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 stay between Portrush to the north and Newcastle in the south.
Why book a Northern Ireland golf vacation?
- 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 golf in Northern Ireland so special?
Northern Ireland’s golf scene is best known for Harry Colt’s Royal Portrush, home of the 2019 Open, and the outstanding Royal County Down, which is often ranked in the top five courses in the world by Golf Digest and Top 100 Courses. Thankfully there are many more incredible links and golfing highlights to also include in your itinerary.
Castlerock and Portstewart are two excellent layouts situated just along the coast from Portrush in the north, whilst Ardglass in the south is a great course to compliment County Down. For golfers looking to experience the exciting capital city of Belfast, it is easy to access all these courses which are within an hour's drive away.
Play the best golf courses in Northern Ireland
It’s easily accessible and wonderfully hospitable
In Northern Ireland you can be assured of high-quality golf courses and top-class hospitality for fantastic value in any region. Wherever you choose to stay and play, everything is easily accessible. You can drive from city to coast to countryside in less than a few hours.
The lively city of Belfast can be explored on foot. From the people, the culture, the award-winning food, music and outdoor activities, everything is on your doorstep. For picturesque scenery, we recommend Ardglass, set right on the water’s edge with a clubhouse built on the ruins of a 13th- century castle.
Golf travel tips for Northern Ireland
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Where to stay in Northern Ireland?
It’s not all about the seaside golf courses, but also the excellent selection of hotels and resorts that ooze character and charm. From luxury estates, castles, boutique hotels and B&Bs there is something for everyone.
Nestled at the foot of the Mourne mountains, adjacent to Royal County Down Golf Club and on the shore of the Irish Sea, is the majestic Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. On the northern coastline close to Royal Portrush is the historic and boutique Bushmills Inn.
