Find some of the best links golf on the planet in the north and west of Ireland
BALLYLIFFIN, County Donegal, Ireland -- Even the Irish call the remote Inishowen Peninsula on the northern tip of Ireland the "back of beyond." It's a nearly four-hour drive from Dublin (and a bit shorter from Belfast), but it's well worth the journey to discover some of the best unspoiled links in the world.
Ballyliffin Golf Club is home of two completely different courses, the Old Links laid out by Mother Nature (with an assist from Nick Faldo), and the rugged and majestic Glashedy Links.
Head west to explore charming villages and quaint towns. A great home base would be the Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort in County Donegal. Golfers can stay at a four-star hotel and play the Sandy Hills links and the Old Tom Morris links or take a short day trip to Portsalon Golf Club, an underrated gem.
Staying at the Glasshouse in Sligo is ideal for a round at County Sligo Golf Club (also called Rosses Point). This Harry Colt classic blends scenery and dunes as good as anywhere. The Dunes Course at Enniscrone and Donegal Golf Club are also within 40 miles either way. The rolling countryside of County Sligo inspired the legendary works of poet W.B. Yeats. Maybe these links will inspire your best golf, too.
