Play World-Class Golf in Northern Ireland: Championship Courses, Scenic Links & Luxury Resorts
From its dramatic coastal links to its rich history, warm hospitality, and world-class championship courses, Northern Ireland has emerged as one of the best golf destinations in the world.
In this guide, we explore the best places to play, stay, and unwind—starting with the region’s legendary links and moving through luxurious inland escapes.
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip or building your annual bucket-list tour, Northern Ireland is ready to exceed expectations at every turn.
Royal Portrush to Host The Open Championship Again
Set within the Causeway Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Royal Portrush Golf Club is gearing up to host The Open Championship from July 13–20, 2025.
This iconic course last welcomed the tournament in 2019 and is widely regarded as one of the top-ranked golf venues in the world.
Nestled among a triangle of giant sandhills, the course boasts panoramic views in all directions—from the hills of Donegal in the west, to the Isle of Islay and Southern Hebrides to the north, and the Skerries and Giant’s Causeway to the east.
At the heart of the club is the world-renowned Dunluce Links, named after the 13th-century Dunluce Castle whose ruins overlook the fairways from a cliff between Portrush and Portballintrae.
Originally designed by Harry Colt, the course was dramatically enhanced by architect Martin Ebert ahead of The Open 2019, with five new greens, eight new tee boxes, 10 bunkers, and two new holes (7 and 8) built on former Valley Links land.
The result is a layout that is both strategic and visually striking, offering a true test for elite-level competition and passionate amateurs alike.
In addition to the Dunluce, Royal Portrush’s Valley Course is a full-length championship track that hosts one of the two qualifying rounds for the North of Ireland Open Championship each year.
Winding through the War Hollow, its historic setting is believed to be the site of a legendary 12th-century battle between Irish Chieftains and King Magnus Barefoot of Norway.
The Valley’s narrow greens and natural coastal hazards demand accuracy and finesse—a proving ground that shaped local hero Graeme McDowell, U.S. Open Champion and Ryder Cup winner.
Together, the Dunluce and Valley courses form one of the most scenic and historically rich golfing experiences anywhere in the world.
Play the World’s No.1 Course: Royal County Down
Set within the breathtaking Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down Golf Club is consistently ranked as the No. 1 golf course in the world—and for good reason.
Nestled between the Mountains of Mourne and the shores of Dundrum Bay, this championship links course offers a natural beauty and challenge unmatched anywhere else.
Designed in 1889 and enriched over time, the Championship Links zigzags along the coastline, giving golfers a fresh vista at nearly every hole.
Towering sand dunes, ribbons of narrow fairways, purple heather, and golden gorse not only frame the landscape but demand accuracy and shot discipline.
The fairways are bordered by world-famous “bearded” bunkers, featuring overhanging lips of marram grass, red fescue, and heather—penal for errant shots but stunning to behold.
The fast, often domed greens require confident approach play and command of the traditional bump-and-run, the hallmark of links golf.
“It’s a true test of every part of your game,” say many pros. “You don’t play Royal County Down—you survive it.”
Among its most iconic holes is the 9th, a par-4 masterpiece stretching 486 yards from a tee perched atop a massive dune. Golfers drive 60 feet downhill to a sloping fairway before playing their second shot over bunkers to a raised green.
It’s one of the most photographed holes in the world—and among the most feared.
A Storied Championship History
Royal County Down has long stood as a beacon of elite amateur and professional golf. Since hosting the 2nd Irish Open Amateur Championship in 1893, the course has seen a remarkable list of historic tournaments:
- Walker Cup (2007)
- Curtis Cup (1968)
- Amateur Championship (twice)
- Home Internationals (three times)
- Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship (nine times)
- Irish Professional Championship (four times)
The course was also the site of a famous 1893 professional tournament where Harry Vardon defeated J.H. Taylor, both early legends of the game.
In modern times, Royal County Down has drawn the world’s greatest players—Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Rory McIlroy, and many others—who prepare here ahead of the Open Championship or come simply to enjoy the challenge.
It hosted the Senior Open Championship in 2000, 2001, and 2002, attracting legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
Playability for All Golfers
While fearsome from the championship tees, Royal County Down also accommodates everyday golfers with stableford tee options, allowing players of varying skill levels to experience the layout.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a casual player chasing links golf dreams, you’ll find both a warm welcome and a world-class test here.
The course’s rich history, dramatic scenery, and unrelenting challenge make it a bucket-list destination for global golfers and a crown jewel in Northern Ireland’s golf tourism scene.
A stay at the nearby Slieve Donard Hotel elevates the experience, with luxurious Victorian-era interiors, fine dining, and immediate access to the course.
For fans of pop culture, Newcastle is also a base for exploring Game of Thrones filming locations, including the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, just 30 minutes away.
Lough Erne Resort: Luxury and Lakeside Links
Another must-visit for golfers is the Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh.
Tucked into 600 acres of untouched Enniskillen countryside, Lough Erne Resort offers an unrivaled blend of natural serenity, luxury hospitality, and world-class golf.
