Portsalon Golf Club

Loved the course...great greens! Pro Shop Staff, Selena Gibbons, was so helpful and friendly. Very enjoyable round!

I had heard good things about portsalon GC but it definitely exceeded expectations. Although I lucked out that it was a sunny relatively calm day I think I would've loved it whatever the weather. I was a bit nervous about the conditions because the putting green looked a bit rough but the course was in absolutely fantastic summer links conditions. The fairways where very firm and fast and the greens where running true. There is a great variety to the holes which will test all areas of your game but thankfully not usually all on the one hole! The standout feature of the course to me was the green complexes and surrounds.

We selected this course after reviewing some rankings and several people had recommended it while we were staying in Downings Beach Hotel near Rosapenna. It was a scenic drive on the way over to the course and the layout was interesting. The second hole is their signature hole with a challenging drive where you can try and take as much as possible off the distance by driving it left across a river, and then decide whether to lay up or go for it on your second shot. Good elevation changes, the fairways are unique in that both sides are often surrounded by sand dunes which funnels the ball back into the fairways. The fescue can be fairly punishing so watch closely when you ball goes into it as its not always easy to find. The back nine has a bit of everything including 17 and 18 being quasi parkland, and the 18th tee deck provides spectacular views of the surrounding town, beach and Ocean. The Men's Captain Martin Blaney was very hospitable as were two members we played with and later joined for dinner in the clubhouse. The course was founded in 1891 by Mr. Barton who introduced the Barton Cup that represents the longest standing match play competition in Ireland. Lots of history, fun place to play, good value for the money. Paul McGinley is currently working on a redesign of some of the holes and bunkers to further enhance the course enjoyment and playability. The course was originally designed by Charles Thompson, and renovated by Pat Ruddy (European Club, Ballyliffin Glashedy, Druids Glen and Heath and Rosapenna Sandyhills). Other founding members of the Golfing Union of Ireland include Royal Country Down and Royal Portrush, so Portsalon is in good company. Make sure you take in the Fanad Lighthouse on your way to the course (leave and extra 25-30 minutes - great for seeing the northern lights on a clear night), and don't miss the drive along the coast from Portsalon to Rathmullan along R268.

Second time I've played here . Great course, classic links in very north of Ireland Weather rainy and blustery wind. Had great time as course was in good shape . Remember tees are by meters so playing 6700 yes. For 4 guys in their 70s is a bit long. Would strongly recommend for visitors in north Donegal. PlayStation Rosepenna as well. Few Americans go this far north but great value and comped able courses to more famous ones in the south.

Played portsalon on Tuesday 25th July, booked a hot deal and played for 25 Euro. Fantastic value for money. Staff in pro shop very helpful and friendly and course in great nick. Greens ran a little slow but ran true, some absolutely fantastic holes that are reminiscent of royal county down and others fantastic in their own right. Planned to play rosapenna links the next day but instead booked portsalon again with the hot deal for 25 Euro. I look forward to returning next year when back in Donegal.

I regularly play this course and love every minute. There is always a friendly welcome and the course is maintained to the highest of standards surpassed only by the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Cannot recommend highly enough.

Portsalon Golf Club one of the top links courses in Ireland. Fabulous scenery at every hole. Challenging, but keep it on the fairway and you are singing!
A warm welcome greets visitors, with local members keen to make your day a memorable one with lots of tips on how to enjoy & get the best from the course. The 2nd is an amazing hole - savour & enjoy every step of it! Afterwards, stop in the clubhouse for top class food. The gammon is the best around!

Great course although at the moment it is under a lot of maintenance due to some flooding

Fabulous links course in wonderful surroundings. A real challenge into the prevailing wind as its a long couse.
Greens are excellent and well maintained as are the fairways (You've to lift off to the side of them during the winter months)

Great friendly staff and club members,
a real pleasure yo play at portsalon. Ufortunately had not time to enjoy the hospitality at the 19th.

Beautiful seaside links course with surprising elevation changes. There are many 20-30 foot elevated tee boxes. Very walkable course. The staff and members were very friendly and concerned that I enjoy my round. The wind picked up on the back nine which made the holes almond the beach chalenging with cross winds.
Bring a camera as many of the tee boxes have great views of the sea or mountains.

Amazing course, one of the 25 best course in Ireland. Challenging for expert players and funny for beginners . You can meet friendly en helpings people everywhere . Staff super gently. So I have really enjoyed It

Some great changes made to this course since the last time I played here a few years ago. The 2nd is a great hole. I think most of the greens have been redesigned and have just added to a truly great test of golf. The views are also fantastic with a beautiful beach and stunning mountains in the background. I will certainly return here again.

I was very impressed with the friendliness of both staff and members at this club. We were made very welcome by everyone and had a wonderful day. The couse is both challenging and fair. I will certainly be returning to this course to play in some of their competitions.

Portsalon is a course we have played for 35 years and always include it in our annual golfing holiday this in it self speaks volumes.
You won't be disappointed with the the golf or the spectacular scenery enjoy and create a lasting memory.

Kenny Craig

Excellent Challenge fantastic layout .2nd hole is superb

Great course with good views!
We got slightly lost a few times in the rough!
The light rain made it more challenging but a ver nice course. Worth driving to.