Fabulous fairways, major championships, stunning landscapes and an abundance of attractions make Northern Ireland a hole-in-one.
Royal Portrush, located on Northern Ireland’s famous Causeway Coast, is teeing up to welcome back The Open in July (13–20). The County Antrim links course is considered to be one of the world’s best and last hosted the championship in 2019, attracting golf fans from all over the world.
It’s just one of several world-class golf courses in Northern Ireland, which boasts over 90, ranging from gentle links and parkland courses to challenging championship courses, ensuring both seasoned golfers and beginners can find the perfect green.
In fact, the compact region is home to the world’s number one golf course, Royal County Down, which lies at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains in the seaside town of Newcastle. The picturesque links course stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay offering a dramatic panorama as well as an unforgettable golfing experience.
Golfers can round off the experience with a stay in the Slieve Donard Hotel, which overlooks the links, and offers opulent Victorian-era style. The hotel’s elegant décor reflects its rich history and the gorgeous surrounding landscape. Just 30 minutes from Newcastle is the fabulous Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, while shoot locations for the blockbuster series dot the County Down landscape and can be visited on a guided walking or car tour.
Another championship golf course set in beautifully scenic surroundings is the Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the lakeside championship course is a par 72 and known for having water hazards at 11 of the 18 holes making it a true test of golfing ability. The course also affords great views of Fermanagh’s tranquil lakes and rolling hills.
Sitting on a 600-acre peninsula, Lough Erne Resort offers five-star, luxury accommodation and fine dining as well as a Thai-inspired spa which is the perfect place to unwind after a challenging round of golf. For those with energy to spare, nearby Erne Adventures offers fun water activities, including hydro bikes and water scooters, or the more sedate guided pike fishing experiences. A trip to Lough Erne should also include dropping into the Boatyard Distillery to sample its excellent range of spirits.
Great views and great golf are also par for the course at Portstewart Golf Club on the north coast. It’s home to three fine true links golf courses, each offering challenging play for beginners and professionals alike. With the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches and the rugged coastline, Portstewart rivals Royal Portrush for the title of most picturesque golf course on the island, if not the world.
Both Portstewart and Royal Portrush courses are also close to several of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the atmospheric ruins of Dunluce Castle and the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Whiskey fans should not miss a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery, which offers guided tours and the chance to sample one of the world’s great whiskeys.
So, whichever world-class course you choose to play in Northern Ireland, you’ll find great experiences on and off the fairways.
