Golf courses in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is small but in golf terms nothing short of formidable. Two courses from this part of the island have sat in the world's top ten for years: Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle and Royal Portrush Golf Club on the Antrim Coast. Royal Portrush is the only Irish course ever to have hosted The Open Championship, most recently in 2019. Anyone who has played these two courses understands why golfers make a special trip to Northern Ireland. But the story doesn't stop at those two famous names. Portstewart Golf Club, Ardglass Golf Club and Castlerock Golf Club are courses that in most other countries would be regarded as absolute top attractions. In Northern Ireland they are almost taken for granted as part of the golfing landscape. The combination of dramatic coastline, rugged dunes and courses that have been played for centuries gives golf in Northern Ireland a character found nowhere else in the world. In terms of climate, you need to be realistic: Northern Ireland is wet and the wind along the coast is rarely absent. But that is precisely what makes these links courses so challenging and authentic. Pack a good waterproof and count on a changeable day as part of the experience. Greenfees at Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are steep but fully justified for the quality you receive. Golf in Northern Ireland is not just a round. It is a story you will tell for the rest of your life. Browse all Northern Ireland golf courses on Leading Courses and plan your next golf trip.