Set among the spectacular dunes of the Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal, St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna is one of Ireland’s most exciting modern golf destinations. Overlooking Sheephaven Bay and the wild Atlantic coastline, this extraordinary links course offers a remarkable combination of natural beauty, bold design and world-class golf.
Designed by renowned American golf architect Tom Doak, St Patrick’s Links opened in 2021 and quickly established itself among the world’s leading golf courses. Built across an expansive landscape of towering dunes, sandy hollows and rolling fairways, Doak’s design makes the most of the natural terrain, creating a course that feels as though it has always belonged here. Rather than developing two separate courses across the site, Doak created one exceptional 18-hole layout, allowing the land to shape the golfing experience.
The design was brought to life with the involvement of Renaissance Golf Design, including Eric Iverson, Clyde Johnson and Angela Moser. The course’s first superintendent, Donegal native George Helly, also brought valuable experience from renowned golfing destinations including Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Tara Iti in New Zealand.
Despite being one of Ireland’s youngest links courses, St Patrick’s has already earned international recognition and a place among the world’s Top 100 golf courses. Its rapid rise through the rankings is a testament to the quality of the design and the extraordinary natural setting.
St Patrick’s Links is part of the renowned Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, which is also home to two other outstanding 18-hole links courses.
Old Tom Morris Links dates back to 1893, when the legendary Scottish golf architect laid out the original course along Sheephaven Bay. With more than a century of golfing history, it offers a traditional links experience shaped by generations of course architects and the natural coastal landscape.
Sandy Hills Links, designed by Pat Ruddy and opened in 2003, is a dramatic journey through some of Donegal’s most impressive dunes. Its undulating fairways, elevated tees and sweeping views create a challenging and memorable round.
Together, the three courses make Rosapenna an exceptional destination for a multi-day golf escape, offering three distinct interpretations of links golf in one remarkable corner of Ireland.
Beyond Rosapenna, Donegal is home to some of Ireland’s most spectacular and unspoilt links courses. Nearby Portsalon Golf Club, set on the beautiful Fanad Peninsula, is a true hidden gem, celebrated for its coastal setting and wonderful views across Ballymastocker Bay.
Further along the coast, Ballyliffin Golf Club offers two championship links courses, the Old Links and Glashedy Links, both set against the dramatic Atlantic landscape. Narin & Portnoo Links is another outstanding coastal experience, with natural dunes, sweeping ocean views and a wonderfully traditional links character.
For those seeking something beyond the established golfing routes, Donegal delivers a raw and authentic links experience. Its rugged coastline, expansive beaches, quiet villages and welcoming local hospitality make it one of Ireland’s most rewarding destinations to explore.
After a day on the course, the nearby village of Downings offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The famous Harbour Baris a favourite stop for golfers, providing a welcoming setting to enjoy local hospitality, good food and a well-earned drink overlooking the bay.
Rosapenna has welcomed generations of golfers to the Donegal coastline. Among its notable visitors is Rory McIlroy, who won the Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup in 2005 at just 16 years old, before returning to compete again in 2007.
Today, St Patrick’s Links has brought a new international spotlight to this historic golfing destination. Its combination of modern architectural excellence, extraordinary scenery and the wider Rosapenna golf offering makes it a compelling addition to any luxury golf journey through Ireland.
St Patrick’s Links is located at Rosapenna on the Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal, northwest Ireland. The course overlooks Sheephaven Bay and the Atlantic coastline, close to the village of Downings.
St Patrick’s Links was designed by renowned American golf course architect Tom Doak, working with his Renaissance Golf Design team. The course officially opened in 2021.
The course opened in June 2021 and quickly gained international recognition, earning a place among the world's leading golf courses.
Rosapenna is home to three 18-hole links courses: St Patrick’s Links, Sandy Hills Links and the Old Tom Morris Links. Each offers a distinct golfing experience across the spectacular Donegal coastline.
Yes. Since opening, St Patrick’s Links has featured in leading international Top 100 rankings. Its position has continued to attract attention from golfers and golf publications around the world. Rankings vary by publication and year.
Donegal offers an exceptional collection of links courses, including Portsalon, Ballyliffin and Narin & Portnoo. These courses make the region an excellent destination for a wider links golf itinerary.
Yes. Rory McIlroy won the Rosapenna Senior Scratch Cup in 2005, aged just 16, and returned to compete in 2007.
Yes. St Patrick’s Links is a walking-only course, and golfers can arrange a caddie to enhance their experience.
Yes. Rosapenna offers accommodation overlooking the golf courses and Sheephaven Bay, alongside dining and bar facilities. It provides an excellent base for experiencing all three of the resort’s links courses.