Experience the wild & untamed golf of Northern Ireland
With the emergence of Rory McIlroy and return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush after an absence of almost 70 years, the Northern Ireland golf scene is as hot as it’s ever been in this wonderful country.
Of course, you’ll want to take on the big two – Harry Colt’s Royal Portrush and Old Tom’s masterful Royal County Down. With both ranked in the upper echelons of Golf Digest’s World Rankings, this really is a golfer’s paradise. But don’t forget the likes of Portstewart, Castlerock, Ardglass, or even Rory’s home course Holywood.
Belfast is a lively city and gives you great access to all these courses, with none being more than an hour’s drive away. Alternatively, you can split your golf trip in Northern Ireland between Portrush to the north and Newcastle in the south.
Why book a golf trip in Northern Ireland?
- Play the No.1 ranked golf course in the world
- Enjoy the Regal trio of Portrush, Belfast & County Down
- Tour the impressive Titanic Museum in Belfast
- Wonder at the beauty & mystery of the Giant's Causeway
- Incredible scenery & unspoilt countryside
- Great bars, restaurants & whisky distilleries
What makes a golf trip in Northern Ireland so special?
Take a pilgrimage to Northern Ireland, a hidden gem for golfers seeking breathtaking links golf, historic charm, and unforgettable coastal scenery.
Walk in the footsteps of champions on courses that have hosted the world’s greatest players, and discover a golfing experience that is as rich in tradition as it is in natural beauty.
Northern Ireland may be small, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to world-class golf. With dramatic coastlines, rolling dunes, and warm hospitality, this is a golf destination that deserves a spot at the top of your list.
A good place to start is with some of Northern Ireland’s top golf courses:
Royal Portrush – Dunluce & Valley Courses The jewel of Northern Irish golf & host of The Open Championship 2025
Royal Portrush is one of the crown jewels of links golf, set against the rugged Atlantic coastline. The Dunluce Links, redesigned by Harry Colt in 1947, is a world top-10 course and famously hosted The Open Championship in 2019, with Shane Lowry capturing the Claret Jug in unforgettable style.
Next door lies the Valley Course, a superb layout in its own right and a more forgiving alternative to its championship sibling. Together, they make Royal Portrush a true must-visit for any serious golfer. Distance from Belfast: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Royal County Down – Championship Course Regularly ranked #1 in the world – a true bucket-list experience
No list of Northern Ireland’s golf courses would be complete without Royal County Down. Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, with views sweeping over Dundrum Bay, this course is consistently ranked among the best in the world.
With narrow, heather-lined fairways, blind tee shots, and those signature domed greens, the Championship Course is a true test of skill and strategy. It’s no surprise that Royal County Down is spoken of with awe by legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. In fact, this is where McIlroy narrowly missed out on victory during the Irish Open in 2024! Distance from Belfast: 1 hour
Portstewart – Strand Course Towering dunes, jaw-dropping views & a modern classic
Just a short drive from Portrush, Portstewart’s Strand Course offers some of the most dramatic opening holes in golf. Carved through huge dunes and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the River Bann estuary, the Strand is a visual masterpiece.
The course hosted the 2017 Irish Open, where Jon Rahm claimed victory, and has since earned praise as one of the finest links courses in Ireland. Distance from Belfast: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Ardglass Golf Club A unique cliffside course with centuries of history
Perched dramatically on a rugged stretch of coastline, Ardglass offers one of the most memorable golf experiences in Northern Ireland. The course starts from what is believed to be the oldest clubhouse in the world (dating back to 1405!) and hugs the edge of the Irish Sea for much of the round.
Expect stunning views, thrilling tee shots over cliffs and coves, and a course that combines charm, challenge, and sheer beauty. Distance from Belfast: 1 hour
Castlerock Golf Club A classic hidden gem on the Causeway Coast
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Castlerock is a traditional links gem just west of Portrush. The Mussenden Course, the club’s main championship layout, blends undulating fairways, tricky pot bunkers, and fast, true greens.
