- Follow us on:
From our Directory of the most recommended golf courses
Narin & Portnoo
Revise Course Description
Pace of Play
Greens
Service
Value
Design/Layout
Tucked away in the far southwest corner of County Dongeal, this is truly a hidden gem, and a golf course experience that hasn't changed since it opened in 1930. It's also known as St. Patrick's, is located on Gweebarra Bay, about 1 1/2 hours drive from Rosapenna in the seaside resort town of Portnoo. It's routed in the traditional out and in pattern, and only measures 5,865 yards, par 69, and was designed by Hughie McNeill, Eddie Connaughton, and Leo Wallace. It's a classic and outstanding stretch of links golf with the course routed through the dunes along the beach with some narrow tunnel like fairways through the moundings, elevated greens, and tees. Mostly fantastic views all around the course in a rather remote and desolate location that takes some effort to travel, but well worth the trip.
Posted by: LNewsome
Sep 30th, 2010
This was the favorite course on the trip for scenic beauty and it had some good golf too. I don't think Pebble has anything on this course regarding the beauty of ocean holes. The first 4 or 5 holes were pretty ordinary but holes 6-11 were spectacular. A real variety of holes with many interesting shots and choices. The only course I've ever played with back to back to back par 5s.
Flag Content
Posted by: ArtieM
Sep 25th, 2010
Spent the last two weeks in Ireland,here's my take. Nairn & Portnoo is way underrated. I think it was as good as Ballybunion (and way better than Lahinch). It has some mediocre holes but 6 or 7 great ones. Lahinch is okay but not worth it. Almost all of the really expensive courses are not worth it unless you just want to say you played them once. Exceptions are Royal County Down (a must) and Royal Portrush (Dunluce) twice, and played the Valley course as well. Both a real treat and must plays. If you can, call ahead to Royal County Down and see if you can get Mick to caddy for you. He's the best. Rosses Point was mediocre. Donegal (Murvah) is much a much better course about 30 clicks north. Ballyliffen (Old) was our favorite course and just amazing. I don't think there are any flat lies in the fairways. Enniscrone was good, the back nine is the star and is really good. The first hole is really hard if the wind is in your face. Cruit Island. was a labor to get to, but worth it, an incredible experience. Its nine holes but there are different sets of tees if you want to go twice (or three times). . Portsalon, tough to get to, and a little raw, might be one of the best around. Portsalon may have 5 of the best holes in Ireland, going out along the Bay. Portstewart has great set of opening holes. Castlerock is another somewhat quirky course but it was fun, and dry as a bone, which is the way they like their fairways over there. Don't play Ballycastle. Carne. Okay. Somewhat quirky. Not worth the drive to the end of the earth. Played it twice (not sure how I got convinced to go back the second time). Just okay. Connemara. A,B, C nines. A is flat and not interesting at all. B is the best. C is new and marginal. I would rather play here than Carne.
Flag Content
Posted by: McGregor
Oct 10th, 2009
An unknown and hidden gem for the most part, once you get by the first half dozen holes, it's on to the races with some classif links golf on land that was spectacular for the course in setting and character. If you're planning to be up in Donegal, this is a must play, the views are spectacular, and the setting sublime.
Flag Content