Portrush to Royal County Down: Inside an unforgettable Northern Ireland golf trip

As the trip unfolded, it quickly became clear just how much Northern Ireland has to offer. Each stop brought something different, from the scale and challenge of its championship links to the charm of lesser-known layouts as we navigated the best courses in Northern Ireland.

Rather than relying on one or two standout experiences, it’s the consistency across the entire journey that sets the destination apart. Every round, every stay and every interaction added to the overall experience, reinforcing why Northern Ireland is so highly regarded among golfers.

Our trip began on the north coast, with Portrush as our base for the opening days. After arriving and getting settled, we eased into the week with a round at Bushfoot Golf Club, a 9-hole course located in nearby Bushmills.

Bushfoot proved to be the perfect introduction. Set along the coastline, the opening holes offer sweeping sea views, before the course loops back inland and returns to the coast for the closing stretch. Played as 18 holes with different tee positions on the second loop, it offers variety and excellent value, making it an ideal warm-up round.

Despite its more understated profile compared to the region’s championship courses, the condition and playability were impressive. The greens were fun and slightly quirky, and the overall experience was relaxed but highly enjoyable.

• Travel tip for Bushfoot: Bushfoot is ideal as a first-day round, especially after travelling. Tee times are generally more flexible than the region’s championship courses, so it’s a great option if your arrival time is uncertain.

After the round, we checked into Portrush Adelphi, our base for the first part of the trip. Located right in the town centre, the hotel immediately stood out for its warm welcome and classic, traditional style. With the Harbour Bar just a short walk away, the evening was spent soaking up the atmosphere and settling into the rhythm of the trip.

Day two brought the first of the trip’s true bucket-list rounds: The Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush, host of The Open Championship in 2025.

From the moment you step onto the first tee, it’s clear this is a course of the highest calibre. Without the grandstands, the scale of the landscape feels even more apparent, and walking back to the championship tees gives a real appreciation of the challenge faced by the professionals. It always special being able to incorporate an open venue into your itinerary.

The famous 16th, “Calamity Corner”, lived up to all the hype, the group took on the daunting tee shot over a vast chasm. It soon came clear to us why Open Championships can be won and lost on that hole with two of us making it onto the green and two of us putting our shots in unplayable positions.

It’s a course that demands both precision and creativity, with ever-present coastal winds adding another layer of difficulty. The drivable par-4 5th is prime example of this, we played it down wind which opened up a real scoring opportunity, however in typical Portrush style, any wayward shot is severely punished.

• Travel tip for Portrush: If available, consider taking a caddie, they add huge value in navigating the course and understanding the subtleties of the greens, especially on holes like Calamity Corner.

After our round at Royal Portrush, the afternoon took us just a short drive down the coast to Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world.

The experience offered a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s most famous exports, with an immersive tasting session showcasing a range of their premium whiskeys. Our host was exceptionally knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the process, bringing each stage of production to life in an engaging and accessible way.

Set against the backdrop of the north coast, it proved to be the perfect way to unwind after a day on the links, relaxed, informative and a great addition to any golf trip in the region.

Day three took us to Portstewart Golf Club, home to what is often described as the best front nine in golf.

It’s easy to see why. The opening tee shot alone is one of the most visually striking in the game, with towering dunes framing each fairway and creating a dramatic, almost otherworldly setting. The front nine is relentless in its visual impact, demanding accuracy off the tee and creativity around the greens.

Reminiscent of Trump Aberdeen the courses align in design, however we noticed that Portstewart played more naturally as a true links course, with harsher run-offs and traditional pot bunkers.

While the back nine is traditionally considered less memorable, ongoing renovations to the closing holes are set to bring it more in line with the spectacular opening stretch. Extensive work has gone into the final three holes in particular, elevating the closing stretch to rival those found on the best courses in the world.

• Travel tip for Portstewart: Bring your camera or phone fully charged, Portstewart’s front nine is one of the most photogenic stretches in golf.

After the round, we made the move to Dunluce Lodge, one of the newest and most impressive additions to Northern Ireland’s golf accommodation offering. Located directly on the 4th fairway of Royal Portrush, the setting is as good as it gets.

The contrast to our previous stay was immediate. Where Portrush Adelphi leans into classic charm, Dunluce Lodge offers a more modern, luxury experience. Spacious rooms, a high-end restaurant, a dedicated spa and even a putting green overlooking the course all contribute to a premium feel throughout.

