Representative image Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand · CC BY 2.0
Rosapenna Golf Resort
Downings, County Donegal, Ireland
18 Holes · Green fees are published by season but the two sources show different figures; no single figure confirmed · Links
— About
About Rosapenna Golf Resort
Rosapenna Golf Resort sits at Downings on Sheephaven Bay in County Donegal, in Ireland's northwest, and has three links courses: St Patrick's Links, Sandy Hills Links and the Old Tom Morris Links. St Patrick's, the newest, is a Tom Doak design that plays through large dunes. The resort has a hotel in the village, so a trip here can be built around three different rounds on one property.
- Sandy Hills Links, a Pat Ruddy design, takes a bolder line straight through the dunes.
- Harry Vardon and Harry Colt both revised Old Tom Morris's original links.
- The resort's hotel has a restaurant and a bar, and is located in Downings village.
- Green fees are listed separately for resort guests and day visitors.
History of Rosapenna Golf Resort
Rosapenna has welcomed golfers since 1893 and describes itself as the world's first dedicated golf resort. Old Tom Morris laid out the original links, and Harry Vardon and Harry Colt later made changes to it. Pat Ruddy later designed Sandy Hills. The resort's owners bought the St Patrick's site in 2012 and gave Tom Doak the job of building a single 18-hole course there. It opened in 2021.
Signature holes at Rosapenna Golf Resort
St Patrick's Links starts among the dunes and then opens out toward Sheephaven Bay from around the 4th hole. The course has dramatic elevation changes created by massive sand dunes.
Playing Rosapenna Golf Resort: tips
Rosapenna is a resort rather than a private club, and visitors can book tee times with the resort directly. Fees differ by course and by season, so check the rates page when booking.
Visit Rosapenna Golf Resort
Sheephaven Bay, Downings, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92 PN73
Downings, County Donegal, Ireland
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosapenna Golf Resort
How many courses are at Rosapenna?
Three links courses: St Patrick's Links, Sandy Hills Links and the Old Tom Morris Links, all at Downings in County Donegal.
Who designed St Patrick's Links?
Tom Doak, who built it on land the resort purchased in 2012. The course opened in 2021.
Do I have to stay at the hotel to play?
No. The resort sells day visitor tee times.