Playing golf at Greencastle Golf Club in County Donegal is a delightful blend of raw coastal beauty, traditional links charm, and warm Irish hospitality. Situated on the eastern edge of the Inishowen Peninsula, this picturesque 18-hole course hugs the shores of Lough Foyle. It offers panoramic views across the water to Magilligan Point and the north coast of Northern Ireland. It’s a course that rewards accuracy over brute strength and provides a memorable experience for golfers of all levels.
Greencastle is only 25 miles as the crow flies from the golfing mecca of Portrush and Portstewart and less than 12 miles from Castlerock. Those distances are dependant on taking the 15 minute ferry across from Magilligan Point to Greencastle. It will cost less than £20 for a car and passengers but it will save you over an hour’s driving going through Londonderry and around Lough Foyle.
Greencastle History
Originally founded in 1892 as a 9-hole course, Greencastle was extended to 18 holes in 1998. The layout weaves through the loughside links land, elevated tees, and tight fairways, some lined with gorse, with the occasional stone wall and burn adding strategic interest. Its compact design and natural terrain give it the feel of days gone by. A course that hasn’t been overly manufactured but instead allowed to evolve organically with the land. The ever-present sea breeze adds a layer of challenge, constantly shifting and making club selection a thoughtful part of every shot.
The par 70 course is not long by modern standards. There are three sets of tees to choose from, measuring from 5245 yards to 5972 yards from the back tees. The day we visited it was blowing a proverbial hoolie, with gusts between 25 to 30mph, possibly even more, which meant yardages went out the window. On a day like that, it all about feel, touch and plenty of luck, with a bucket load of patience thrown in. A perfect day for links golf….we love a challenge.
Front Nine Favourites
Our favourite holes on the opening nine were the 2nd, 5th and 6th holes. All have various degrees of drama as you will soon find out. You may have different ones, it’s all about opinions after all.
The approach to the 2nd green
The second hole is the hardest hole, stroke index 1. on the course. At 425 yards, it was playing into the wind which meant that you had to hit a Sunday best tee shot to have any chance of reaching the green in two. It’s an uphill approach as well so keep to the right half of the green as anything short and left of centre will roll back down the slope. A par here and you should be delighted.
The Longest Par 3
Looking back from the green to the tee on the 5th
The 5th hole is a stunner. Playing 199 yards it was into the wind. The game in front of us, everyone of them hit driver off the tee and no one made the green. The tee is directly over the top of the flag in the photo, you can just make out someone on the tee. You cannot go left. The green is undulating so even when you reach it there is no guarantee you will two putt. This is a tough par 3.
How Brave Are You?
The daunting tee shot on the 6th
On a calm day, the line off the tee on this short 324 yard par 4 is probably just left of the white house. Into the wind, it’s probably somewhere between the two bushes well right of the house to make sure you get to the fairway. This left a mid iron to the green when normally it would be a drive and a wedge.
Back Nine Delights
Our favourite holes on the inward nine were the 11th, 12th and 15th holes with a special mention to the 18th, which is our header photo.
The dangerous 11th hole
One of the reasons we chose to feature the 11th is that it’s completely different from any of the other par 3’s. The rocky bank in the foreground hides the front of the green so beware of the burn and bunker short. This is not a hole to go long on either. It plays it’s 181 yards even from the elevated tee so choose your club wisely.
Signature Hole
The stunning tee shot on the 12th
The line off the tee on the 12th is over the rocky outcrop on the beach. The hole isn’t long at 375 yards but the further right you go the longer the carry to the fairway. Your second shot is over the slope to a hidden green. We advise you walk forward from your tee shot to get a look at the green before attempting your approach. Don’t go long as the lough is just over the back of the green.
Still can’t see the green on the 12th
When you walk up to see the green on 12, make sure you go all the way up until you can see all of the green. Many a player has been caught out on this hole. You don’t want to be one of them.
The Shortest Hole
The short 15th hole
The 15th hole is only 116 yards but again you have to hit the green for your best chance of making a par. The green is surrounded by bunkers and is raised so if you miss the putting surface, the best of luck getting up and down for your par.
As we only pick three holes on each nine we have used the par 3 18th as our header photo. Not that many courses finish with a par 3 and this one, at 187 yards is a cracker.
In Our Opinion
The course at Greencastle was in excellent condition. It was a little fiery in places due to the recent dry spell but the occasional rain shower was beginning to soften it up again. Those coming to the North of Ireland for the Open Championship should consider Greencastle GC as an affordable option against the high end and high priced courses near to Portrush. Their rates range from 60 to 80 euros and it’s fantastic value. Not everyone can afford the premier courses pricing so Greencastle will provide an exceptional experience for a reasonable cost.
No, it wasn’t misty….
Our thanks go to Gemma McClenaghen, the PGA Professional at Greencastle for the invite. Gemma is a bright and bubbly people person who will certainly look after all visiting golfers. Put this course on your list of courses to play in Donegal, we loved it.
Where to Stay
McGrory’s Hotel in Culdaff
We stayed in McGrory’s Hotel, a well known establishment about 20 minutes drive from Greencastle. McGrorys is the ideal base for golf as it’s only 15 minutes from Ballyliffin and many other courses in North Donegal.
Our room
Our room was modern and well equipped with a bath and a shower. Perfect for a relaxing soak after golf in the wind. There are tea and coffee making facilities in the room.
Guinness is a MUST when in Ireland
The superb roast beef
We ate in the bar. As it was a Sunday we opted for the Sunday Roast from the menu. We both opted for the beef and it was superb. The beef was tender and it was accompanied by a large roast potato, buttery mash and seasonal vegetables, not forgetting a delicious gravy. We both cleared our plates. We also had an added bonus of live traditional Irish music in the bar, accompanied by a couple of pints of the black stuff. Perfect!!
Healthy Breakfast
Avocado and poached eggs
Now, those of you that follow our travels will know that I love a cooked breakfast but this year’s Tour of Ireland will feature some healthier options. After all I am getting to that age where I can’t keep having fry up’s and expect to walk it off on the golf course. The smashed avocado and poached eggs, with toast on the side was the slightly healthier option on this occasion. I am sure the odd fry up will feature in future articles.
Useful Links
Lough Foyle Ferry to Greencastle
Next, on our travels, we visit North West Golf Club, known locally as the St. Andrews of Ireland. Watch out for that article, coming soon.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish Golf Clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
Featured Post
0
