Discovering Donegal: Tee Time Takes on Ireland’s Rugged Northwest
- thebogeymenpod
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Next week, we’re packing the clubs, charging the cameras, and heading to County Donegal for the next season of our YouTube series, Tee Time. Here’s your insider’s look at what promises to be an unforgettable golf trip, Bogey Men style.
County Donegal, folks. The land of wild Atlantic winds, jaw-dropping landscapes, and golf courses that will blow your mind. We’re taking 'Tee Time' up north to this stunning corner of Ireland to showcase the golf, the grub, and the craic that Donegal has to offer. Let’s dive into what’s ahead.
Day 1: Murvagh Magic
First stop: Murvagh Golf Club. This links course, officially known as Donegal Golf Club, is the perfect introduction to Donegal’s rugged golfing charm. Designed by Eddie Hackett, the course is nestled on a peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean providing a dramatic backdrop. Fairways that feel like velvet, greens that roll true, and enough wind to test even the sturdiest of swings — Murvagh has it all.
We're going to play a bit of a match today, with some stakes! The loser has to post-round, cool off with a dip in Murvagh Beach. Incentive enough not to double bogey the last and freeze your balls off.
When the sun sets, we’re heading into Donegal Town to check in at the Abbey Hotel, a cozy spot right in the heart of the town. The plan for the evening? Find a pub where the Guinness flows and the fiddles play. We’ve got our sights set on spots like The Reel Inn or McCafferty’s. Word on the street is there’s always a sing-song brewing.
To make Day 1 even better, our good friend and fellow YouTuber Alex Etches is tagging along. Alex’s big drives and bigger personality are sure to add an extra layer of fun to the adventure. We first met Alex a year ago during the Amgen Irish Open Media Day at Royal County Down and we've kept in touch ever since, Alex has become a good friend and we're really excited to tee it up alongside him.
Day 2: Nairn & Portnoo and Cruit Island Charm
Day 2 kicks off with a drive up the coast to Nairn & Portnoo Golf Club. This links gem boasts stunning views of Gweebarra Bay and an ingenious layout that makes the most of the natural terrain. It’s a morning round that promises to test every club in the bag.
After lunch, we’ll venture further up the coast to the charming Cruit Island Golf Club. If you’ve never heard of it, think of it as a hidden treasure. With nine quirky and breathtakingly beautiful holes, Cruit Island is a masterclass in how golf should be: fun, challenging, and full of character. Plus, where else can you tee off with views of rugged cliffs and turquoise waters?
Once we’ve wrapped up at Cruit, it’s onward to Letterkenny for the night. Letterkenny’s got plenty of options for food and drink, and we’ll be sure to find a spot where we can recap the day’s highlights over a pint and some hearty Donegal fare.
Day 3: Grianan of Aileach and Northwest Golf Club
We’re trading golf clubs for history books — briefly — on Day 3 as we visit the Grianan of Aileach, an ancient stone fort with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After soaking in some culture and snapping a few Instagram-worthy pics, it’s time to get back to business.
Next stop: Northwest Golf Club, a classic links course in Buncrana. With its challenging design and stunning views of Lough Swilly, Northwest is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Donegal. The course’s reputation as one of Ireland’s finest is well-earned, and we can’t wait to put it to the test.
Once we’ve survived Northwest, we’ll head to Ballyliffin, where our Airbnb awaits. There’s nothing like settling into a cozy spot with a view after a full day of golf and exploration. We'll fire up the bbq, crack open some cans and chill...
Days 4 & 5: Ballyliffin Bliss
The grand finale of our Donegal adventure takes place at the legendary Ballyliffin Golf Club. Over two days, we’ll play both the Old Links and the Glashedy Links. These courses are pure golf nirvana, combining championship-level challenges with views that will take your breath away. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to play on the edge of the world, Ballyliffin is the answer.
In between rounds, we’ll take a detour to Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point. It’s the perfect spot to soak in Donegal’s dramatic scenery and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had.
The After-Golf Craic
Of course, golf is only half the story. Donegal is as much about the post-round adventures as it is about the fairways. Whether it’s a seafood feast at a local pub, a traditional Irish music session, or just sitting back and marveling at the raw beauty of the place, Donegal delivers.
Expect plenty of stops at local haunts for fresh oysters, bowls of chowder, and maybe a whiskey or two. And don’t be surprised if you find us joining in on a sing-song — or at least trying to.
This trip is shaping up to be one for the books, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all the action, from the first tee shot at Murvagh to the final putt at Ballyliffin. And if you’re planning your own Donegal golf getaway, take our advice: leave room for the unexpected. The magic of Donegal lies in the moments you don’t plan for.
Until then, keep your drives straight and your Guinness cold. Cheers!
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