Strandhill Golf Club

Perched on Sligo's wild Atlantic coast, Strandhill Golf Club is the sort of place that has you checking the wind before every shot. The par 70 layout sits right on the edge of the ocean with views across Sligo Bay towards Knocknarea and the Ox Mountains, and it makes the most of the natural dunes and rumpled coastal terrain.

When the weather behaves it can play firm and quick, but the breeze is the real defence. You'll often need to flight the ball down, take an extra club (sometimes two) and use the contours rather than fight them. Expect a few blind drives, plenty of humps and hollows and greens that reward commitment while punishing indecision.

What stands out is how the routing asks you to plot your way round rather than simply swing hard. If you're travelling with a mixed-ability group, just go in with the right expectations, wind plus links-style terrain can be a bruising combo on a bad day.

Off the course, the welcome is warm and the clubhouse is refreshingly unpretentious. Strandhill village is close by too, handy for a post-round bite and a look at the surf scene, which makes it an easy base if you're stringing together a north-west run. Pair it with County Sligo (Rosses Point) and Enniscrone for a cracking Sligo-based golf break.

Who is this for?

Golfers who want an authentic Irish links experience without the crowds or the very highest green fees. Ideal for groups and societies, or anyone building a Sligo or north-west Ireland itinerary around courses like County Sligo (Rosses Point), Enniscrone and Carne.

Who is it best for?

Mid-to-low handicappers who relish wind, strategy and traditional links golf. Also suits higher handicappers happy to take on a proper test in spectacular surroundings, provided they don't mind a few lost balls and the odd humbling round when the breeze gets up.