.webp?auto=webp&width=880&height=495&disable=upscale&quality=75&fit=bounds){kind=logo}
.JPG?auto=webp&width=880&height=495&disable=upscale&quality=75&fit=bounds)
Experience the ultimate Belfast golf break
Belfast is one of the best bases for a golf break in the British Isles, combining world-class courses, a vibrant city atmosphere, and easy access from across the UK. With flight times of around an hour from major UK airports, a Belfast golf tour lets you maximise your time on the course and off it.
Within a short drive of the city, you’ll find some of the finest golf courses in the UK and Ireland, including Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and the historic Royal Belfast Golf Club. Belfast is also home to outstanding parkland layouts such as Malone Golf Club, a 27-hole championship venue set around a stunning lake.
Whether you're planning a short golf break or a longer Northern Ireland golf tour, Belfast offers the perfect mix of championship golf, quality accommodation, and a lively city centre packed with bars, restaurants, and culture.
Why book a golf break in Belfast?
- Play the UK's finest links courses within easy driving distance
- Stay in top-rated four & five-star hotels/resorts in & around Belfast
- Experience Belfast’s vibrant city life with a thriving food scene & traditional pubs
- Travel easily with flights of under an hour from many UK airports
- Book now to earn loyalty Breakpoints & get money off your next trip
Play the best golf courses in & around Belfast
With its rich golfing heritage and easy access to some of the finest layouts in the world, Belfast is the perfect base for an unforgettable golf trip.
Top golf courses in Belfast
Royal Belfast Golf Club (Holywood, Belfast) Course type: Parkland with links-style characteristics | Par: 70 | Designer: Harry Colt | Opened: 1881 (moved to current site in 1926)
The oldest golf club in Ireland, Royal Belfast offers a classic Harry Colt-designed parkland layout set on the shores of Belfast Lough, known for its tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and excellent greens.
Malone Golf Club (Belfast) Course type: Parkland | Par: 72 | Designer: Alister MacKenzie | Holes: 27
Set around a stunning natural lake, Malone Golf Club is one of Belfast’s leading parkland venues, featuring a 27-hole championship layout that combines beautiful scenery with a challenging and varied test of golf.
World-class golf near Belfast
Royal Portrush – Dunluce Links (County Antrim – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Belfast) Course type: Links | Par: 71 | Designer: Harry Colt (redesigned by Martin Ebert)
Host of The Open Championship in 1951, 2019 and 2025, Royal Portrush is one of the most celebrated links courses in the world, offering dramatic coastal holes and a true championship test. Frequently featured inside the world’s top 10 rankings, it is an essential pilgrimage for golfers visiting Belfast.
Royal County Down (Newcastle, County Down – approx. 1 hour from Belfast) Course type: Links | Par: 71 | Designer: Old Tom Morris (refined by Harry Colt)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest golf courses ever created, Royal County Down is regularly ranked as the No.1 golf course in the world by leading publications. Royal County Down is famed for its stunning setting beneath the Mourne Mountains, fast greens, and challenging blind shots.
Portstewart Golf Club – Strand Course (County Derry – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes from Belfast) Course type: Links | Par: 72 | Designer: Des Giffin
Set among towering dunes on the Causeway Coast, Portstewart Strand is one of Ireland’s most visually spectacular courses and hosted the Irish Open in 2017, showcasing its championship pedigree.
Castlerock Golf Club – Mussenden Course (County Derry – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Belfast) Course type: Links | Par: 73 | Designer: Ben Sayers
Often considered one of Ireland’s hidden gems, Castlerock offers a wonderfully authentic links experience on the stunning north coast. The Mussenden Course features rolling fairways through towering dunes, natural undulations, and the famous “Leg O’ Mutton” par three - one of the most memorable short holes in Irish golf. While slightly less well-known internationally than its neighbouring giants, Castlerock is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in Ireland and is hugely popular with golfers seeking pure traditional links golf.
While Belfast’s parkland courses provide the perfect warm-up, it’s the easy access to world-class links that makes the city truly special. Within a short drive, you can experience some of the best golf courses in the world, all while enjoying the energy, culture, and hospitality of Belfast.
Most popular golf breaks in Belfast
.jpg?auto=webp&width=150&height=150&disable=upscale&blur=1&fit=bounds)
.jpg?auto=webp&width=150&height=150&disable=upscale&blur=1&fit=bounds)
Popular golf destinations in Belfast
Indulge in Belfast’s best hotels
Belfast offers a superb range of high-quality city centre hotels, making it the perfect base for a golf break in Northern Ireland. With world-class courses such as Royal County Down (South of Belfast) and Royal Portrush (North of Belfast) within easy reach, staying in Belfast allows you to combine championship golf with vibrant city life.
Whether you're planning a short golf trip with friends or a weekend getaway, Belfast’s leading hotels provide comfort, convenience, and easy access to some of the best golf courses in the world.
