Officially known as Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, Doonbeg, this world class resort and golf course ranks alongside some of the best in the Emerald Isle.
Best described as a 'Coastal Haven' sitting beside the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland, not only does Trump Doonbeg possess a championship golf course that competes with the world’s best but also comes accompanied by an intimate spa, luxury hotel, cottages and many more activities for those non-golfing visitors.
In comparison to other famous links courses, Doonbeg is very young, even though the land here was highlighted as an ideal setting for a links golf course way back in 1892, but it wasn't until around 100 years later that a community development company began promoting the concept of a golf course. The land was acquired and the construction of the course began by December 1999.
The course was officially opened on July 9th, 2002, with an exhibition match between Greg Norman and Padraig Harrington.
In February 2014, following the worst storms to hit the west coast for over 200 years, the course suffered vast damage, leaving the layout unplayable and the venue was purchased by Donald Trump with the promise to bring Doonbeg back to its former glory, but also making it even better.
Martin Hawtree assisted with some redesign of the course that spanned a two year period alongside superintendent Scott Marr and the course was reopened in the May of 2016 and has since gone from strength to strength and is now in a preparation phase as the host venue of the 2026 Irish Open on the DP World Tour - which will attract a field of some of the best players in the world.
Since then, Trump Ireland has been transformed by Dr. Hawtree into one of the 'must play' golf courses on the international circuit. He has allowed the character and soul of the land to flourish while enhancing the playability tenfold. Every hole has its own identity which will both reward and challenge each golfer.
Pre-Round Thoughts
Quite simply, when you visit a world class resort such as Trump Doonbeg, you get world class service from a dedicated team.
From dropping your bag with the golf services team that are on hand to shuttle you to and from the driving range and practice areas, to the professional Brian Shaw and his team ready to assist with anything you might need, everyone at Doonbeg will go above and beyond to ensure your stay and golf runs as smoothly and enjoyably as possible. In fact, bar hitting your shots for you, I'm not sure they can do much more while you are on site.
The driving range has complimentary balls and is littered with greens to use as targets to get limbered up, as well as a chipping green with bunkers and the first of two putting greens.
You also get a real sense of things to follow as you make your way round to the 1st tee, with the second putting green to one side and a starter with tees, pencils, scorecards and a little shot of Irish whisky should you need it on those colder mornings before you head off in the hope of some good golf.
The course has five different tee options ranging from the black championship tees playing 7,026 yards to the green tees at 5,086. For the benefit of this feature, all hole distances are taken from the 6,436-yard gold tees.
Front 9 Overview
Whilst the opening hole may appear to be a gentle par 5 at 534 yards from the elevated tee box, the fairway runs from right to left within the dunes protecting it from the beach on the left and the 18th hole on the right.
With a prevailing wind, the bunker on the right-hand side of the fairway is well in play, however, if the wind is coming in off the Atlantic, then a tee shot towards the sea may be a more daunting prospect.
The green has a scattering of six bunkers protecting it left, front and right and the surface itself is carved into the large dune behind the green giving it a somewhat secluded feeling - a feature which you experience on numerous holes.
A couple of par 4s follow, both with incredible undulating greens and bunkers that are best avoided, and the first big test comes in the shape of the second of three par 5s on the front 9 - the 4th hole.
Playing 599 yards, the 4th is as spectacular as it is tough and this stroke index 1 will test you on all three shots from tee to green, assuming you manage that feat, of course.
The landing zone from the tee is tight and to the left of a large bunker and more often than not will lead to a semi blind second shot as the hole uses the natural landscape well.
A further six bunkers - mainly up the left-hand side - are to be avoided as the fairway narrows the closer to the green you get. Aiming up the right to avoid those might be a wise choice, but go too far right and thick nasty rough is ready to step in and do the job the bunkers do on the left.
If you get to the green in three, give yourself a pat on the back, take a two putt and run to the next tee.
But if you do get a chance, make the walk back up to the black tee box on the 4th, it stretches the hole back to a whopping 659 yards and offers a stunning vista of parts of the course.
