Golf Weekends – Golf in Ireland 2026 (Part 1)
If you’re looking to escape for a 2–3 night golf weekend with friends in Ireland, here are some of the best options to consider.
Realistically, a standard weekend allows for two rounds of golf. If you can take Friday or Monday off, you can comfortably add a third round. For each destination below, I’ve included an optional extra course if you want to extend the trip.
Rosapenna - St. Patrick’s Links 15th hole
North Coast Golf (Northern Ireland)
Where to stay & travel
You can base yourself in Portrush or Ballycastle, both just 1 hour from Belfast City or Belfast International Airport. From Dublin, the drive is approximately 3 hours.
There’s no shortage of hotels and Airbnbs in the area.
The North Coast is a golfer’s paradise, home to some of the best links courses in Ireland.
Golf Courses
Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links)
Portstewart Strand Links
Castlerock (Mussenden Links)
Ballycastle Golf Club
⚠️ Note: Royal Portrush and Portstewart Strand are extremely popular — tee times should be booked months in advance.
There are also excellent budget-friendly alternatives if you’re booking last minute:
Cushendall Golf Club
Ballyreagh Golf Club
Rathmore Golf Club
Benone Golf Club
🆕 Coming soon: Ballerena Golf Links (opening 2029), the first championship links course built in Northern Ireland in over 100 years.
Suggested Weekend Line-Up
Main Events
Royal Portrush – Dunluce Links
Portstewart – Strand Links
Alternative Events
Castlerock – Mussenden Links
Ballycastle Golf Club
Things to Do (Off the Course)
Portrush
The Harbour Bar is a must-visit. Packed with golf memorabilia from around the world, it’s a favourite among visiting golfers. Don’t forget to split the G on your Guinness.
Ballycastle
The Harbour Bar (different owners to Portrush) sits right on the seafront.
Angler’s Arm (also known locally as The Diver or Tessie’s) is just up the road.
Ballycastle Golf Club is less than a 10-minute walk from both bars, with stunning views of Fair Head and the beach. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland.
Walks & Sightseeing
Mussenden Temple
The Dark Hedges
Ballintoy Harbour
Murlough Bay (Game of Thrones filming location)
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge cliff walk
Portrush East Strand Beach
Portstewart Strand Beach
Ballycastle Forest
Donegal Golf
Another outstanding golf county, Donegal offers world-class links golf paired with dramatic scenery.
Golf Courses
Top-tier courses include:
Rosapenna (St Patrick’s Links, Sandy Hills, Old Tom Morris)
Donegal (Murvagh) Links
Ballyliffin (Glashedy & Old Links)
Portsalon Links
Portsalon Links - 2nd hole
Other excellent options:
Portnoo Links
Cruit Island Golf Club (scenic 9 holes)
Letterkenny Golf Club
Dunfanaghy Golf Club
Where to stay
Letterkenny – Central base with great nightlife, bars, and restaurants.
Downings – A more relaxed coastal option and my personal recommendation. Ideal for a short stay, with accommodation close to Rosapenna and Downings village.
Rosapenna Hotel is also open during the summer season.
Suggested Weekend Line-Up
Main Events
Rosapenna – St Patrick’s Links
Donegal – Murvagh Links
Alternative Events
Rosapenna – Sandy Hills
Portsalon Links
Things to Do (Off the Course)
Glenveagh National Park – Great hiking and scenery
Mount Errigal – Iconic Donegal hike
Slieve League Cliffs – Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe
Ballymastocker Bay (Portsalon) – One of Ireland’s best beaches
Knockalla Peninsula Drive – Stunning coastal views
Carrickabraghy Castle (Ballyliffin) – Incredible viewpoint
Food & Drink
Downings: Goose & Gander for pizza and cocktails, followed by a pint in the Harbour Bar overlooking Sheephaven Bay with Rosapenna in the background.
Letterkenny: The Lemon Tree restaurant, then onto the Cottage Bar for atmosphere.
Need help planning?
If you’d like me to create a custom golf weekend itinerary or need help choosing courses, accommodation, or tee times, feel free to message me anytime.
Part 2 coming soon…