Northern Ireland golf vacation FAQs

With its dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, and a proud golfing legacy - including hosting The Open Championship - Northern Ireland is a bucket-list destination for golfers. It offers some of the most scenic and challenging courses anywhere in the world.

From world-famous links like Royal Portrush to hidden gems like Castlerock and Ardglass, every round here is steeped in natural beauty and history.

Check out our top tips and FAQs to help you plan a smooth, unforgettable golf vacation to Northern Ireland.

Absolutely - Northern Ireland is one of the world’s premier golf destinations. Despite its compact size, it boasts an incredible concentration of top-ranked courses, including Royal County Down (often ranked #1 globally) and Royal Portrush, host of The Open Championship.

What sets Northern Ireland apart is the variety: from dramatic links courses carved into coastal dunes to scenic parkland layouts set on historic estates. The landscapes are stunning, the welcome is warm, and the quality of golf is consistently world-class.

Northern Ireland is home to some of the world’s best links and parkland courses. Top choices include:

• Royal County Down – Often ranked #1 in the world
• Royal Portrush – Open Championship venue
• Portstewart (Strand Course) – Spectacular dunes and views
• Castlerock (Mussenden Course) – True hidden gem
• Ardglass – Cliffside coastal links with castle clubhouse

Read our article on the best golf courses in Northern Ireland here.

May to September offers the most favorable weather, with:

• Long daylight hours in summer (sunset as late as 10pm in June)
• Mild temperatures (typically 15–22°C / 59–72°F)
• July and August are busiest, so May/June and September offer better tee time availability

Northern Ireland has over 90 golf courses, ranging from gentle links and parkland courses to challenging championship layouts.

By air: Belfast International (BFS) and Belfast City (BHD) are the main airports in Northern Ireland.

Via Dublin: Many US visitors choose to fly into Dublin Airport (DUB), which has direct flights from major US cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago. From Dublin, it’s about a 2-hour drive or coach ride to Belfast. Dublin Airport offers US pre-clearance for your return trip.

Absolutely - some top attractions near golf courses include:

• Giant’s Causeway – near Royal Portrush & Portstewart
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – stunning coast stop
• Titanic Belfast – award-winning museum in Belfast
• Mourne Mountains – near Royal County Down

Most courses don’t require a handicap, especially for casual play. However, top venues like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush may ask, so it is a good idea to check with our travel experts before visiting.

Green fees can be very different, depending on the course. Hidden gems and local clubs are affordable, while premium championship links (like Royal Portrush or Royal County Down) are more expensive. Booking in advance can help secure better rates.

Browse our Northern Ireland golf packages here.

Yes. Most larger clubs and resorts offer club and trolley rentals, perfect if you’re traveling light.

Northern Ireland has hosted several major golf tournaments, including The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 1951, 2019 and 2025. It’s also been home to the Irish Open (Royal Portrush and Portstewart) and the ISPS HANDA World Invitational at Galgorm Castle, a mixed event on the DP World Tour and LPGA.

Amateur events like the Walker Cup (Royal County Down, 2007) and The Amateur Championship have also been played here, cementing Northern Ireland’s place on the global golf stage.

Golf attire is generally smart casual: collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and proper golf shoes are standard. Bring layers and waterproofs, as Irish weather can be unpredictable, even in summer.