Tee Off in the Emerald Isles: A Golfer’s Guide to Northern Ireland

Posted By
Tom Gorman
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Travel Northern Ireland Royal County Down Northern Ireland
A general view of Royal Couty Down golf course in New Castle, Northern Ireland. (Courtesy Royal County Down GC)

Northern Ireland, with its rugged coastlines, rolling dunes, and dramatic Atlantic vistas, is a golfer’s paradise that rivals Scotland or Ireland’s southwest. Home to some of the world’s most revered links courses, it’s where the game feels primal — wind-whipped fairways, pot bunkers deep as wells, and views that could distract even the most focused pro.

This isn’t just golf; it’s an immersion in Celtic heritage, fresh seafood, and the warmth of local pubs. Whether you’re chasing the spirit of Rory McIlroy (a native son) or simply seeking uncrowded tees, a trip here promises unforgettable rounds. Plan for late spring to early fall for the best weather, and book tee times well in advance — especially post The Open at Royal Portrush, which has put the region on every bucket list.

For this guide, we’ll map out a 7-day/6-night itinerary, with five rounds of golf (you can add more golf if arrival and or departure day times allow). We start and end in Belfast, assuming a rental car for flexibility (fly into Belfast City or International Airport).

Focus on the Causeway Coast and Glens, with a nod to County Down gems. We’ve selected standout courses that blend prestige with playability, paired with charming stays that range from luxury resorts to cozy inns.

Expect green fees from $100–$600 per round, and pack layers as the weather can turn on a sixpence.

Day 1-3: Belfast Arrival and County Down Classics

Kick off and unwind in Belfast, a city blending Titanic history with vibrant street art and farm-to-table eats. Base yourself at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. This modern five-star hotel, located in the city’s center, offers a unique 360-degree perspective of Northern Ireland’s historic capital.

A look at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast at night. (Courtesy Grand Central Hotel Belfast)

After a good night’s sleep, or sleeping off a good night, we head south to Newcastle (about a 45-minute drive south) and check in at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for a 2-night stay. This Victorian-era gem, part of the Hastings Hotels group, overlooks the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay, with rooms starting at around $400/night. It’s got an award-winning spa for sore shoulders, fine dining at The Percy French, and even its own putting green. Pro tip: Indulge in their seafood chowder after a day on the links.

Your first round will be at none other than Royal County Down Golf Club, located about a 7 iron from your hotel room at the Slieve Donard Resort.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa exterior at night. (Courtesy Slieve Donard Hotel)

Considered one of the world’s greatest golf courses, Royal County Down was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1889 — its Championship Links course is a masterpiece of natural terrain with blind shots over gorse-covered dunes, sweeping views of the Irish Sea, and Slieve Donard peak as your compass.

At 7,186 yards (par 71), it’s tough but fair, with the par-3 9th hole (“The Murlough”) a postcard of perfection. Green fees hover around (gulp!) $600 in high season, but it’s worth it for the history.

On Day 3, after checking out of our hotel, we’ll head 20 minutes north to Ardglass Golf Club, a hidden cliff-top treasure. Perched on the edge of the sea with castle ruins as hazards, its 18 holes (5,960 yards, par 70) offer panoramic views of the Isle of Man on clear days. It’s a bit more affordable ($115–$175) and less pretentious, ideal for shaking off jet lag.

The Ardglass clubhouse is the oldest in the world. The initial construction of the castle started no later than 1405. (Courtesy Ardglass GC)

The clubhouse (the oldest in the world) serves up hearty Irish breakfasts — fuel up with Ulster fry before tackling the wind-exposed back nine.

Day 3-5: The Causeway Coast Swing

After our round at Ardglass, we drive north along the A2 Coastal Route (allow 2 hours), stopping at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for a non-golf adrenaline rush. Settle into The Bushmills Inn in Bushmills, a boutique hotel with peat fires, antique charm, and rooms from $200/night. It’s steps from the Old Bushmills Distillery — tour it for a whiskey tasting that pairs perfectly with post-round reflections. The inn’s restaurant excels in local fare like beef and Guinness stew.

The Bushmills Inn in Bushmills, Northern Ireland (Courtesy The Bushmills Inn)

Day 4’s star: Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, host of the 2019 and 2025 editions of the British Open. The Dunluce Links (7,337 yards, par 72) is a beast of pot bunkers and undulating greens, redesigned by Martin Ebert to include thrilling new holes like the par-4 7th (“Curran Point”). Fees are about $500, but the views over the Atlantic and White Rocks Beach make every penny count. Walk in the footsteps of champions — McIlroy set the course record here at age 16.

An aerial view of the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by David Cannon for R&A via Getty Images)

Day 5: Venture to Portstewart Golf Club, just 10 minutes away. Its Strand Course (7,118 yards, par 72) starts with a bang: a downhill par-4 opener overlooking the beach. The front nine hugs massive dunes, while the back weaves inland. At $275, it’s a must for its variety and the chance to spot seals in the surf. If time allows, squeeze in nine at the club’s Riverside ($50) or Old Course for a lighter vibe.

Day 6-7: Detour to Ballycastle and a Belfast Wind-Down

Day 6: En route back south, we detour to Ballycastle Golf Club for our final round of golf. This clifftop links (6,062 yards, par 71, $75–100) boasts views of Rathlin Island and Scotland, with the par-5 18th finishing dramatically by the sea wall. It’s affordable and authentic — pure Northern Irish soul.

An aerial view of Ballycastle Golf Club in Northern Ireland. (Courtesy Ballycastle Golf Club)

Return to Belfast for your final night at a central spot like the Culloden Estate & Spa (from $300/night), a luxurious castle-hotel with gardens and a top-tier spa. Pamper with a golfer’s massage, then hit the Cathedral Quarter for craft beers at The Dirty Onion pub or seafood at Mourne Seafood Bar.

Day 7: Time to gather up your scorecards (to frame) and plot your final day in Northern Ireland before heading to the airport for your trip home.

Final Fairway Thoughts

Northern Ireland’s golf scene thrives on its raw, historic appeal — and a strong sense of adventure. It’s not cheap. Budget $3,500 just for accommodations and golf (excluding flights, food, drinks, and whatnot) for a week, factoring in rentals and meals. Rent clubs if flying light and hire a caddie at the big courses for insider lines.

With direct flights from major U.S. and European cities, it’s accessible yet feels worlds away. Sláinte to your swing: may the fairways be kind and the putts true.

Itinerary

For bookings, visit discovernorthernireland.com

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