IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland offers the perfect combination of rich culture, dramatic coastal scenery and world-class links golf. While the famous fairways of Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are rightly regarded among the finest courses in the world, Portstewart, Castlerock and Ardglass are a fine supporting cast and not to be missed.

We recommend a multi-centre stay between Newcastle and Portrush to experience the very best of Northern Ireland’s golf and culture. The Slieve Donard Hotel provides the perfect base in Newcastle combining luxury accommodation with stunning coastal scenery and immediate access to the region’s world-class golf. Further north, Portrush is famed for its lively atmosphere, outstanding restaurants and traditional Irish pubs, making it an ideal place to unwind after days spent on the links.

Away from the fairways, Northern Ireland offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant atmosphere and rich history of Belfast to the dramatic coastal beauty of Giant’s Causeway, the region provides the perfect complement to its world-class golf. Whisky lovers can also enjoy a visit to Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, for a fascinating insight into one of Ireland’s great traditions.

Northern Ireland remains one of the great golf destinations in the world and a firm favourite among the IBT team.

Example Itinerary

Day 1
Check in at Slieve Donard Hotel
Day 2
18 holes at Royal County Down Annesley
Day 3
18 holes at Royal County Down Championship
Day 4
18 holes at Ardglass
Day 5
Check in at Portrush Atlantic Hotel, 18 holes at Royal Portrush Valley

Day 6
18 holes at Castlerock
Day 7
18 holes at Portstewart
Day 8
18 holes at Royal Portrush Dunluce Links
Day 9
Depart for airport

IBT Favourite Courses

Royal County Down Championship

Ranked No. 1 in Britain and Ireland, Royal County Down occupies a spectacular setting beneath the Mourne Mountains and alongside the Irish Sea. A traditional links of immense charm, it features some of the most breathtaking holes in golf. Outside the Old Course at St Andrews, few tee times are more sought after.

Royal Portrush Dunluce

The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush has long been revered by golf purists but hosting The Open in 2019 and 2025 elevated its global standing. Harry Colt’s masterpiece on the spectacular Antrim coast combines dramatic scenery, strategic brilliance and unforgettable holes, delivering everything golfers seek in a world class links experience.

Royal Portrush Valley

Royal Portrush’s Valley Course has undergone a remarkable transformation under the guidance of Mackenzie & Ebert and should not be overlooked on any Northern Ireland golf itinerary. The routing ventures deeper into the dunes than the Dunluce Links, placing a premium on accuracy while delivering a thrilling links experience.
*photo credit – Cookie Jar Golf

Castlerock Mussenden

Another outstanding links on the spectacular Antrim coast, Castlerock sits just 25 minutes from Portrush. Like many great links courses, it occupies a ribbon of superb linksland between the railway and the sea. The formidable par-3 4th is a standout, but the closing four holes provide the course’s finest stretch.

Additional Courses

Courses

Royal County Down – Championship