Northern Golf Travel

The ultimate Irish double - Royal County Down's to Royal Portrush.

Northern Ireland presents golf enthusiasts with an unrivaled collection of links courses, where dramatic coastlines and ancient dunes create some of golf's most memorable experiences. This concentration of world-ranked venues has earned global recognition as one of golf's finest destinations.

Royal County Down, widely acclaimed as the world's finest course, stands as the region's crown jewel. Set within the Murlough Nature Reserve against the majestic backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the course zigzags along the shores of Dundrum Bay, offering a different vista from virtually every hole. Each presents a perfectly constructed challenge where blind shots, dramatic bunkers, and small, demanding putting surfaces test every aspect of a player's game. The course's ability to blend naturally into its dramatic setting creates 18 distinct puzzles that must be solved anew with each round.

Royal Portrush's magnificent Dunluce Links emerges as the region's other masterpiece. As the only Irish club to have hosted The Open Championship, and selected again for 2025, this remarkable design weaves through massive dunes while offering breathtaking views across the Causeway Coast. A welcoming members' club that invites visitors year-round to test themselves against its challenges, recent course enhancements have only strengthened its position among the world's elite venues, reinforcing Northern Ireland's status in championship golf.

Portstewart Golf Club, with golfing heritage dating to 1889, captivates players with what many consider the finest opening nine in golf. The championship Strand Course's holes thread through towering dunes that seem to touch the sky, while the club's Riverside and Old Course offer their own distinct challenges. The historic Ardglass Golf Club provides a unique experience, its 15th-century castle clubhouse perched dramatically above the Irish Sea creating one of golf's most memorable settings. Here, the ever-present wind and firm, fast conditions demand creative shot-making rather than simple yardage-based golf. Castlerock Golf Club, tucked where Northern Ireland meets the Republic, has elevated its status among these legendary links following recent improvements. Its exciting linksland, particularly prominent in the latter stages of the round, offers yet another magnificent test along this famed coastline.

Destination Experiences: Culture & Leisure

Northern Ireland's charm extends well beyond its fairways, offering visitors an enchanting blend of natural wonders, historic sites, and warm hospitality. The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presents an otherworldly landscape where 40,000 interlocking basalt columns create one of nature's most remarkable phenomena. This dramatic coastline, which has inspired countless myths and legends, offers visitors endless opportunities for exploration.

In the seaside town of Portrush, bustling restaurants and traditional pubs provide perfect settings for post-round reflection, while the charming town of Newcastle nestles between the Mountains of Mourne and the sea, offering a quintessential Irish coastal experience. The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery at Bushmills welcomes visitors to explore centuries of tradition through tours and tastings of their celebrated spirits.

The region has gained renewed fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, with numerous scenic spots featured in the series now available for fans to explore. The thrilling Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge offers adventurous visitors spectacular coastal views, while historic castles dot the landscape, each telling its own story of Northern Ireland's rich heritage.

Practical Information

Location & Access:

• Dublin Airport (DUB) serves as the primary gateway with extensive international connections

• Perfect base locations in Newcastle or Portrush

Best Time to Visit:

• May through September offers optimal playing conditions

• Summer months provide extended daylight hours for evening golf

• Spring and autumn showcase spectacular coastal scenery with moderate temperatures

Planning Your Visit

Whether you're planning a dedicated golf retreat or combining play with Ireland's cultural attractions, our team specializes in crafting bespoke itineraries that maximize your experience. Contact us to discuss preferred tee times, accommodation options, and supplementary activities that will make your Irish golf journey truly memorable.