North of Ireland
Playing golf in Northern Ireland offers an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts. The region boasts a rich culture, offering visitors the opportunity to explore historical landmarks, sample traditional cuisine, and visit charming towns such as Portstewart and Kilkeel. Golf courses such as Ardglass, Ballyliffin, Castlerock, Portsalon, Rosapenna, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and Portstewart provide challenging rounds of golf amidst breathtaking scenery. The Royal County Down Golf Club, for example, is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the world. The stunning landscapes and dramatic coastline add to the allure of Northern Ireland's golf courses, making it a must-visit destination for any golfer.
Ardglass
Ardglass Golf Club dates back to 1896, starting with 7 holes, then expanding to 9 holes. In 1970, the course doubled to a full 18 holes. The course is pristine, with excellent fairways, tricky bunkers, and speedy greens. It's one of Ireland's most stunning courses, with breathtaking elevation changes and views of the Irish Sea from every hole.
Ballyliffin
Nestled on the Inishowen Peninsula's Atlantic edge lies Ballyliffin, the northernmost golf club in Ireland. While the game's origins here are uncertain, the Ballyliffin Golf Club was established in 1947. The course is famous for its towering sand dunes, earning comparisons to Ballybunion and Dornoch.
Castlerock
Castlerock is a charming coastal village situated on the Causeway Coast. Its Mussenden course, named after the nearby temple, sits where the River Bann meets the Atlantic, offering views of Islay to the north and the rolling Donegal hills to the west. The club's nine holes were expanded to 18 in 1908 by Ben Sayers, with further modifications made by Harry Colt in 1925.
Portsalon
Since 1891, Portsalon Golf Club has been a staple for golfers. Its course winds alongside the sandy shores of Ballymastoker Bay, stretching for two miles to where Lough Swilly meets the Atlantic. With stunning views of the seawater lake, most of the course navigates through towering sand dunes, offering a natural golf experience.
Rosapenna
In the picturesque fishing village of Downings, Sheep Haven Bay welcomes visitors to County Donegal's beautiful coast. The Old course, first laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1891, is a must-play. But Pat Ruddy's remodelling of the back nine has resulted in the 'Old Tom Morris Links,' named after its renowned original designer and opened in 2009.
Royal County Down
Royal County Down Golf Club lies in Newcastle, beneath the impressive Mountains of Mourne. Old Tom Morris deserves most credit for the layout, with the natural undulating fairways shaped by time. Measuring nearly 7,200 yards, it's a mystery why this fantastic course has never hosted an Open.
Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush is a stunning links course with a breathtaking entrance along the coastal road. The fairways flow between rugged sand dunes, while the small greens blend seamlessly into the landscape. The views of the ocean and distant islands are magnificent. The course is understated and natural, with grassy hummocks guarding the greens.
Portstewart
Portstewart Golf Club has a rich history, with golf being played on the Strand course since 1889. Major updates were made in the late 1980s, with new holes added to the Willie Park Junior layout. The result is a stunning course designed by Des Giffin, surrounded by vast sand dunes and offering breathtaking views across the Atlantic and to the Inishowen peninsula.