Narin & Portnoo Links is a par 73 links course on Ireland's wild north west coast, with Gweebara Bay and the Atlantic never far from view. If you like your golf a bit raw around the edges in the best possible way, this is the kind of place you'll talk about on the drive home. It's also a brilliant option if you're building a Donegal trip and want something that feels properly "out there", yet still welcoming off the tee.
The front nine gives you a chance to settle in before the round heads into more dramatic dune ground, where the wind can turn a sensible target into a proper decision. Work carried out in 2019 introduced new green sites and a revised routing, adding bite and variety without losing the course's friendly feel.
The hole everyone remembers is the par three 7th, played over a deep chasm to a two-tier green. Pick the wrong club and you'll be scrambling, pick the right one and you'll feel like you've nicked a score on a hole that looks far too good for you.
It was voted 'Best Hidden Gem in Ulster 2019', and it earns that tag. If you're planning an Ireland north west links break, Narin & Portnoo is well worth building into the itinerary.
Who is this for?
Golf groups and societies who want a genuine Donegal links day out, somewhere scenic, memorable and a bit different from the usual 'big names'.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy links shots off firm turf (mid-handicaps upwards), plus confident strikers who'll fancy taking on the wind and the sharper dune holes.