The 5th is another great hole too, although one of the shorter offerings on the front 9, it plays uphill and the dunes on both sides of the green make the approach shot feel very tight to a long narrow infinity green with a cracking view of the sea.
The first par 3 comes at the 7th. The card reads 204 yards but will play shorter due to the elevation drop from tee to green and maybe shorter still, depending on wind direction. The putting green, whilst very big, is also well protected. The upside-down saucer offers runoffs in all directions as well as three more daunting pot bunkers on the left-hand side and a larger singular bunker on the right.
The 8th hole completes a set of challenging par 5s on the front side. In fact, four of the five par 5s on the whole course are four of the five hardest holes according to stroke indexes with the 1st (5), the 4th (1), the 8th (3), and the 10th (4).
Back 9 Overview
As mentioned, the par 5 10th, playing at 554 yards, is really well designed in the sense that the large open fairway to the right of the fairway bunker is an ideal findable target for most abilities. However, the better the shot the closer to the green and then this is when it gets tough. There is a stream that runs diagonally across the fairway and up the left-hand side all the way to the green. If laying up, the further down the hole you decide to hit, the narrower the landing zone as everything pinches in, but the further back, the longer the third shot and the same problems exist. Having a go in two may be on the cards for some, but it will take a brave golfer and an extremely well hit shot to find the putting surface in two.
The 14th is, without doubt, one of the most scenic par 3s you will find anywhere. It's relatively short at just 126 yards, but the tee box is elevated and you're hitting down towards a green that sits right on the coastline with spectacular views of the beach, Atlantic and the country house in the distance. The wind will play a big role here, especially given the yardage, elevation change and the fact you may be hitting a wedge, 9 iron at most, so whilst it's short, it’s by no means easy, but a simply stunning golf hole. A real photo opportunity.
The 15th is a really strong par 4. Only 351 yards, but dropping down and up from the fairway to a green that again, is sculpted into the enormous dune, placement from the elevated tee is key here, longer hitters may run out of fairway and be faced with a horrible downhill lie into a then elevated green. Laying back off the tee will give you a nice full shot into the green but don't be short, the severe slope will have that ball 40, maybe 50 yards back down if you are.
The new finishing hole has only recently been opened. What a fantastic job they have done with it. 388 yards isn't the longest - although the 432 yards from the black tee will be a sterner test.
The fairway elevates all the way from tee to green and from the tee it feels like there are bunkers everywhere, the first left of centre in the fairway, a little fade off that one will bring the next one into play on the right side of the fairway, then another left, then another right and so on, all the way up to the green, which itself is another upside down saucer with severe roll off areas. Avoiding all the sand, getting your ball to land on the green and two putting for par will leave the sweetest taste in your mouth, regardless of what has gone before and it's a fitting ending to a remarkable golf course.
Hole Highlights
Doonbeg is a traditional links in the sense that it’s a front 9 out along the coast, back 9 in layout.
However, what sets this place apart from other courses is that the shape of the coast is curved, in fact the 'D' used in the logo for Doonbeg is shaped like the coast. So even though you head 'out' and then 'in', the wind direction changes as you move throughout the course and when you're over the end of the course, you can clearly see the main country house in the distance, but you see it directly over the sea, not the golf course. It's an incredible view and very unique.
It also means that you are greeted with sea views on 16 of the 18 holes, something which you will never tire of as you go round.
The halfway hut is sat beside the 8th tee and also offers some lovely snacks and drinks, so make sure you pop in there as you go past too.
Post-Round Thoughts
As far as golf courses go, Trump Doonbeg is very hard to beat. When I think of things that make a golf course great, I think of sea views, a fair test, dunes, pot bunkers, great condition, greens that aren't sped up to the point they are unplayable, elevation changes, some tough holes, some easier holes, scoring opportunities, the list goes on and Doonbeg has it all in abundance. It can be as hard as it is enjoyable all at the same time.
With five teeing options, there is an offering for golfers of all ages and abilities. Selecting correctly will maybe give you a better chance of putting a score together, but it will also add to the enjoyment, especially on a tough day weather wise.
The course will definitely test your short game too, so be prepared for that. It is also a fair walk and with lots of elevation changes it may be physically demanding for some. There is the option to take caddies, which is required for any groups that are playing for the first time, either one per group or you can choose to have your own individual caddie which also adds to the experience, in my opinion.