Hastings Europa Hotel (Belfast)
One of the most iconic hotels in Northern Ireland, the Hastings Europa Hotel offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Belfast. Ideally located for exploring the city’s bars, restaurants, and nightlife, it’s also a great base for golfers looking to play nearby courses such as Royal Belfast and Malone Golf Club, as well as links courses further afield.
Located in the city centre, the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is a modern and comfortable option perfect for golf groups and short breaks. With excellent transport links and easy access to Belfast’s top attractions, it provides a convenient base for travelling to renowned courses across Northern Ireland.
Hastings Grand Central Hotel Belfast
The Hastings Grand Central is Belfast’s tallest hotel and one of its most luxurious, offering contemporary rooms and panoramic city views. Perfect for a premium golf break, it combines high-end accommodation with a central location, allowing easy access to both the city’s vibrant social scene and world-class golf courses nearby.
Staying in Belfast gives you the best of both worlds - top-quality accommodation in a lively city, with some of the finest golf courses in the UK and Ireland just a short drive away.
Travel tips for a Belfast golf break
- Book tee times early – Courses like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are in high demand, especially during peak season.
- Best time to visit – The prime golfing season in Belfast runs from late spring through early autumn (May–September), when courses are at their best and daylight hours are longest. June and September are particularly popular for their excellent course conditions and slightly quieter atmosphere.
- Hire a car for flexibility – The best links courses are within 60–90 minutes of Belfast, making driving the easiest option.
- Plan for changing weather – Conditions can vary quickly, so pack waterproofs and layers for your rounds.
- Stay centrally – Choosing a city centre hotel makes it easy to enjoy Belfast’s nightlife and dining after golf.
- Allow travel time between courses – While distances are short, coastal routes can take longer than expected.
- Look for stay & play packages – Bundling accommodation and golf often offers better value and a smoother experience.
“Few golf destinations can match Belfast for quality and variety. With world-famous links like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush nearby, it’s the perfect base for an unforgettable golf trip.”
Head of UK & Ireland Sales
Golf travel tips for Belfast
Best months for golfing weather:
Best months for value:
Most popular months:
Our experts recommend:
Experience the best of Belfast beyond the fairways
A golf break in Belfast is about more than just world-class courses, with the city offering a vibrant mix of culture, history, and nightlife to enjoy after your round.
Explore the Titanic Quarter Visit the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum and discover the story of the world’s most famous ship in the city where it was built.
Experience Belfast’s famous pubs Enjoy a pint in traditional pubs such as the historic Crown Liquor Saloon, or explore the lively Cathedral Quarter, known for its music, atmosphere, and late-night venues.
Discover local food and dining From modern restaurants to classic Irish fare, Belfast’s food scene continues to grow, offering everything from fine dining to relaxed post-round meals.
Take a Black Cab tour Learn about Belfast’s history and culture with a guided Black Cab tour, one of the most unique and insightful ways to see the city.
Walk or cycle along the waterfront Take in the scenery along Belfast Lough or enjoy a relaxing walk through the Titanic Quarter and surrounding areas.
Visit St George’s Market One of Belfast’s top attractions, this historic market is perfect for sampling local produce, street food, and live entertainment.
Visit Crumlin Road Gaol Step inside one of Belfast’s most famous historic sites with a tour of Crumlin Road Gaol, offering a fascinating insight into the city’s past.
Frequently asked questions
Why book with Golfbreaks?
Trusted experts
Over 25 years' experience sending more than 3.5 million golfers away on trips.Extensive choice
With thousands of experiences worldwide, there's a golf break for every golfer.Unbeatable value
We always offer the best value for money, with no hidden costs or extra admin fees.Safe & secure
We're ATOL & ABTOT bonded so your booking is always protected & your money is secure.Excellent service
We're here 7 days a week offering advice & support whilst saving you time & money.Loyalty rewards
Save on future trips with Breakpoints, plus exclusive competitions, discounts & promotions.Total flexibility
Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.Seamless journey
Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.Excellent service
We're here 7 days a week offering advice & support whilst saving you time & money.Loyalty rewards
Save on future trips with Breakpoints, plus exclusive competitions, discounts & promotions.Total flexibility
Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.Seamless journey
Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.Trusted experts
Over 25 years' experience sending more than 3.5 million golfers away on trips.Extensive choice
With thousands of experiences worldwide, there's a golf break for every golfer.Unbeatable value
We always offer the best value for money, with no hidden costs or extra admin fees.Safe & secure
We're ATOL & ABTOT bonded so your booking is always protected & your money is secure.Excellent service
We're here 7 days a week offering advice & support whilst saving you time & money.Loyalty rewards
Save on future trips with Breakpoints, plus exclusive competitions, discounts & promotions.Total flexibility
Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.Seamless journey
Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&blur=3&fit=crop&width=700&height=400)
About Golfbreaks
Speciality holiday types
Popular golf destinations
Proudly in partnership with
