Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links
Donegal, Ireland
(31 reviews)
Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links overview
Located at the edge of Sheephaven Bay in the very north of Ireland, the Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort looks out at the stunning Downings Beach, providing spectacular views of the beautiful coastline and Irish Sea.
Facilities at the resort are pretty extensive with luxurious 4-star accommodations, spa and leisure facilities, great dining and two highly regarded championship links golf courses onsite.
Golf Courses
There are three fantastic links courses onsite at Rosapenna, with the 1893 Old Tom Morris Links and the 2003 Sandy Hills Links showcasing the old with the new. The third course named St Patrick’s Links opened in 2021 and is a first for famed course architect Tom Doak in Ireland.
Within a 90-minute drive of Rosapenna is the spectacular and newly remodelled (Gill Hanse) Narin & Portnoo Links, and also Ballyliffin Golf Club which many regard as the finest 36-hole links complex in Ireland.
Accommodation
Guests can choose from a wide variety of room types, including outstanding modern suites and deluxe rooms, some of which come equipped with private balconies from which you can marvel at the views.
Restaurant & Bars
The Vardon Restaurant and James Braid Bar are the heartbeat of Rosapenna Resort. Named after the six and five-time Open Champions respectively, who both visited here in 1906 to work on and improve the Old Tom Morris Links.
The restaurant specializes in local seafood and meats, that can be enjoyed along with spectacular sunsets and views over Sheephaven Bay.
Spa & Leisure
There are a range of body and facial treatments along with extensive leisure facilities that include a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and heated indoor swimming pool.
Location
Rosapenna Hotel and Golf Resort is in the very north of Ireland in a beautiful coastal location overlooking Sheephaven Bay. Belfast International Airport is 2 and ½ hours away and provides the best access for North American travellers.
On Site Activities
In addition to the spa, leisure facilities, and two golf courses there is also a 12-hole pitch ‘n’ putt course at Rosapenna, which is ideal for beginners, as well as a FootGolf course for soccer enthusiasts.
There is also a billiards room inside the hotel with a full-size snooker table. Local attractions include the Fanad Lighthouse and Glenveagh National Park, which is a beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes.
Golf courses at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links
Old Tom Morris Links
Old Tom Morris of St Andrews fame stumbled across this beautiful piece of links land whilst visiting the area in 1891. He was quick to stake out the first Rosapenna Links and tell his golfing buddies. News spread fast and Rosapenna became a place of pilgrimage for golfers at the turn of the century, with both Harry Vardon and James Braid falling under its spell. With tweaks and extensions over the years, the layout today is a great test of golf with magnificent views over Sheephaven Bay.
Sandy Hills Course
There are two highly regarded links golf courses at the Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, which is located in the very north of Ireland overlooking the beautiful Sheephaven Bay. The newer Sandy Hills Links opened for play in 2003 and is a formidable test that runs through gigantic dunes and has constantly undulating fairways, nasty greenside bunkers and fast greens. Along with The European Club just south of Dublin, you could argue this is Pat Ruddy’s best work.
St Patrick's Links
St Patrick's Links was re-imagined by critically acclaimed architect, Tom Doak, and is now the latest addition to the mesmerizing Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links. This modern links design sits on the west coast of Ireland, providing spectacular views alongside the memorable round you are sure to have. In the front-nine alone you are taken on a journey through large dunes, over Sheephaven Bay, and down by the coast - providing a unique golfing experience.