Trump Bar is a perfect destination to head for a post round drink or bite to eat with views of the 1st tee, 18th green and of course, the ocean.
Where Can You Stay?
There are various accommodation options on site at Trump Doonbeg. Within the main building there are the Ocean View Suites. With 15 suites and a further 35 rooms these will be the higher end of the price bracket given the nature of the sea views, proximity to the course, spa and dining options. The Ocean View suites, in particular, are spread over two floors and each features a private kitchen, separate sitting rooms and a grand fireplace.
There are then a further 28 suites and 63 rooms surrounding the courtyard which features in the middle of the property.
Maybe, for group bookings, one of the many links cottages on offer is a more suitable option. Whilst set back from the main resort (a shuttle service is available to run you to and from there) these have four bedrooms - each of which has en-suite shower facilities and then a shared kitchen/diner and living area.
As you drive into the resort itself, you will see these on the left-hand side and one other noticeable feature is the putting green that sits in front of some of the cottages which will, no doubt, be a great spot for some fun friendly putting competitions amongst friends.
Whatever your chosen accommodation choice is, as you would expect, each room is decorated and furnished to such a high spec it will offer you maximum comfort during your stay.
How Good is The Food?
With breakfast included with your stay, you either have the option to choose from a delicious menu in the Ocean View Restaurant - which is set inside the main building - or if you have a later tee time and decide you wanted to relax in your room a little longer, breakfast hampers are available and delivered to your room.
The main spot for a pre or post round bite would be Trump’s Bar and Restaurant - which is visible from the first tee. If there is a day without golf, this would also be a perfect spot for lunch. With a small, but well selected menu, all food is cooked and delivered to perfection by a friendly team of bar staff.
Whilst you can have a more relaxed feeling dinner in Trump’s Bar too, the option for a more fine wine dining experience is available back at the Ocean View Restaurant.
There is also the option to pop into the small town with a very quaint Irish Bar - Tudriby’s - that also has a wonderful friendly vibe and a great menu and excellent service.
Back on site, afternoon teas, picnic baskets and cocktails are all also available for you to enjoy during your stay.
What Else Can You Do?
On site, the White Horse Spa is an award-winning spa with a hair and nail salon. At the time of my visit, the spa was closed for refurbishment as the resort looks to invest heavily in this growingly popular spot for those visitors that would prefer not to be playing golf. However, during the time the spa is under its refurbishment, the option of relaxing massages and facials in one of the newly reconfigured suites is still available.
Along with the spa, there are many other activities to indulge in whilst staying at Doonbeg. The beautiful beach plays its part in this, whether it’s a horse ride down the shore, rock pool fishing, or for the braver souls, a spot of surfing.
Fishing, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, archery and go karting are great additions for those looking for a more physical activity, whilst falconry, wine and whisky tasting experiences might be more suited to you or members of your group.
If you have taken the children along, they are also well catered for. Treasure hunts, a playground and a junior club house and cinema are all also available on site.
If you felt like you wanted to venture out and explore a bit more of the local area, there are a whole host of local attractions to take in, the Loop Head Lighthouse, Cliffs of Moher, or even a trip to the Aran Islands.
Within each room, there is a fantastic guide which gives info on absolutely everything Doonbeg and the local area has to offer and don’t forget, the staff are always ready to go that extra step to make your stay as memorable as it possibly can be.
How Good is Trump Doonbeg?
It’s hard to sum up Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, Doonbeg in a few short words, but if I had to, I'd say it’s an experience like no other.
Championship golf course, impeccable condition, stunning scenery, perfect service and fantastic food and drink.
With activities for everyone catered for, this venue will continue to build on its reputation as a world class resort.
I don't know what else you could really ask for!
For more information, please visit https://www.trumphotels.com/ireland or see our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best deals and packages.
Overall Rating - 10
Course (Conditions) - 10
Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10
Course (Green Condition) - 10
Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10
Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 10
Practice Facilities - 10
Friendliness/Hospitality - 10
Pace of Play - 9
Value For Money - 10
