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The Global Golfer Top 100
Ballyliffin — Glashedy Links
Ballyliffin, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland · #17 in the World
Location: Ballyliffin, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland | Ranking: #17 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links | Partner Stay: Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa; Lough Eske Castle
Editor’s Note: The Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin — designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock — is Ireland’s most undervalued championship course. At the very tip of the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, looking out across the Atlantic to Malin Head, the setting rivals Portrush for coastal drama. The host of the 2018 Irish Open, it introduced the world’s best players to what discerning golfers have known for years: Donegal is Ireland’s greatest undiscovered golfing county.
1. Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Ballyliffin is on the Inishowen Peninsula, 30km north of Derry/Londonderry. From Dublin, approximately 3h 30m. From Belfast, 2h via Derry.
- Nearest Airport: Derry City (LDY) — 50 mins. Belfast International (BFS) — 2h.
2. Contact & Booking
- Tel: +353 (0)74 937 6119 | Website: ballyliffingolfclub.com
- Green Fees: From €120 (Glashedy Links) | Rating / Slope: 74.2 / 137
- Note: The Old Links on site is also excellent and significantly cheaper.
3. Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 35 |
| Yards | 412 | 188 | 408 | 536 | 423 | 175 | 434 | 436 | 395 | 3,407 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 536 | 395 | 178 | 445 | 507 | 202 | 432 | 398 | 450 | 3,543 | 7,165 |
4. Key Strategy Notes
- The Glashedy Rock: A dramatic sea stack offshore gives the course its name — visible from multiple holes and never more dramatic than from the 15th tee, which plays directly toward it with the Atlantic horizon beyond.
- Holes 7–9: The most exposed stretch — three holes running completely unprotected against the Atlantic wind. Club selection can vary by three clubs between morning and afternoon.
5. The 19th Hole
- Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa (4★): Adjacent to the course — spa treatments after 36 holes on the Donegal coast are genuinely restorative. Book via Expedia →
- Lough Eske Castle (5★): 45 minutes south — Donegal’s finest hotel, a restored 16th-century castle on a private lake.