Out & About: North West Ireland

Whether you settle in County Sligo, County Donegal, or County Mayo, you’ll be greeted by an unmistakable Irish brogue, a smile and a pint of Guinness that is sure to make you feel welcome.

While the Championship courses of Enniscrone, Carne and Ballyliffin may take up most of your time, a day exploring the north west region, aimlessly wandering the coastal routes rounds up the perfect way to enjoy your next Ireland golf vacation. The region, known more for its natural sights, is far more tranquil than the rest, and the untamed beauty embodies the Irish through and through; tough, wild and hearty.

Often overlooked when considering the premier golfing destinations worldwide is Ireland’s north west region, but you needn’t look any further than the Mount Falcon Estate to find your home away from home. This luxurious manor house resides on a 100-acre spread nestled into the thick Irish woodlands and boasts delectable fare, a cozy and inviting décor and a plethora of activities sure to keep your itinerary filled. Whether you fancy a stay in a superior room, a lodge, or lake view or woodland suites, your accommodation blends modern fixtures with rustic furnishings for the quintessential Irish experience.

For a stay and play experience, the Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort is the perfect option, providing luxurious 4-star accommodation overlooking Sheephaven Bay and two highly regarded championship courses onsite. A modern exterior exudes both comfort and tranquillity upon arrival, while the interior décor honors the years of history instrumental in the resorts’ charm.

We could talk about these courses all day long with each one having subtle differences that endear you to it, but the way the respective membership welcomes you at every venue makes you feel as if you’ve long been a member.

With two championship courses on-site, Ballyliffin Golf Club stands out ever so slightly above the rest. Offering two contrasting experiences, the Glashedy Links, some 22 years younger than its counterpart, was fashioned around the magnificent dunes and harmonizes with the natural surroundings, while the Old Links retains a more traditional and rugged layout most recently altered by Sir Nick Faldo. The expansive panoramic vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean, the jagged Irish coastline and the natural mountainous countryside only add to the allure this 36-hole venue possesses.

Quite common throughout the region is the use of fresh and locally sourced produce, and no one has perfected it better than the Mount Falcon Estate. A unique characteristic of the Kitchen Restaurant is the seasonality of their menus; built around and catering to the availability of fresh produce, dishes are designed to appease even the most diverse of pallets. The River Moy, which runs through the Estate, is not only the perfect place to spend an afternoon, but it is also the source of their staple Wild Atlantic Salmon. All meat and poultry served on-site are of local origin as well, ensuring the freshness you’d expect from a 5-star dining experience.

In a similar fashion, the Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort infuses their dishes with local ingredients. Whether it be a Donegal Ham or the Sheephaven Bay Lobster, the Vardon Restaurant is primed and ready with an array of options to satisfy even the most ravenous appetite. For the best post-round meal, look no further than Jack's Bar at Ballyliffin Lodge, Hotel & Spa.

Unique to Ireland's north-west region is the luxury of playing with a motorized cart. Links golf, which has long been reserved for walking only, can be enjoyed here without limitations. Whether you’re trying to preserve the legs or have a more serious condition that prevents you from walking, the carts are an alternative that affords everyone the opportunity to enjoy the nuances of links golf.