Narin & Portnoo Links

Narin & Portnoo Links is situated alongside the small seaside resort of Narin in County Donegal. With several oceanside holes and sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay, the layout here is considered one of the most scenic in Ireland.

Throughout the years, golfers coming to Narin & Portnoo have been captivated by the scenery and golfing challenges laid down by this duneland gem. With significant recent changes made by Gil Hanse, there's even more reason to tee it up at these impressive links.

Most of the holes on this par-70 out-and-back layout meander over and around the wild and rugged dunes. The right-to-left doglegging 4th and 5th holes transition you from the flatter early holes, into some wonderfully scenic and undulating duneland terrain. The stretch from 6 to 11 is sublime. Better views (and holes) you cannot wish for, with sandy bays, craggy shorelines and the open ocean dominating the scene.

Plenty of craft and improvisation will be needed in your shot-making, with draws around sharp dog-legs, crisp irons to short par-3s, and straigh drives down snaking fairways (some wide and some not so generous). Deft putting is required on the large mercurial greens.

Two short par-3s in the last four holes, with a seriously long par-5 to finish, may not provide the layout's most memorable sequence, but they are very capable of sorting out the winners and losers in a tight match. That said, the straightaway par-4 16th serves up another oceanside treat.

Pick of the holes: surrounded by natural scenic splendour and lovely bay views, the tough par-3 6th plays over a cavernous grassy bowl to a plateau green. Up next is the gorgeous short par-4 7th played to a sunken bayside green.