Along the rugged shores of Northwest Ireland, the Narin & Portnoo Links has enchanted golfers for decades. Thanks to its intriguing course, towering dunes, and sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay, Narin & Portnoo has all of the necessary ingredients for an outstanding golf experience. What it lacks, however, is a location in closer proximity to the bucket-list golf courses of Ireland. As a result, Narin & Portnoo and the rest of the great courses in Northwest Ireland are usually overlooked by those embarking on Ireland golf trips.
That’s about to change.
Credit: Narin & Portnoo Links
Just a few short years ago, Narin & Portnoo was almost lost forever. The club faced dire financial difficulties brought on by growing debt and dwindling play. But the worst was avoided. Narin & Portnoo was eventually sold to a pair of new owners who share both a love of this links and a grand vision for its future.
Soon, architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner were commissioned to breathe new life into Narin & Portnoo Links. Greens were moved, tees were added, new holes were created, others were eliminated, and the raw, rugged feel of Narin & Portnoo which had been partially lost through the years was reintroduced. The end result, as you’ll see in the video below, is nothing short of spectacular.
The days of Northwest Ireland being the odd region out for golf travelers are likely numbered. In addition to the reimagined Narin & Portnoo, the Rosapenna resort will soon unveil the new St. Patrick’s Links designed by Tom Doak. There is no question that this duo will draw more visitors to the northwest coast on golf trips to Ireland in 2025. If you’d like to experience it for yourself, our advice is to get ahead of the crowd. Before long, the secret will most definitely be out.
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