After two days of championship golf, day four offered a chance to take in more of what the north coast has to offer.

With Dunluce Lodge as our base, we spent time enjoying the facilities, including the spa and outdoor areas, as well as capturing content around the property and its unique on-course location.

A short drive took us to the Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Visiting during quieter hours made the experience even more memorable, with the dramatic rock formations and coastal scenery providing a different perspective on the region.

Leaving the north coast behind, we travelled south towards Newcastle for what would become one of the standout days of the entire trip: Royal County Down.

Ranked the top course in the world in Golf Digest's 2024-25 rankings, it more than lives up to its reputation. Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the course combines dramatic dunes, blind shots and unforgettable views

What truly elevates Royal County Down, however, is the way its challenge is matched by its beauty. Panoramic views of Dundrum Bay appear and disappear as you navigate the course, while the shifting light across the mountains and sea creates a constantly evolving landscape.

Holes such as the 4th and 9th, both playing back towards the mountains, were particular highlights and fantastic photo opportunities. With several blind tee shots, local knowledge is invaluable, and taking a caddie is highly recommended for first-time visitors.

• Travel tip for Royal County Down: Tee times at County Down are incredibly difficult to secure without booking a year or more in advance, which highlights the bucket-list nature of this trip!

After the round, we checked into Slieve Donard, a hotel that offers one of the most unique golf experiences anywhere. A gate at the back of the property leads directly onto Royal County Down, just a one-minute walk from the first tee.

The hotel itself mirrors the classic style of Portrush Adelphi but on a larger scale, with exceptional facilities, a lively bar and one of the best breakfast spreads we experienced all week.

Our final round took us to Ardglass Golf Club, a course that offers something completely different.

One of the most distinctive and historically rich golf experiences in the world, Ardglass is home to the oldest clubhouse in golf, dating back to 1405, the venue immediately establishes a sense of heritage and authenticity that few courses can rival. Originally a fortified warehouse, the clubhouse stands as a tangible link to centuries of local history, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step inside a living piece of the past while enjoying a modern golfing experience.

Set along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline, the course is renowned for its dramatic cliffside routing. Several holes are played directly over rocky outcrops and the crashing Irish Sea, creating both a visual spectacle and a strategic test. The ever-present coastal winds, combined with undulating fairways and tight landing areas, demand precision and thoughtful shot-making, making Ardglass as challenging as it is memorable.

• Travel tip for Ardglass: Check the weather carefully before your round at Ardglass. The course is extremely exposed, and wind conditions can dramatically affect playability. Bring extra layers.

Back at Slieve Donard, the trip drew to a close with a relaxed evening at The Percy French restaurant. With views out towards the Mourne Mountains and a lively but cosy atmosphere, it provided the perfect setting to unwind after the final round. The food was excellent, fresh, locally inspired and exactly what you want after a day on the course and the service matched the high standards we’d experienced throughout the trip.

Northern Ireland is a destination that fully justifies its place on every golfer’s bucket list.

From the championship pedigree of Royal Portrush and Royal County Down to the visual drama of Portstewart and the charm of courses like Bushfoot and Ardglass, the variety and quality of golf on offer is exceptional. Combined with outstanding hospitality and a growing portfolio of high-end accommodation, it’s a destination that continues to evolve.

For golfers looking for a trip that blends world-class golf with unforgettable scenery and authentic experiences, Northern Ireland stands out as one of the very best.

To help with planning your own trip, here are answers to some of the most common questions about golf in Northern Ireland.

Q: Is Northern Ireland good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. Northern Ireland is one of the world’s leading golf destinations, combining iconic links courses, dramatic coastal scenery and genuinely warm hospitality. It’s a must-visit for any golfer looking for a bucket-list experience.

Q: What are the best golf courses in Northern Ireland? A: Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and Portstewart are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Courses like Ardglass and Bushfoot also add variety, offering unique and memorable experiences alongside the headline venues.

Q: When is the best time to visit? A: Late spring through to early autumn typically offers the best playing conditions, with longer daylight hours and more consistent weather. That said, links golf can be enjoyed year-round if you’re prepared for changing conditions.

Q: Do I need a caddie? A: While not essential everywhere, a caddie is highly recommended, particularly at courses like Royal County Down, where blind tee shots and local knowledge can make a significant difference to your round.