The 46-year-old played in three Ryder Cups, was vice-captain in 2010 and 2012 and holed the winning putt in 2002.
The Dubliner, whose mum and dad come from Dunfanaghy and Rathmullan, is a huge GAA fan and was right behind Jim McGuinness and his team last year.
He has also re-designed the Portsalon course in recent months.
McGinley was preferred to Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie, who captained a victorious European team in 2010 and wanted to fulfil the role again.
“This is a position I’m really thrilled to be in,” said the Dubliner, Ireland’s first captain.
“It’s also a very humbling experience and I can’t wait to get into the role of captain and to working with the players.”
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