Donegal Golf Club, more commonly referred to as ‘Murvagh’ in the golf community, is a masterful collaboration of Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy – two of Ireland’s finest links golf architects. This spectacular course sits on the Murvagh Peninsula against the beautiful backdrop of Donegal Bay and the Bluestock Mountains.
The outward nine loops anticlockwise with the inward nine playing clockwise, and it plays to an unusual par 73 for both men and women, with five par 5s, four par 3s, and nine par 4s. Both the stunning setting and monster championship layout of Donegal Golf Course make it an incredibly popular stop on our North West Ireland Golf Tour.
The original Hackett design opened in 1973 and then Pat Ruddy updated and modernized the course in 1992 and 2017. Ruddy lengthened the course to a stout 7,450 yards from the tips and bettered at least 11 of the original holes.
With the overall length and constant ever changing wind as a hazard on its own, the course now features 5 sets of tees. Plus a beginner tee to bring more people and juniors into the game and provide enjoyment for every skill level of golfer.
Despite its length it is an easy walk with no dramatic elevation changes. Even without large elevation changes the stunning views, especially on the outward loop, are enough to distract even the lowest handicappers.
The signature 5th hole, aptly named, ‘Valley of Tears’ having caused a few, even from the professionals. A 195-yard par 3, requiring a semi-blind tee shot to a narrow plateau green defended by bunkers in front and below.
Darren Clarke, a longtime member, admits Donegal Golf Club is ‘One of my favorite courses in the world.’ Be sure and allow some time on your North West Golf trip to also go shopping in the town of Donegal and bring home some of their famous tweed.
Donegal Golf Club in Ireland offers a rich history and exciting play for golfers visiting the Emerald Coast. Renowned for breathtaking views of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains, this course is a must-play on any North West Ireland golf trip.
Comprising a challenging layout complete with a constant sea breeze, even the most experienced players are tested here.
Playing Donegal Golf Course is memorable for all who play here, which makes it unsurprising that it’s noted as one of the best courses in Northwest Ireland. The outside loop plays along the dunes and ocean, where stunning views are visible from every angle.
In addition to the playing conditions, Donegal Golf Club is home to a vast range of flora, fauna, and wildlife. Players here can expect to see native larks nesting at ground level, as well as a diverse landscape that changes through the seasons.
The Donegal Golf Course officially opened to the public in May 1960, after a group of local men met at the Donegal Courthouse to discuss and design the first golf course near Donegal Town. Built on land in the Tullycullion townland, donated by the Temple family, the course remained here for 10 years before moving to the 180 acres of Murvagh peninsula due to increasing demand for a much larger links course.
In 1973, a 99-year lease on the new piece of land was obtained, and a newly designed 18-hole course was opened for play with expert help from Eddie Hackett. The following year, Pat Ruddy came aboard and supported the design of new course features. By 1976, Donegal Golf Club was home to a new clubhouse and 80 members. The club has continued to evolve over time, embracing modernization and development that support its recognition as one of the top 100 courses in the world
Allan O’Connor, Ireland Operations Manager
I always recommend Lough Eske Castle, and honestly, it’s hard to beat. Nestled just outside Donegal Town, this 5-star castle hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort, making it an unforgettable base for your golf trip. After a day on the fairways, unwind in the castle’s award-winning spa or enjoy a fireside drink in the drawing room. It’s a perfect balance of golf and indulgence.
North West Ireland is a hidden gem of a golfing destination. In comparison to better know tours of Northern Ireland or the South West, unearth some of the finest links on the emerald Isle, including Enniscrone, Rosapenna, Ballyliffin and Carne.
6 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf
From $4,608 per golfer
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Donegal has one 18-hole championship links course, stretching over 7400 yards from the tips. Eddie Hackett designed the course, later revamped by Pat Ruddy, and has hosted many national and professional tournaments. It is widely regarded as one of the best courses in Ireland and is isolated by the Bluestack Mountains and a forest of evergreens.
The distance between Knock Airport and the Donegal Golf Club is just a little over 117 kilometers by road, translating to 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving.
You can also take an Expressway bus from Knock Airport to Donegal Town Center. The bus runs five times daily and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The fare is about €14 – €20, and from the Donegal Town Center, you can take a local bus or taxi to the golf club, which is about 10 kilometers away.
To book a tee time at Donegal Golf Club, you can conveniently arrange it through Premier Golf as part of a Northwest Ireland golf package.
At Donegal Golf Club, the green fees depend on the season and day of the week you play. From November to March, the fees are €50, €30, and €40 for 18 holes, students (with an ID and under 23), and societies (12+ golfers), respectively.
In April and October (the shoulder months of the high season), the fees are €120, €170, €40, and €75 for 18 holes, 36 holes, students (with ID, under 23), and societies (12+) respectively.
From May to September (the proper high season), those same fees break down as follows: €175, €240, €45, and €100 for 18 holes, 36 holes, students (with ID, under 23), and societies (12+) respectively.
In addition to the student, societies, and 36 holes discounts, golfers can also get husband and wife pairs discounts.