Golf Courses in Northern Ireland

Tee up at some of the world’s most scenic and challenging golf courses in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. Northern Ireland has produced some of the world’s top golfers, like Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. Play on some of the courses where these international stars cut their teeth. 

International Standard Golf Courses 

Follow in the footsteps of some of the all time greats at Royal County Down. The course’s challenging greens and fairways have welcomed the likes of Tiger Woods and Tom Watson. Local celebrity, Rory McIlroy, is also a frequent visitor. 

With views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, there’s a different natural wonder to marvel at each of your eighteen holes. Set in the Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down was hailed as the world’s most picturesque golf club by Forbes Magazine. The nearby Slieve Donard Resort Hotel is a great place to rest your head after a long day on the links.  

A Course with Green Credentials 

Set on reclaimed farm land, Ashfield Golf Course has always been a course with a bit of a difference. Since it opened its fairways in 1990, Ashfield has put strong emphasis on protecting the local environment. 

Over the last 30 years, the Ashfield team has planted thousands of trees and added several man-made lakes. Keep your eyes peeled for a wide variety of native bird species as you tour the greens. 

A Modern Clubhouse in Ballynahinch 

Just outside the town of Ballynahinch, Spa Golf Club offers eighteen expansive and luscious holes. Set in the quiet Northern Ireland countryside, it is the perfect place to escape for a round of golf. 

With a modern clubhouse, Spa offers warm and welcoming hospitality for your post-game cooldown. Enjoy a quiet pint, and share tips with friends and family at the in-house bar and restaurant. 

The Oldest Clubhouse in the World 

Enjoy the grandeur of a 15th century castle as you tee off at Ardglass Golf Club. With parts of the clubhouse dating back to 1405, it is the oldest building anywhere in the world which is home to a golf club. 

Set on the craggy coast, this is a challenging and majestic course. Take in the sea air as you hone your skills on the greens. 

A Round of Golf in the Land of St. Patrick 

Named after Ireland’s most famous son, St. Patrick’s is an idyllic golf course, set on the rolling hills outside of Downpatrick. Opened back in 1929, St. Patrick’s is one of Northern Ireland’s best loved rural courses. 

Tee Off and Breathe in the Sea Air 

Kilkeel Golf Club offers visitors some of the most spectacular views you’ll find anywhere in the world. Set on the shores of the Irish Sea, against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the luscious greens provide a truly unforgettable golfing experience.  

It’s no surprise that Kilkeel has played host to international tournaments like the European Championships and British Open qualifiers. 

A Record Breaking Course in Warrenpoint 

Warrenpoint Golf Club holds the record for the fastest ever round of golf. Local Man Jim Carvill managed to make it round the eighteen holes in just over 27 minutes. We’d recommend taking the course at your own pace to enjoy a peaceful round of golf on the shores of Carlingford Lough. 

Greenways in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

Set in the Ring of Gullion, Cloverhill Golf Club is part of one of the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion’s designated areas of outstanding natural beauty. In addition to incredible scenery, it offers a distinct challenge to amateurs and seasoned pros alike. 

Golfers around the world speak in hushed tones about hole eight, the ‘Amen Corner’, which sweeps around Slieve Gullion and across the on-site lake. 

A Labour of Love at Mayobridge Golf Course 

Mayobridge Golf Course was the brainchild of local man Joe Fegan. Gazing out around the wasteland surrounding his home, Joe had the bright idea of transforming the local hills, waters and woods into a world class golf facility. For a man in his 70s, Joe has no shortage of ambition. 

The club crest is testament to Joe’s personal touch, featuring a pipe, his favourite vice. 

A Golf Course in the Grounds of a 16th Century Castle 

Set on the grounds of the 16th century Bright Castle, Bright Castle Golf Club was, until recently, home of the longest hole anywhere in Europe. Measuring in at 735 yard, hole sixteen is still a mammoth, even if its record no longer stands.