Set beside the River Bann estuary and backing onto rolling dunes, Castlerock delivers a tranquil yet testing round that belongs on every golfer’s radar. Distance from Belfast: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Travel tips:
- Best time to visit – Northern Ireland offers excellent golf conditions from late spring through early fall. The peak season runs from May to September, when the days are long and the courses are in prime shape. July and August are the warmest, but May and September often offer great weather with fewer crowds.
- Booking tee times – Courses like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are bucket-list destinations and book up quickly; reserve tee times well in advance, especially if you’re traveling in peak months. Midweek rounds tend to be more available than weekends.
- Accessibility – Fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). Both offer convenient access to top courses across the region. Dublin Airport (DUB) is another option; it's about 90 minutes south of Belfast and can offer more international flight choices.
- Travel - Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, as many top courses are in scenic coastal areas or countryside settings.
- Weather - Be ready for changing weather, layers and a good waterproof jacket are essential.
Check out our guide to the ultimate golf trip to Northern Ireland!
Best-selling golf trips in Northern Ireland
Customized Northern Ireland golf packages
It’s easily accessible & wonderfully hospitable
When it comes to places to stay, golfers in Northern Ireland are spoiled for choice. This captivating region offers more than just world-class courses and jaw-dropping scenery; it delivers warm hospitality, unforgettable culinary experiences, and accommodations to suit every type of traveler.
From iconic coastal hideaways to vibrant city hotels, golf vacations in Northern Ireland are as much about where you stay as where you play. Whether you're planning a buddies’ tour, a romantic golf getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime golf pilgrimage, there’s an option that perfectly fits your style.
And of course, nothing sets the tone for a round of links golf quite like a hearty Ulster Fry, Northern Ireland’s legendary breakfast that keeps you going all day.
Best for championship golf & coastal luxury For those looking to stay near the country’s finest courses while enjoying premium comfort and charm.
- Bushmills Inn Hotel | (Bushmills) Nestled in the quaint village of Bushmills, just a short drive from Royal Portrush, this historic four-star hotel offers cozy luxury and traditional character. Famous for its warm hospitality, open peat fires, and on-site distillery heritage, it’s an ideal base for exploring the North Coast’s top links, including Portrush and Portstewart.
- Portrush Atlantic Hotel | (Portrush) Situated in the heart of the lively seaside town, the Portrush Atlantic Hotel offers unbeatable access to Northern Ireland’s golfing crown jewel, Royal Portrush Golf Club. With beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean and close proximity to top dining spots, it’s the perfect home base for golfers exploring the Causeway Coast.
Best for city & golf getaways Ideal for golfers who want to blend their rounds with great nightlife, dining, and urban culture.
- Europa Hotel | (Belfast) One of Belfast’s most iconic hotels, the Europa offers elegance and energy in the heart of the city. A perfect base for playing Royal County Down, Ardglass, and even some of the city’s up-and-coming parkland courses, all while enjoying Belfast’s world-class dining, pubs, and cultural attractions.
- Leonardo Hotel | (Belfast) Modern, stylish, and centrally located, the Leonardo Hotel is a fantastic choice for those seeking a sleek city escape. With excellent transport links and all of Belfast’s major sights nearby, this hotel works perfectly for golfers looking to balance time on the fairways with time in the city.
- Hampton by Hilton | (Belfast City Center) Combining comfort, affordability, and great service, Hampton by Hilton provides a smart and reliable option for travelers. With a generous breakfast included and easy access to Northern Ireland’s golfing regions, it’s a popular pick for golf groups and international visitors alike.
Want a bit more variety? Try a customized golf tour If staying in one location isn’t your style, a golf tour offers the ultimate way to experience Northern Ireland's incredible diversity, from dramatic coastal cliffs to tranquil countryside and buzzing city streets.
