Ballyliffin,
Inishowen, Co. Donegal
Office
+353 (0)74 9376 119Pro shop
+353 (0)74 9378 100Fax
+353 (0)74 9376 672Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Gareth McCausland (PGA Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland.
Designer:
Ballyliffin's original nine-hole course dated back to 1947. Between 1970 and 1973 a "new course" was brought into play on neighbouring ground, replacing the original nine holes. This new layout (now known as the Old Links) was designed by Eddie Hackett with input from local agricultural adviser Martin Hopkins, and English course architects Frank Pennink and Charles Lawrie. Recent modifications to the Old Links were made by Nick Faldo (2005). The Glashedy Links dates from 1995.
Above distances are for the Old Links. Also at Ballyliffin is the 18-hole Glashedy Links (par-72; 7,217 yds from back tees), and 9-hole Pollan Links par-3 course (par-27; 1075 yards).
55.297526
-7.377820
40 km N of Derry (Londonderry)
From Derry (Londonderry) take the A2 direction Newtown Cunningham / Letterkenny and then the R238 direction Burnfoot / Buncrana. From Buncrana (still on the R238) follow direction Drumfree / Cardonagh. After 8 km in Drumfree, follow the R238 direction Clonmany. After 8.4 km (at pink church) turn right direction Ballyliffin GC. After 4 km turn left into entrance to Ballyliffin GC.
Ballyliffin Golf Club (Old Links): Ballyliffin! A very Irish sounding name, which (in golfers' parlance) stands for a wonderland of links golf, where the game is played through sand dunes of every imaginable size.
Like its sister course (Glashedy), with which it is closely entwined, Ballyliffin's Old Links is another standard bearer for Irish links golf. Although a tad shorter than the Glashedy, the family resemblances and hallmarks of quality are clear to see. "Identical twins" might be an apt description for the pair.
Undulating fairways, excellent revetted bunkering and fast true greens are found in abundance on the Old Links. On the back-nine, especially at the 14th, 15th and 16th, the course gets right alongside the beach. From here you'll enjoy wonderful views out across Pollan Bay from the elevated tee-boxes. If "working the ball" is your forte, there's plenty of opportunity for shaping shots into the many doglegging holes. You'll also need to cope with the vagaries of the weather, which ensures your all-round game is given a thorough workout.
Like the Glashedy, the Old Course provides undiluted links golf in a superbly natural "big dunes" environment. If you are coming to Ballyliffin, and links golf is what you thrive on, ensure you give yourself time to play both courses.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, combination tickets, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Non-metal spike facility. Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available if pre-booked.
Good
Ballyliffin is just a few miles from the most northerly tip of Ireland - Malin Head (well-known from shipping weather forecasts).
Old Links:
Ireland's 21st best course (Golf World, 2025).
Britain & Ireland's 100th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 937 6107
Visit websiteThe Strand Hotel is situated amid an Irish paradise of golden sandy beaches, beautiful hillsides, world class golf courses, a plethora of cheerful watering holes and a warm friendly face at every turn.
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Ballyliffin (Glashedy Links and Old Links)
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Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
+353 (0)74 937 6106
Visit websiteThe Ballyliffin Hotel is situated in the north west peninsula of Donegal, one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland. Ballyliffin nestles between towering mountains and beautiful small hillsides, overlooking the golden sands of Pollan Bay and a stones throw from the famous Ballyliffin Golf Club.
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Ballyliffin (Glashedy Links and Old Links)
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