Pollan Links

A true nine-hole par-three links course nestled in Ballyliffin’s dunescape.

Ballyliffin Golf Club flag marking the 9th hole, with scenic countryside in the background. Perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Nine-Hole Par 3 Short Course

Ballyliffin Golf Club in County Donegal, Ireland, has opened Pollan Links, a new nine-hole par-three course designed by Pat Ruddy.

Set Within the Dunes

Scenic golf course landscape featuring lush greens, sand bunkers, and a dramatic sky. Perfect for golf enthusiasts.
Immersion

Naturally Routed

The routing makes full use of the 14-acre site, incorporating the natural features of the dunescape while carefully considering safety and the surrounding landscape.
Low-lying areas susceptible to standing water in winter were avoided, ensuring year-round playability and quality conditioning.

Elements

Bunkers & Wind

Deep links bunkers provide preparation for the challenges found across the main courses, while varied hole directions bring wind and light into constant play. The course sits at the calm end of the great Ballyliffin dunes, yet still delivers the ever-present elements that define links golf.

Golfer swinging a club over a seaside course, capturing the beauty of golf in Ireland's scenic landscape.

The Story Behind Pollan Links

“Care has been taken to vary the directions of the holes to bring into play all the variations of wind and light as well as presenting a rapidly changing and entrancing kaleidoscopic view of the mountains and of the main links, beckoning the player onwards.”

 — Pat Ruddy, Designer

Greens Built for Skill

Accuracy

Precision Required

Holes range from 90 to 146 yards, presenting a pure test of distance control, accuracy and imagination. The course accounts for all but the drives and some second shots out on the main links, making it an ideal complement to a full round on The Old Links or Glashedy Links.

Golfer swinging a club over a seaside course, capturing the beauty of golf in Ireland's scenic landscape.
Aerial view of a scenic golf course with players, lush greens, and a clubhouse in the distance. Irish golfing experience.
Refinement

Train the Short Game

The greens feature a variety of pin positions to encourage players to practise “pin-seeking” shots, with subtle-to-generous run-off areas that reward creativity and finesse.
All greens are constructed to a scale that would sit comfortably on a full-size links course, maintaining the same championship feel in a shorter format.

Ballyliffin Golf Club flag marking the 9th hole, with scenic countryside in the background. Perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Download the App

For a truly interactive experience with Aerial Views, 3D Flybys and GPS Measuring on every Hole why not download our Smartphone App for Android and iPhone free from Google Play Store and The App Store.

Where Champions Have Played

Trusted by Golfers Worldwide

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
MelGM profile picture
MelGM
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Links Golf Mecca The 2 courses are magnificent examples of true links golf, the Old Links is as fine a traditional links as I've ever played, well bunkered and beautiful. Glashedy to the eye is completely different and amazing, a true world class gem. What further enhances Ballyliffin is the warmth of every single person encountered in the pro shop, office, and the bar/restaurant. Witty, friendly and engaging. Makes it very special....will be back soon
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Fintan100 profile picture
Fintan100
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fabulous Courses Played both courses in beautiful weather this week. Great and very different layouts....one traditional using natural terrain and the second a modern links sculpted from the landscape. Both courses challenging and beautifully presented. Very good fairways, greens and bunkers. Rough is tough so don't go there! Overall, a great golf destination.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Tony C profile picture
Tony C
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Wow We played the Old Links twice and Glashedy and loved every minute of it. Both courses are in fantastic condition and I doubt I will ever find a better links design than Glashedy (and I have played most of them in Ireland). Top marks to all staff at Ballyliffin GC, you are a credit to the Club.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Jackie M profile picture
Jackie M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
80th Birthday Bash We had our mum's 80th Birthday Party here recently and it was beyond our expectations.We had a sit down 3 course meal for about 70 people and it was absolutely gorgeous.Everyone really enjoyed the food.Angelo and his staff were so attentive and really made it a special night for our mum.We had a lovely lady called Kaz Hunter playing music in the bar after the meal and we all enjoyed a little dance and a few drinks to finish off the celebrations.I would highly recommend Michael Angelos Restaurant for a family function as you will not be disappointed
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Padraic M profile picture
Padraic M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
In my top 3 2nd visit to Donegal this year. Last time I played rosapenna and this time both courses in Ballyliffin and no rain in 8 rounds !!! Unreal scenery and 2 class courses- I prefer the Old Links but most of party prefer Glasedy. Definitely going back as sooo impressed with the setup. Donegal people are absolutely class and so welcoming. A long drive so give yourself time. Go to Nancy's Barn for chowder. Ballyliffin should sell photos from out on the courses and I would have bought them- great golf prizes too.

Explore Ballyliffin’s Other Links

loader-image
Ballyliffin Golf Club
11:41 pm, Sep 10, 2026
temperature icon 15°C
Patchy rain nearby
Humidity: 90 %
Pressure: 1009 mb
Wind: 39 Km/h
Wind Gust: 45 Km/h
Clouds: 85%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:52 am
Sunset: 8:00 pm
  • Temperature
  • Precipitation
  • Rain Chance
  • Wind
  • Humidity
  • Pressure
  • Snow
12:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.14 mm 33% 36 Km/h 87% 1010 mb 0 cm
3:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.04 mm 19% 36 Km/h 73% 1013 mb 0 cm
6:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.03 mm 17% 33 Km/h 67% 1015 mb 0 cm
9:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.03 mm 18% 25 Km/h 68% 1017 mb 0 cm
12:00 pm
temperature icon
14°/15°°C 0.01 mm 17% 21 Km/h 69% 1019 mb 0 cm
3:00 pm
temperature icon
15°/15°°C 0 mm 15% 22 Km/h 74% 1019 mb 0 cm
6:00 pm
temperature icon
15°/15°°C 0 mm 20% 17 Km/h 75% 1018 mb 0 cm
9:00 pm
temperature icon
14°/15°°C 0 mm 21% 30 Km/h 75% 1016 mb 0 cm
loader-image
Ballyliffin Golf Club
11:41 pm, Sep 10, 2026
temperature icon 15°C
Patchy rain nearby
90 %
1009 mb
39 Km/h
Wind Gust: 45 Km/h
Clouds: 85%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:52 am
Sunset: 8:00 pm
Hourly Forecast
12:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.14 mm 33% 36 Km/h 87% 1010 mb 0 cm
3:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.04 mm 19% 36 Km/h 73% 1013 mb 0 cm
6:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.03 mm 17% 33 Km/h 67% 1015 mb 0 cm
9:00 am
temperature icon
14°/14°°C 0.03 mm 18% 25 Km/h 68% 1017 mb 0 cm
12:00 pm
temperature icon
14°/15°°C 0.01 mm 17% 21 Km/h 69% 1019 mb 0 cm
3:00 pm
temperature icon
15°/15°°C 0 mm 15% 22 Km/h 74% 1019 mb 0 cm
6:00 pm
temperature icon
15°/15°°C 0 mm 20% 17 Km/h 75% 1018 mb 0 cm
9:00 pm
temperature icon
14°/15°°C 0 mm 21% 30 Km/h 75% 1016 mb 0 cm