The Best Golf Courses in Northern Ireland: Where Legends Play
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Northern Ireland, a land of rugged coastlines, rolling green hills, and ancient castles, offers more than just breathtaking landscapes and storied history — it’s a golfer’s paradise. This relatively small corner of the British Isles is home to some of the most celebrated golf courses in the world, many of which have hosted global tournaments and continue to shape the careers of golf’s elite. Whether you’re chasing championship layouts, coastal views, or hidden gems, Northern Ireland’s golf scene has it all.
Royal County Down – A World No. 1
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle is widely regarded as not just the best course in Northern Ireland, but one of the greatest in the world. Designed in 1889 by Old Tom Morris and later enhanced by Harry Colt, this iconic links course offers a perfect blend of beauty, strategy, and tradition.
The Championship Course at Royal County Down regularly ranks No. 1 globally by Golf Digest and other publications. Its narrow fairways are flanked by gorse and heather, while blind shots and undulating greens keep even the most skilled players on their toes. Hole 9, a par-4 that drops dramatically toward the sea, is often cited as one of the most photographed in golf.
Royal Portrush – Home of The Open
Located on the north coast near the Giant’s Causeway and the town of Portrush, Royal Portrush Golf Club made history when it hosted The Open Championship in 1951 — and again in 2019, when the tournament returned after nearly 70 years. Its Dunluce Links, named after the nearby medieval castle ruins, is a masterpiece of course architecture and coastal scenery.
The 2019 Open showcased the course’s stunning complexity, particularly the new 7th and 8th holes, which were added during a major renovation by architect Martin Ebert. Rory McIlroy, a Northern Ireland native, famously played his first competitive round here. Today, Royal Portrush continues to draw global attention and is scheduled to host The Open again in 2025.
Portstewart Golf Club – The Strand Course
While often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Portstewart Golf Club deserves a place in any serious golfer’s itinerary. The Strand Course, the club’s championship layout, gained international fame when it hosted the 2017 Irish Open, won by Jon Rahm.
Set amidst towering dunes and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the front nine of the Strand Course is often considered among the most dramatic in the UK. Designed by Des Giffin and later refined, it challenges players with elevation changes, hidden bunkers, and tricky winds, all while offering panoramic views of Donegal and the Inishowen Peninsula.
Castlerock Golf Club – A True Links Experience
Just a short drive from Portstewart, Castlerock Golf Club offers a more traditional and intimate links experience. Founded in 1901, it features two courses: the 18-hole Mussenden Links and the 9-hole Bann Course. The Mussenden, designed in part by the legendary Harry Colt, is carved into rolling dunes and demands precise shot-making.
While less crowded than Royal Portrush or Royal County Down, Castlerock boasts equally awe-inspiring scenery and challenging conditions. It’s particularly popular with those seeking a peaceful, authentic round far from the spotlight, but steeped in the essence of true Irish links golf.
Ardglass Golf Club – A Coastal Jewel with Medieval Roots
Few courses in the world can claim to start from a 14th-century castle, but Ardglass Golf Club does just that. Located along the southeastern coast in County Down, this hidden gem winds its way over cliffs and crashing waves with holes that hug the rugged shoreline.
The course begins at the ancient Ardglass Castle, now serving as the clubhouse, and continues through natural terrain dotted with ruins, sheep, and dramatic sea views. Holes 1 through 5, with their proximity to the Irish Sea, are both stunning and punishing in the wind. It’s not the longest course, but the visuals and the challenge make Ardglass unforgettable.
Golfing in Northern Ireland – Beyond the Courses
What sets Northern Ireland apart isn’t just the quality of its courses, but the experience that surrounds them. After a round, you’re never far from a lively pub with traditional music, fresh seafood, and warm local hospitality. The Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting several of these top courses. History buffs will enjoy visiting nearby sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Moreover, Northern Ireland has produced some of the sport’s biggest names, including Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, and Graeme McDowell, all of whom learned their craft on these very fairways. Their legacy is woven into the fabric of each course, inspiring a new generation of golfers to test their skills in this storied land.
A Golfing Journey You’ll Never Forget
Northern Ireland may be small, but when it comes to golf, it delivers on a grand scale. With a blend of historic prestige, natural beauty, and authentic local culture, it offers something few other regions can match. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage to Royal County Down, chasing the waves at Portrush, or discovering hidden gems like Ardglass, one thing is certain — you’ll leave with stories, memories, and a yearning to return.
