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From our Directory of the most recommended golf courses
Ballyliffin Golf Club
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Ballyliffin Golf Club, Two great courses here the Old and Glashedy Links. Located near the tip of the Inishowen Peninsula, in the Republic of Ireland just 20 miles west of Northern Ireland, “Dornoch of Ireland" with two amazing courses, located in the town of Ballyliffin. The Old Links, was designed in 1947 by F. C. Friel, so not that old for Ireland golf practically speaking, and is classic linksland. The land is somewhat flattish, but its real defense is the fairways, surely the most rippling, even crumpled, in all of golf. There is not a flat lie to be found, in fact, it can be difficult to find your ball if you’re more than a few feet away! The newest course at Ballyliffin is the Glashedy Links, named after the Glashedy Rock just off the coast, a miniature Ailsa Craig not unlike Turnberry’s. Running high above the sea and the club’s Old Links, the views are spectacular, especially the 360° from the par-3 7th tee. Designed by Pat Ruddy, one of Ireland's modern day architects, and Tom Craddock, this is one of the finest courses in all of Ireland. Ballyliffin is easily included on a Northern Ireland or Northwest Ireland trip, either as a day visit from the Antrim Coast. A must play and must stay at the Lodge. We were there for one 36 hole day, and wished we'd booked a couple of days here. Excellent golf layouts both and conditions, and a beautiful setting.
Posted by: LNewsome
Sep 30th, 2010
Overall these were some of the best conditioned courses I've played in the UK (I know we weren't in the UK). Very firm and fast - as usual - with firms greens and good turf on the fairways. The two courses really highlighted the old way versus the new way of making golf courses. The Old course had the most rumpled fairways of any course I've played. It was clear that the holes were just found and the grass mown down. The Glashedy had gentle rolls in the fairway depsite the holes being interwoven amongst the Old course. It was obvious bull dozers had been brought in to create the holes. This was such a shame to me because it was not needed. It left me feeling that I had played an American links or resort course. But we still enjoyed it. The rought at both courses was presented in the best fashion of any of the courses. It was long but wispy. We generally could walk right to our ball and find it. Some lies allowed you to play the ball to the green while others required a pitch out. Perfect maintenace in my opinion.
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Posted by: McGregor
Oct 10th, 2009
If you only have time for one course here, play the Glashedy, it has more elevation change, and substance than the Old, but then again if I had to do it over again, I'd plop down in the lodge and stay for three days, playing 36 a day on both courses! Excellent conditions, pace of play was no problem as it is anywhere over here, and nice clubhouse and food service/bar. Favored it over Rosapenna a bit, but both are great.
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Posted by: dannyp
Aug 6th, 2009
Two fantastic golf courses here, nice contrast, the old one is strong enoughin its own right with nary a flat lie to be found on the rippled fairways. The Ruddy course was excellent, much more in terms of character, elevation, hole design, with some great views. Both in great shape, the Old course is easily walkable, the Ruddy wears on you a bit. Nice restaurant/bar overlooking the 18th, beautiful setting overall, and reasonably priced. Stay at the lodge in town.
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