Northern Ireland is home to some of the world's finest links golf courses. Here's our guide to the top courses and how to plan your golf trip.
Northern Ireland is an extraordinary golf destination, home to some of the world's finest links courses. From the legendary Royal Portrush on the windswept Antrim coast to the spectacular Royal County Down in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains — golfing in Northern Ireland is a bucket-list experience.
Royal Portrush Golf Club Without doubt Northern Ireland's most famous course, Royal Portrush has hosted The Open Championship twice (1951 and 2019) and is consistently ranked among the world's top ten courses. The Dunluce Links, in particular, is a masterpiece of coastal links design.
The course sits on the dramatic north Antrim coast with views across to the Giant's Causeway. Depending on the wind, it can be a gentle links walk or a ferocious test of stamina and skill. Green fees start from approximately £250 per round.
Royal County Down Golf Club Located in Newcastle, County Down, with the stunning Mourne Mountains as a backdrop, Royal County Down is frequently ranked the No. 1 golf course in the world by Golf Digest and other major publications. The Championship course is a true links masterpiece — long, wild, and utterly beautiful.
The course features blind shots, deep gorse-lined fairways, and small, undulating greens. Green fees from £200.
Portstewart Golf Club Portstewart is one of the UK and Ireland's hidden gems — a wonderful links course at Portstewart on the Causeway Coast. Its par-5 opening hole, Strand, is regularly cited as one of the finest opening holes in golf. Green fees from £80.
Castlerock Golf Club Another superb north coast links course, Castlerock offers tremendous value alongside excellent quality. The Mussenden Course is a fine test, with the striking Mussenden Temple visible from the course. Green fees from £60.
Ardglass Golf Club On the County Down coast overlooking the Irish Sea, Ardglass is a spectacular and historic 18-hole links. The original clubhouse incorporates a 15th-century castle. Green fees from £55.
Ballycastle Golf Club Situated between the Mull of Kintyre and the north Antrim coast, Ballycastle offers stunning views with a challenging links test at very affordable prices. Green fees from £40.
Ballyliffin Golf Club (County Donegal) Just across the border in County Donegal, the Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin is an exceptional course in a wild, exposed setting on the Inishowen Peninsula. Green fees from £100.
Planning Your Northern Ireland Golf Trip The ideal golf itinerary for 5 days: - Day 1: Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) - Day 2: Portstewart - Day 3: Castlerock - Day 4: Royal County Down - Day 5: Ardglass
Golf Transfers with Belfast Transfers and Tours Our luxury Mercedes V-Class comfortably accommodates golf bags and up to 7 passengers, making it the perfect vehicle for a Northern Ireland golf trip. We offer: - Hotel to golf course transfers - Inter-course transfers for multi-course days - Airport to golf hotel transfers (Belfast International, Belfast City, Dublin) - Early morning tee time pickups
Contact us to plan your Northern Ireland golf tour — Airporttransfersni@gmail.com