drive from Belfast City or Belfast International Airport (approx. 3 hours from Dublin). Base yourself in Portrush or Ballyliffin/Ballycastle.
⛳ The Golf Lineup
The North Coast features some of the finest links turf on the planet. Keep in mind that heavyweights like Royal Portrush and Portstewart Strand book out months in advance, so plan ahead!
Looking Ahead: Keep an eye out for Ballarena Golf Links, set to open in 2029 as Northern Ireland's first championship links layout built in over 100 years.
Main Event (Championship Links): Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links), Portstewart (Strand Course), Castlerock (Mussenden Course).
Secondary / Alternative Event: Ballycastle Golf Club, Cushendall Golf Club.
10th Hole at Ballycastle Golf Cluib
🥾 The Trek & Sightseeing Pairings
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & Coastal Path: Thrilling cliffside paths with island views.
Murlough Bay & Fair Head: Dramatic Game of Thrones filming locations looking out toward Scotland.
Portstewart Strand & Portrush East Strand: Miles of pristine golden sand for a morning warm-up walk.
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne: 120-foot cliff-edge ruins overlooking the ocean.
🍻 Local Pints & After-Hours
Portrush: Head straight to the famous Harbour Bar. It’s wall-to-wall with international golf memorabilia, a world traveler map, and some of the best-poured Guinness on the coast. Don't forget to split the G!
Ballyliffin / Ballycastle: Ballycastle also features its own Harbour Bar (No relation to Portrush’s Harbour bar) right on the seafront. Just up the road is The Angler’s Arms, known locally as The Diver or Tessie’s. It’s a 10-minute walk from Ballycastle Golf Club, offering views across the bay to Fair Head.
Region 2: Wild West Donegal
The Logistics: Stay in Letterkenny for a lively town hub packed with restaurants and nightlife, or base yourself in Downings for a cozy, coastal village vibe right on the sand.
⛳ The Golf Lineup
Main Event (Championship Links): Rosapenna (St. Patrick’s Links), Rosapenna (Sandy Hills), Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh), Ballyliffin (Glashedy Course), Portsalon Links, Narin & Portnoo.
Secondary / Bonus Rounds: Ballyliffin (Old Course), Rosapenna (Old Tom Morris), Cruit Island (9-hole cliffside gem),
Portsalon Golf Links
🥾 The Trek & Sightseeing Pairings
Glenveagh National Park & Mount Errigal: Inland mountain ridges and lakeside castle walks.
Slieve League Sea Cliffs: Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, located in West Donegal.
Knockalla Drive & Ballymastocker Bay: Drive the spectacular peninsula road overlooking Portsalon's world-famous beach.
🍻 Local Pints & Eats
If Staying in Downings: Grab wood-fired pizza and cocktails at Goose & Gander, then walk over to Downings' own Harbour Bar (And yes, it’s ANOTHER spot called The Harbour Bar, no relation or franchise to the ones in Portrush or Ballycastle, just a legendary standalone 18th-century Donegal pub with great stout) for a pint of stout overlooking Sheephaven Bay and Rosapenna's dunes.
If Staying in Letterkenny: Book a table at The Lemon Tree Restaurant for top-tier local Irish cuisine, followed by nightcaps at the cozy Cottage Bar.
Harbour Bar, Downings
Region 3: The Dublin & East Coast Experience
If you want minimal driving time after landing, a Dublin weekend offers a seamless blend of world-class links, grand castle parklands, and vibrant capital city nightlife.
⛳ The Golf Lineup
Recommended Courses
What to Expect
Premium Links
The Island, Portmarnock Golf Club, County Louth (Baltray)
Pure, high-end championship links golf. Deep dunes, coastal winds, and tour-quality conditions.
Mid-Range Parkland
Carton House (O'Meara/Montgomerie), Killeen Castle, Luttrellstown Castle
Championship resort layouts set on historic estate grounds with grand clubhouse castles.
Value & Scenic
Powerscourt (East/West), Tulfarris Golf Club, St. Margaret’s
Beautiful Wicklow mountain/lake backdrops and approachable pricing for weekend groups.
🏨 Recommended Weekend Bases
Coastal Links Base: Stay in Malahide or Howth. You’re 15 minutes from Portmarnock and The Island, surrounded by seafood restaurants, traditional pubs, and coastal trains (DART).
Resort Base: Stay on-site at Carton House or Powerscourt Hotel & Spa for luxury golf, thermal suites for non-playing companions, and fine dining under one roof.
🥾 The Trek & Sightseeing Pairings
Howth Cliff Path Loop: A dramatic coastal cliff walk offering views across Dublin Bay to Ireland's Eye.
Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains: Located 30 minutes south of Powerscourt/Tulfarris, offering ancient monastic ruins and lakeside mountain trails.
Velvet Strand Coastal Walk: Walk the sandy shoreline directly connecting Portmarnock to Malahide.
🍻 Local Pints & Eats
Malahide Village: Head to Gibney’s of Malahide, a legendary golf pub with a rooftop garden, live sports, and a perfect post-round atmosphere.
Dublin City Center: If you head into the city, grab a pint at Kehoe’s or The Toners for an authentic Dublin pub experience away from the Temple Bar tourist traps.