Donegal well-placed to benefit from the 2027 Ryder Cup – says McConalogue

Minister of State Charlie McConalogue says Donegal is one of the counties that has the potential to benefit most when Adare Manor in Limerick hosts the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Congratulating Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy for their roles in Europe’s famous Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage, New York at the weekend, the Minister for State and Policy says Ireland is “extremely proud” to be hosting the biggest tournament in golf in two years' time.

“I have no doubt that if people from abroad come to visit and stay with us for the Ryder Cup in 2027, they will all go home with fond and warm memories and be even firmer friends of Ireland into the future.”

“Every effort will be made by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to make sure that those planning to come to Ireland are encouraged to not just come for the tournament, but to make a longer holiday of it.”

Minister McConalogue says Donegal links courses are second to none, including the famous Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin, which hosted the 2018 Irish Open, when McIlroy and Lowry were in the field.

“One third of the world's links courses are in Ireland, and thirteen of those are in Donegal. And of course, anywhere there are good links courses, there are good beaches, and Donegal is undoubtedly one of the nicest parts of the world as well,” the Minister said.

“There has always been a strong golfing tradition in Donegal, and the staging of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2018 in Ballyliffin really put our county on the map. With a mix of links and parkland courses, people can experience the best Irish golf has to offer in Donegal.”

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He urged: “A collaborative approach is key to promoting golf tourism in Donegal. So, it is important that all stakeholders – local businesses, golf courses, local authorities and government agencies – continue to work together to make Donegal the golf destination of choice for visitors from across the world.”

“We are extremely proud of the golfing assets we have in Ireland, and when Europe and America meet in the beautiful village of Adare to compete for the famous trophy in 2027, it will be a truly memorable occasion. The Ryder Cup holds a special place in sporting life across the world. After the excitement at the weekend, the whole country is looking forward to the next staging of the event in Ireland,” the Minister of State added.