Portsalon Golf Club, nestled on the breathtaking Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, is a true hidden gem for golfers of all skill levels. Originally designed in 1891 by Charles Thompson, then a professional at Royal Portrush, the course was among the founding members of the Golfing Union of Ireland. It has since undergone significant redesigns, first by the renowned Pat Ruddy in 2000 and more recently with input from former Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley, ensuring its place among Ireland’s top links courses.
Getting There & Local Attractions
From our base at the Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Northern Ireland, the journey to Portsalon took a scenic 80 minutes. The drive itself is a treat, offering panoramic views of the Donegal coastline. Crossing into the Republic of Ireland is seamless, marked only by a change in speed limits from miles per hour to kilometers per hour. It’s worth noting that the Republic uses the Euro, so be prepared for the currency switch.
The surrounding area is steeped in history and natural beauty. Portsalon sits adjacent to Ballymastocker Beach, once voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The region is also home to the historic Fanad Head Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Course at Portsalon
After our drive west, then north, we arrived at Portsalon, which definitely had that beach holiday vibe about it. It was a stunning day, and there were plenty of locals and tourists heading to the beach. We were greeted in the pro shop by a namesake of mine, Donal Callaghan, who offered to get us out early before a group of visitors. This was gratefully accepted, and within 15 minutes of arriving, we were on the first tee.
We chose to play from the white tees at 6823 yards. There were other tees available, ranging from 5396 yards to our tees. It’s a par 72 from all the tees with a front nine par of 37 and a back nine of 35. The front nine is 550 yards longer than the back. Note. The distances on the card are in meters; add 10% to convert to yards.
Where is the green?
Standing on the first tee, you can’t see the green, only a flag. The opening par 4 is a relatively short hole of only 357 yards. We took a 3 wood off the tee, which left us a wedge to the green. The only problem was, we now couldn’t see the flag either! It was a bit of a hit and hope with the second shot, but we needn’t have worried as we safely found the putting surface and two putts later, walked off with our first par.
Cracking Par 5
Valley
Valley, the 4th hole, is a cracking par 5. At 517 yards, it was reachable in two if you hit the fairway. After doing just that, we then hit 3 wood from 250 out. We expected to maybe reach the front edge. We got up there and found it was on the green but nearer to the pin on the 8th hole than the 4th, one of two double greens at Portsalon. The second shot had gone 295 yards, further than our drive. The 35-yard putt didn’t get within 25 feet of the hole, so it was a three-putt par.
Kerrs
The first and only par 3 on the front nine, Kerrs, was playing 200 yards. After much deliberation, we went with a 3 hybrid into a right-to-left breeze. It finished left and short of the green in a swale, but we managed to get up and down to save par.
Hardest Hole
Kilavee
Kilavee, the 6th hole, is the hardest hole on the course, with a stroke index 1. We decided to hit 3 wood off the tee as the wind was blowing left to right on this hole. We aimed left, then pulled it so the wind didn’t affect it and ended up on top of the dunes on the left, not the place to be. Three shots and two putts later, we walked off with a six. We now know why it’s the hardest hole on the course!
Runaway
The par 4 9th hole, Runaway, was another tough hole. Playing 454 yards. The second shot was tricky due to the slope at the front of the green and the wind. We hit driver, 3 wood and finished short. A bit of a comedown after the distance we had hit it on the 4th. Just shows the difference the wind makes, and it was only 15mph!
Longest Hole
Knockalla
Knockalla, the 11th, is the longest hole on the course at just shy of 550 yards. A decent drive and a 3 hybrid took us just short of the green. A good chip and a 3-foot putt gave us our second and last birdie of the day. We also got through the fourball in front at this hole, and they were impressed with our birdie, at least that’s what we think they said…
Altar
The 13th hole, Altar, is worthy of a mention as it’s one of only two holes on the course that, to us, don’t feel like links holes. At 350 yards, it plays slightly uphill and has trees up the left-hand side. The photo above gives you a view of the second shot. It just feels a bit different from almost all the other holes. We hit a driver off the tee and then a wedge to the green and two-putted for a par.
Wrong Line
Matterhorn
Matterhorn, the 14th, is a lovely hole. If you avoid the bunker in the centre of the fairway and get down the slope to the right of it, you only have a medium to short iron to the green on this 440-yard hole. You can cut the corner by aiming to the right of the two guys at the top of the hill in the centre of the photo. That’s the tiger line, but we only found that out after playing left towards the bunker. Our tee shot finished in the bunker. A sand wedge out onto the fairway, an 8 iron to the hidden green and a ten-foot putt gave us an unexpected par. Happy Days!
Alders
The 16th, Alders, is a dogleg par 4 of 390 yards. Your second shot plays downhill, and there is a burn just in front of the green for anyone coming up short. It is a big wide green, so pick your club wisely. Hit the green, and your work isn’t over. It’s not a straightforward two-putt.
River In
The penultimate hole is another excellent par 5 of 520 yards. It plays right to left and was our disaster hole. There is always at least one of these days! We lost two balls trying to cut the corner of the dogleg. One went out of bounds, and the other caught the ditch on the corner. Our advice is to play to the right, the corner is further away than it looks. Play it as a three-shot hole, and take a par.
A Unique Finish: Playing Over The World’s First Beach Walkway?
Well, what is it?
As we stood on the 18th tee, we could see something raised that ran right across the fairway. We didn’t know what it was, so we hit 3 wood to lay up. It turns out that the green netting covers a walkway to the beach! The walkway is about 12 feet below the fairway. We can honestly say that we didn’t notice it on the first hole as it wasn’t in play off the tee. We’ve never seen this on any other course. Maybe you have; let us know!
The 18th is, in our opinion, the only other hole that feels a bit parkland-like. At 400 yards, it’s not easy. There is a burn that runs across the front of the green, which rules out any low running shot. It plays slightly uphill, too. We hit a 3 hybrid for our second, and it finished about a foot short of the burn. A good chip and we escaped with a par.
Portsalon Summary
Portsalon Golf Club is undoubtedly worth the journey. The setting is spectacular, with views of the Knockalla mountains and the Atlantic Ocean providing a stunning backdrop. The layout is challenging but fair, rewarding good shots and punishing mistakes in true links fashion.
At a Glance:
- Proximity: 2 hours from Belfast, 80 minutes from Limavady
- Layout: A mix of classic links holes with a couple of inland-style surprises
- Facilities: A small but functional clubhouse with a warm welcome
- Scenic Beauty: Incredible views of Ballymastocker Beach
- Website: Click here to find out more about Portsalon Golf Club
A special thanks to General Manager Daragh Lyons and Pro Shop’s Donal Callaghan for their hospitality. If you’re looking for an authentic Irish links experience with a touch of history and unbeatable scenery, Portsalon Golf Club should be high on your list.
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
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