Royal County Down — Championship Course
Top 3 in the world. The Mountains of Mourne loom over the back nine, and the bunkering is some of the most photographed in golf. The crown jewel of Northern Irish links — and arguably of links golf anywhere.
The Honest Take
🪣 #1 on my bucket listNumber one on my own list, and it's not close. Royal County Down is routinely ranked the best course on the planet, Royal Portrush just hosted the Open again, and the whole Causeway Coast is stacked with links you'd build a trip around anywhere else. I haven't made it yet — but when the group finally commits to a links trip, this is where I'm pushing for. If you've played it, I'm a little jealous; leave a review so I can live vicariously.
Best time to visit: May – September
Featured Courses
Luxury $$$
Royal Portrush — Dunluce Links
Top 10 in the world, host of the 2019 Open Championship. Calamity Corner (the par-3 16th) is one of the most famous holes in golf. A must-play.
Portstewart Golf Club — Strand Course
The opening seven holes thread through monumental dunes — one of the most dramatic starts in all of golf. The rest of the course is excellent too. Often paired with Royal Portrush for a perfect Antrim Coast double-header.
Castlerock Golf Club — Mussenden Links
Classic links 10 minutes from Royal Portrush. Less internationally famous than its neighbors but consistently top-rated by visitors — a must-add for any Antrim Coast trip.
Ardglass Golf Club
Cliffside links south of Belfast — closer to Royal County Down than to Royal Portrush. The clubhouse is the oldest in the world (a 12th-century castle), and the sea views from nearly every hole are spectacular.
Mid-range $$
Royal Portrush — Valley Course
Sister course to the Dunluce. Often available when the Dunluce is fully booked, and a serious links course in its own right at a lower price. Excellent companion round.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club
European Tour host venue and a parkland course — a welcome change of pace from the links onslaught. Pairs naturally with a stay at the Galgorm Resort & Spa, one of the best resort properties in Northern Ireland.
Budget $
Bushfoot Golf Club
Historic 9-hole track in Portballintrae, right next to Royal Portrush. Compact, walkable, and a perfect warm-up round before the championship gauntlet — or a relaxed final round if you're not up for another links day. Budget-friendly green fees by Antrim Coast standards.
Plan Your Days
Pick any two locations to see drive time, route, and traffic. Includes the nearest airport so you can plan fly-in / fly-out rounds.
Pick two different courses to see the route.
Trip Ideas
Ready-made itineraries covering this destination.
Things to Do
- Giants Causeway
- Old Bushmills Distillery
- Enjoy the small local Northern Irish pubs
- Belfast and Titanic Museum
- Game of Thrones filming locations
- Dark Hedges
- Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Off the Course
Where golfers actually eat, drink, and hang after the round — the dive bar, the post-round brewery, the coffee spot before an early tee time. Submitted by people who've been, not the food-critic picks.
Loading…
Videos
Typical Weather
Loading climate data…
Where to Stay & Get Around
What's Happening While You're There?
Concerts, games, festivals — see what's on during your trip.
Community Reviews
Loading…
If you like Northern Ireland
Similar trips with overlapping terrain, region, and trip style.
Ready to plan your trip?
Use our trip planner to build your itinerary for Northern Ireland, share it with your group, and book tee times.
Open Trip Planner →