Here's a sample itinerary from our Notable Northern Ireland golf tour:
- Play the magnificent links of Royal Portrush & Royal County Down
- Experience Northern Ireland’s best hidden gem courses like Castlerock and Ardglass
- Enjoy high-class accommodations with 4 nights B&B at the Bushmills Inn & 3 nights at the Slieve Donard
- Explore the mystical Giant’s Causeway & beautiful Mourne Mountains
Or why not extend your tour to Dublin and play courses like Portmarnock or The Island on our Northern Ireland & Dublin classic golf tour!
These are just suggested itineraries; everything can be adjusted to your exact needs. As the world’s No.1 golf tour operator, we specialize in tailoring unforgettable trips, whether you're chasing Open Championship history, hidden gems, or just an incredible time with friends.
Playing golf in Northern Ireland is an experience like no other, with unpredictable conditions, lashing north Atlantic winds and immense sand dunes to navigate.
Product Director
Golf travel tips for Northern Ireland
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Explore Northern Ireland’s top attractions
Beyond the fairways When the final putt drops, Northern Ireland continues to impress. This small but mighty country offers a rich tapestry of history, natural wonder, and local charm that goes far beyond the golf course.
See the sights: From craggy coastlines to ancient castles, Northern Ireland is packed with jaw-dropping scenery and fascinating heritage. Stroll the historic streets of Belfast, explore the walled city of Derry~Londonderry, or soak in panoramic views from cliffside castles. Don’t miss the Causeway Coast, where every bend in the road offers a new photo-worthy view and maybe even a Game of Thrones filming location or two.
Embrace the outdoors: For lovers of fresh air and wide open spaces, Northern Ireland delivers in spades. Hike the Mourne Mountains, bike the lush Glens of Antrim, or take a brisk walk along windswept beaches. Kayaking, paddleboarding, or even coasteering (for the brave) offer exciting ways to experience the country’s wild beauty up close. With its ever-changing skies and rugged landscapes, Northern Ireland is a paradise for adventurers.
Discover Irish whiskey at the source: Northern Ireland is home to some of the oldest and most storied whiskey producers in the world. Take a guided tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery on the planet, and taste a dram straight from the barrel. Or unwind in a cozy pub in Portrush, Belfast, or Bushmills village, where the fireplace is warm and the conversation is always flowing.
Experience authentic Irish hospitality: You’ll find the heart of Northern Ireland not only in its landscapes but in its people. Whether you're chatting with a local over a pint in a traditional pub or enjoying live music in a city bar, the warmth and friendliness here are unmatched. Expect laughter, good stories, and maybe even a spontaneous singalong, it’s all part of the charm.
Popular Highlights:
- Giant’s Causeway & causeway coastal route: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural wonder, the Giant’s Causeway features around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by ancient volcanic activity, or, as legend has it, by the mighty giant Finn McCool. Drive the stunning Causeway Coastal Route for jaw-dropping ocean views, hidden beaches, and charming seaside towns.
- Titanic Belfast: Step aboard history in Titanic Belfast, the world-leading visitor experience located in the very shipyard where the Titanic was built. With immersive galleries, replica decks, and stunning architecture, it’s a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
- Dunluce Castle: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, Dunluce Castle is one of the most photographed ruins in Ireland. Its dramatic setting and storied past (including a kitchen that once fell into the sea!) make it a perfect stop along the Causeway Coast.
- The Dark Hedges: This atmospheric avenue of beech trees, planted in the 18th century, has become world-famous thanks to its appearance in Game of Thrones. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly mystical experience, and a photo you’ll treasure.
- Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge: Dare to cross the swaying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended nearly 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Originally built by salmon fishermen, today it offers a thrilling adventure and unbeatable coastal views.
- Mourne mountains & Silent Valley: Often described as the most picturesque mountain range in Ireland, the Mournes are ideal for hiking and scenic drives. Visit the Silent Valley Reservoir for tranquil walks, panoramic views, and peaceful reflection, a striking contrast to the pulse of the golf course.
Why book with anyone else?
- ValueGuaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.
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