Surrounded by the tranquil Fermanagh Lakelands, this secluded resort invites guests to reconnect with nature and enjoy the best of Irish golf in one of Northern Ireland’s premier five-star destinations.
The resort features a 36-hole golf experience, highlighted by the award-winning Faldo Course and the storied Castle Hume Course, as well as a state-of-the-art Golf Academy and Thai-inspired spa—making it an ideal escape for players and leisure travelers alike.
The Faldo Course: Lakeside Championship Golf
Designed by six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo, the Faldo Course at Lough Erne is a par-72, 7,071-yard masterpiece that combines woodland beauty with strategic water hazards—11 of its 18 holes bring water into play.
The course winds from lakeside vistas to elevated vantage points, offering links-like conditions year-round thanks to an 8-inch sand cap foundation laid by Faldo and course architect Guy Hockley.
A favorite of Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, and Faldo himself, the course delivers not only challenge but prestige—every tee box feels like a walk in legendary footsteps.
“It’s a natural habitat for excellence,” says the resort’s team, and one of Ireland’s most beloved modern courses.
Castle Hume Course: A Tree-Lined Test of Tradition
Just steps away from the resort, the Castle Hume Course is steeped in local history and famed for hosting the Ulster PGA Championship 10 times. Built on perfectly drained limestone land and surrounded by over 7,000 trees, this par-72 course offers four teeing options to suit all levels of play.
With 30 strategically placed bunkers, pristine fairways, and scenic water features, Castle Hume appeals to societies, casual players, corporate groups, and avid golfers alike—delivering both challenge and charm in equal measure.
A Complete Luxury Escape in Fermanagh
Beyond the fairways, Lough Erne Resort offers:
- Luxury rooms and suites with views of the lake or golf course
- A Thai-inspired spa for deep relaxation and wellness treatments
- Three distinct dining experiences, blending local flavors and international cuisine
- Proximity to Erne Adventures, where guests can enjoy hydrobikes, water scooters, pike fishing, and more
- Guided tastings at the Boatyard Distillery, a local favorite
Whether you’re playing a round, hosting a golf event, or unwinding in the spa, Lough Erne is a resort where tradition, nature, and modern luxury intertwine.
Portstewart Golf Club: Home to the Sleeping Giant of Irish Links Golf
Located on Northern Ireland’s rugged north coast, Portstewart Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the island’s most breathtaking and challenging links golf destinations.
Set against a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, golden beaches, and sweeping dunes, the club is home to three distinct courses, led by its crown jewel: The Strand Course.
The Strand Course: A True Test of Championship Links
Nicknamed the “Sleeping Giant,” The Strand Course is a world-class true links course that more than holds its own alongside Northern Ireland’s “Ulster Royals”—Royal Portrush and Royal County Down.
Designed by Willie Park Jr. and Des Giffin—for whom the 6th hole is now named—the course features rolling fairways, run-off bunkers, towering dunes, and tricky, manicured greens that demand precision and imagination on every shot.
Often described as a true test of golf, The Strand’s layout winds through dramatic natural terrain, where no two holes look or play the same.
Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean accompany nearly every hole, leaving an impression that lasts long after the final putt. It’s a bucket-list course for links lovers and a highlight of any golf trip to Northern Ireland.
The Championship Strand Course at Portstewart Golf Club proudly hosted the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, where rising star Jon Rahm claimed victory.
Reflecting on the venue, Rahm praised its remarkable setting:
“The golf course is amazing. It’s probably one of the most beautiful golf courses I have ever seen, if not the most.”
The Old Course: A Historic Seaside Gem Since 1894
Steeped in history and coastal charm, The Old Course is where Portstewart Golf Club first began in 1894.
The front eight holes run along the rugged shoreline east of Portstewart town, offering scenic views of the Atlantic from elevated tees and fairways.
The back ten holes sit on the inland side, providing a tranquil contrast as the course loops gently back toward town.
Though shorter in length, The Old Course remains an institution in its own right, with historic fairways that have been walked by generations of golfers.
This beloved layout offers a welcoming, enjoyable round, perfect for newcomers to the game.
“Walk the same fairways that have welcomed golfers for over 130 years—timeless, scenic, and full of character.”
The Riverside Course: Scenic and Accessible
For those seeking a slightly more forgiving challenge, The Riverside Course is a superb alternative.
This picturesque layout meanders along the banks of the River Bann, offering sweeping views and a peaceful playing environment.
It’s an ideal course for golf societies, mixed-ability groups, or those looking to enjoy a memorable round without the full rigors of The Strand.
Perfectly Positioned for Exploration
Both Portstewart and nearby Royal Portrush sit within easy reach of some of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, including:
- The Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- The dramatic Dunluce Castle ruins
- The thrilling Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
- Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery
Portstewart Golf Club offers a varied and unforgettable experience, from the sleeping giant of The Strand to the charm and serenity of The Riverside—making it an essential stop for any golf itinerary along the Causeway Coast.
