Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

The stylish Bay View Junior Suites feature sumptuous king size beds or two 5ft doubles, offering guests ultimate comfort. These elegant spaces combine classic furnishings with a contemporary twist, all complete with a private balcony and unmatched views of the scenic landscape. The rooms each have a spacious en suite bathroom with anti-mist mirrors, a rolltop bath and power shower, plus a range of luxury spa toiletries for guests to indulge in – ensuring they feel pampered even without a visit to the spa. The room also includes a comfortable seating area with bath ropes and slippers, perfect for lounging in after a busy day. You can expect to find facilities including a telephone, hairdryer, refrigerator, controlled heating, electronic safe, a Nespresso coffee maker, LCD TV, and complimentary WiFi.

Boasting similar classic interiors to the Bay View Junior Suites, the hotel’s Deluxe Rooms benefit from pleasant views of Downings beach. These elegant rooms located on the first floor are equipped with a 5ft double bed and a single bed, ideal for families, couples, or friends to stay in while on their golf retreat in Donegal. The room’s facilities and amenities include an en suite bathroom with luxury toiletries, a telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, a refrigerator, TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, trouser press (sure to straighten out any creases in your golf trousers), Wi-Fi, and an electric safe for personal belongings.

These comfortable en suite rooms feature cosy double beds, with some including the option of an additional single bed. With family rooms also available in this style, Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort’s Classic Rooms are ideal for accommodating adults and children, with all the amenities you could need for a quality stay. The rooms feature en suite bathrooms with luxury toiletries provided, a refrigerator for refreshments, a telephone, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, iron and ironing board, plus complimentary Wi-Fi.

Whether you want to soothe aching muscles after a day on the green or you fancy treating yourself to a luxury facial while you’re here, the resort has a variety of spa facilities available to lap up for those seeking an hour or two of R&R.

The resort’s resident treatment professional Moira O’Neill, ITEC, MIBPP, MIIR is a qualified Masseuse, Biodynamic Therapist and Reflexology specialist, so guests will be in very good hands. Choose from 10 different body treatments ranging from Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage to the exotic Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage, or discover a range of Jurlique facials available. Guests will also have exclusive access to the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room and sauna for when a relaxing soak is on the cards.

Fancy a bouncy blow-dry? Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort has an in-house hairdressing salon located next to the treatment room, with available appointments for anyone wanting to freshen up their look during their stay.

Among the hotel’s first-class facilities is its signature Vardon Restaurant. The on-site dining venue is named in honour of the great Harry Vardon – winner of a record six Open Championship titles and the 1900 US Open at Chicago Golf Club – who helped design the original Old Tom Morris golf course hosted at the hotel. The restaurant specialises in local seafood with its fresh daily menu featuring everything from lobster to crab and scallops – caught just off the headlands on the Atlantic Drive. Vardon serves a delicious daily breakfast from 8am – 10am, while dinner is served from 7pm – 8:30pm, so be sure to get in quick!

Similar to the hotel’s restaurant, the bar was named after course architect and winner of the Open Championship on five occasions, James Braid, who assisted Vardon with the Old Tom Morris design in 1906. Known by many as the 19th hole, this inviting bar is the perfect place to reminisce after a day’s play, with a large range of liqueurs, spirits, beers, plus single malt whiskies and brandies on the bar menu. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you spot the hanging photography of the original Rosapenna Hotel and Old Tom Morris Links, which flank the walls. With stunning sunset views over the course, it’s the perfect place for a sundowner, or two.

Believe it or not, there’s more to this luxurious resort than its spectacular golf offering. Adventure lovers will be in their element, as there’s a host of exciting outdoor activities and local attractions to try your hand at when you stay at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort.

Discover Donegal’s unspoiled landscapes with a plethora of scenic walking and cycling coastal and forest trails available, stretching across the beautiful Tramore Beach, scenic countryside and quaint villages. Or if you prefer a faster pace, brave the choppy Atlantic Ocean and get involved in the action-packed watersports available, whether you want to head to the surf schools and take on the waves, hit the Mevagh Dive Centre and explore what’s underneath the surface, or book a sea tour or angling excursion, instead! Fancy the sound of your own private tour? Hire out a private day boat charter and explore Ireland’s coastline at your leisure.

For those that like to get a taste of the local culture, there are plenty of attractions to explore nearby if you wish to wander down a little further into Donegal. Stroll the beautiful Glenveagh National Park complete with 16,000 hectares of rugged wilderness, pretty lakes and towering mountains – whereby history buffs can take a guided tour of the castle. Head to The Dunlewey Centre, popular with tourists for its pretty position on the shores of the Poisioned Glen of Gweedore, with a host of attractions suitable for families to enjoy. While those with an appreciation of art and culture can admire the photography work in Rita Wilson Gallery, located in Downings – less than a mile from the hotel.

Golfers have been flocking to this stunning resort since the late 19th century, when the addition of this luxury hotel was built beside the Old Tom Morris Links shortly after it first opened in 1893 – making it the first true golf resort in the world. After winning four Open Championships in the 1860’s, architect Old Tom Morris drove through Donegal, only to discover the huge golfing potential it had, before teaming up with James Braid and Harry Vardon to add length to the green and create this now-renowned championship golf course – surrounded by spectacular natural green and views of the rugged bay coastline. If you’re after a classic old-style Irish links accompanied by natural scenery – this is your best bet.

The Sandy Hill Links was the second course to be added to the Rosapenna when it was designed in 2003 by Pat Ruddy of The European Club fame; today it holds the crown as one of Irelands finest modern links courses. Each of the 18 holes is spectacular, with narrow fairways, wide dune-sculpting landing areas, and a balanced route through the centuries-old dunes peppered with bushy marram grass – with tricky terrain and strong winds from the Atlantic, this popular course is intended to challenge the more serious and experienced golfer.

The most recent St Patrick’s Links was acquired by the hotel in 2012, which originally encompassed 36-holes developed by the Walsh Family of Carrigart. Today, this sprawling course is almost unrecognisable, boasting a diversity of holes sure to keep golfers entertained for hours.