Best Golf Courses In Northern Ireland

If you're a golf enthusiast planning a visit to Northern Ireland, get ready to embark on a golfing adventure like no other. This stunning corner of the United Kingdom offers not only breath taking landscapes but also a treasure trove of world-class golf courses. In this guide, we'll unveil the 10 best courses in Northern Ireland, in our humble, local opinion, that should be on every golf tourist's bucket list. From legendary links to serene parklands, these courses promise an unforgettable golfing experience amidst some of the most scenic settings on the planet. So, pack your clubs and prepare to tee off in Northern Ireland's golfing paradise. 

Nestled at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, the Royal County Down Golf Club is a timeless gem that has been enchanting golfers for over a century. Bursting with history and prestige, it's home to not one but two exquisite links courses: The Championship Links and The Annesley Links. The Championship Links, with its rugged dunes and unpredictable winds, has played host to many legendary matches. It's no surprise that this course has left an indelible mark on the golf world.

A pilgrimage for golf enthusiasts, the Royal Portrush Golf Club has welcomed some of the world's finest players to its hallowed fairways. The Dunluce Links, a masterpiece that played host to The Open Championship in 2019 where Shane Lowry took victory, is a testament to its grandeur. The course is both a puzzle and a masterpiece, challenging golfers with its natural sways and breath-taking coastal vistas. This is the course where golf history was made, with names like Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell leaving their marks.

Just a stone's throw from Belfast lies the Holywood Golf Club, a club that proudly claims a young prodigy named Rory McIlroy as its own. The course, with its lush fairways and well-manicured greens, is where McIlroy's golfing journey began. While it may not be as sprawling or challenging as some of the other courses on this list, it holds a special place in the hearts of many, offering a glimpse into the early years of a golfing legend.

Portstewart Golf Club boasts one of Northern Ireland's hidden treasures: the Strand Course. This championship links course dances along the dramatic Causeway Coast, offering golfers a true test of skill and nerve. With its towering dunes and strategic bunkering, it's a course that demands precision and rewards the bold. As you navigate the rolling fairways and gaze out at the Atlantic Ocean, you'll understand why it's a favourite of both locals and visitors alike. It's hosted numerous large amateur open championships, like the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open where a young Jon Rahm took the title.

The Castlerock Golf Club, nestled between the River Bann and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a links experience that is nothing short of exhilarating. Its natural beauty and the rugged challenge of the course make it a must-play destination for golfers. The undulating fairways and fast greens keep you on your toes, while the stunning vistas of the North Coast provide a soothing backdrop. It's a course that has tested the skills of many golfing greats who have ventured here.

Only 18 miles from Royal County Down, you'll stumble upon the hidden gem that is Ardglass Golf Club. This charming links course offers not only a challenging round of golf but also stunning coastal views that will steal your breath away. As you navigate its unique layout, which winds its way through ancient ruins and along the edge of the Irish Sea, you'll find yourself transported to a place where the game of golf and the beauty of nature intertwine seamlessly.

For those seeking a golfing escape within the bustling city of Belfast, Malone Golf Club provides the perfect sanctuary. This parkland course, surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery, offers a tranquil golfing experience in the heart of the capital. It's a place where you can escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the serenity of the fairways. While it may not boast the rugged coastal terrain of some of its counterparts, Malone Golf Club presents a different kind of golfing challenge, one that rewards precision and strategy.

Continuing our journey through Belfast's golfing treasures, Belvoir Park Golf Club stands out as another exquisite parkland course. Tucked away amidst rolling hills, this course showcases the beauty of Northern Ireland's countryside. With its tree-lined fairways and well-designed holes, it offers a delightful golfing experience for players of all skill levels. It's a testament to the diversity of golfing experiences you can find within this small but golf-rich nation.

As we make our way up the Antrim Coast, Cairndhu Golf Club beckons with its breathtaking views and challenging links course. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Irish Sea, this course presents golfers with a thrilling adventure filled with blind shots, dramatic elevation changes, and the ever-present sea breeze. It's a place where you can truly feel the power of nature as you navigate the course's twists and turns.

Our golfing journey in Northern Ireland concludes with Kirkistown Castle Golf Club, a hidden gem on the Ards Peninsula. This links course may not have the international renown of some others on our list, but it offers a unique and enjoyable golfing experience. With its sea views and challenging layout, it's a course that keeps locals and those in the know coming back for more. It's a reminder that Northern Ireland's golfing riches extend beyond the well-known names, and sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that are off the beaten path.

For those golfing enthusiasts seeking a taste of history while enjoying the game, the Royal Belfast Golf Club in Holywood, County Down, is a must-visit destination. Established in 1881, it holds the prestigious title of being Northern Ireland's oldest golf club, offering a golfing experience steeped in tradition and heritage. Beyond its historical significance, the Royal Belfast Golf Club boasts stunning scenic views that are bound to leave a lasting impression. As you navigate the course, you'll be treated to picturesque vistas of Belfast Lough and the rolling hills of County Down, creating a captivating backdrop for your game.

Northern Ireland's golfing landscape is a tapestry woven with diversity, challenging courses, and the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle. Whether you're teeing off at the legendary Royal County Down or exploring the lesser-known treasures of the North Coast, every round of golf in this land is a memorable journey through a golfer's paradise.