Planning a week of links golf in Donegal is exciting, but it can also turn into a logistics job if you try to do everything yourselves. Courses are spread across the vast county, weather can change within an hour and group travel times can slip if one car is delayed or someone misses a turn.
Letterkenny Coaches helps visiting golfers keep the week simple. We handle airport transfers, daily transfers to courses and timing between rounds so your group arrives together and stays on schedule. Most visiting groups fly into Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn, City of Derry Airport, Belfast International, Belfast City or Dublin Airport, possibly Knock Airport. The right choice depends on flight times, your chosen base and how many rounds you want to fit in.
How to build a golf week that feels relaxed
A good plan is not about squeezing in as many courses as possible. It is about choosing the right mix and keeping travel time sensible.
For most groups of 8 to 16 golfers, a single base works well. You can then cluster rounds by area and keep one lighter day in the middle. That lighter day can be a shorter course, a nine hole stop like Cruit Island or a rest day with a meal and a walk.
If you want to include Royal Portrush or Royal County Down, treat that as a full day. It is not a quick add on. A dedicated day keeps stress low and protects the rest of the schedule.
Airports and arrival planning
Your arrival day shapes the tone for the week. If the group arrives in different airports, agree one pickup plan early so nobody waits longer at airports than needed.
Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn is convenient for north west itineraries, while City of Derry Airport can suit Inishowen focused weeks. Belfast International and Belfast City are useful for wider flight options and Dublin Airport can still work well if you plan a single transfer and avoid a late night arrival.
For larger groups, a 53 seater coach keeps everyone together and protects the schedule. A fully loaded vehicle can be up to 18,000 kg (39,683 lbs), so experience on regional roads and safe stopping points matters.
The Donegal links circuit
The courses below are the core of many Donegal golf trips. They are not listed to rank them, because we do not play off scratch. They are listed to help you build a route.
Rosapenna St Patrick’s Links
St Patrick’s Links is often a headline round for visitors staying in the Downings area. It is a modern links that rewards smart angles and a clear plan from the tee. It also works well early in the week because it sets the tone for what Donegal golf feels like.
Ballyliffin Glashedy Links and Old Links
Ballyliffin offers two strong rounds in one location. Glashedy can feel demanding with longer holes and exposed stretches. The Old Links has a more traditional rhythm and can suit a wide range of handicaps. Playing both gives variety without changing base.
Rosapenna Sandy Hills Links
Sandy Hills is a sterner test through the natural Ros Guill dunes. You will feel the value of positioning, especially when wind comes across the holes. Many groups like to play Sandy Hills the day after St Patrick’s because the travel is minimal and the contrast is clear. And the wind will have changed direction, just to make it interesting.
Portsalon Golf Club
Portsalon sits on the Fanad side overlooking the Swilly and Ballymastocker bay towards Dunree Fort in Inishowen. And is often chosen for its coastal setting and memorable opening stretch. It fits well into an itinerary that mixes Rosapenna, Letterkenny and Inishowen because the route can be planned without backtracking.
Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh
Murvagh is the main option on the Donegal Town side. It is a true links experience with space, length and a setting that feels isolated in the best way. If your group wants a classic round that tests every part of the game, Murvagh is often on the list.
Narin and Portnoo Links
Narin and Portnoo is a west Donegal choice that many visitors include for scenery and distinctive green sites. Weather can change quickly on this side of the county, so it is a round where club selection and patience matter. You get the idea about the ever changing weather by now.
Dunfanaghy Golf Club
Dunfanaghy is a shorter flat links round that can suit mixed groups. It is a good choice for the middle of the week when you want a slightly lighter day without losing the links feel.
Cruit Island Golf Club nine holes
Cruit Island is an extraordinary nine hole course that delivers a raw coastal setting and a different pace. It can work as a relaxed afternoon round or as a shorter day that leaves time for dinner and a quiet night.
The cross border day for a statement round
Some groups want to add one major course outside Donegal. Royal Portrush and Royal County Down are the two names that come up most.
The key is timing. Plan an early departure, allow for a comfort stop and build buffer time for traffic. This approach protects tee times and keeps the group calm.
Choosing the right vehicle and keeping luggage simple
Golf travel is rarely light travel. Many airlines set a standard suitcase limit around 23 kg (50.7 lbs) and golf travel bags can be bulky even when they meet weight limits. Underfloor storage on touring vehicles helps keep the cabin clear and makes daily loading easier.
11, 16, or 19 seat arrangement are suitable for small groups of golfers who want an enjoyable journey and enough space for luggage. For larger groups, 33 and 53 seat coaches keep everyone together and reduce split timing.
Planning tips that improve the week
Keep travel clusters simple
Try to avoid two long travel days back to back. When you cluster rounds, you keep the group fresher and you reduce the chance of late arrivals. Its all about having the craic.
Build a buffer on the first day
Arrival days are the most vulnerable to delays. A time buffer helps you settle in and reduces the risk of missing a first tee time.
Leave room for a weather swap
If you have one flexible day, you can swap a round if conditions turn. It is a practical way to protect the quality of the week.
Get a Donegal Golf Trips custom quote
Planning to see more of Donegal as a group? We provide private transport for sightseeing days, golf trips, events, airport collections and tailored group travel across the county. Whether you need coach hire, a smooth airport transfer or help organising a custom route, you can explore more services on our site or contact us for a quote.