Golf has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. With our world-class courses set against breathtaking landscapes, our region has become a premier destination for golfers seeking both challenging play and stunning scenery and we are delighted to welcome The Amgen Irish Open here in Newcastle at the Royal County Down Golf Course in September 2024.

However, Newcastle isn't only a golfer's paradise, it's also a food lovers haven, after a long day out on the course watching the Open you can unwind at one of Newcastle’s many fantastic restaurants and bars, whether you are seeking fine dining, local delicacies, or a night of entertainment we have a plethora of locations for you to choose from.

Fine Dining

If you want your meal a bit fancier than usual, try out some contemporary dining in the heart of Newcastle with Graphite, treat yourself to modern fine dining, with bespoke cocktails and an elegant wine list. A perfect place for a foodie, with a fantastic tasting and aesthetic food experience.

Brunel's restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Irish dishes. Known for its innovative menu and dedication to local ingredients. You will be guaranteed excellent food and exceptional service. The sophisticated atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a post golf dinner.

Named after Slieve Donard’s architect, J.J. Farrall’s sits at the heart of the Slieve Donard hotel. A short walk away from the Royal County Down, you can unwind for a delicious meal and savour the very best seasonal and locally sourced beef, seafood and game.

If you enjoy fresh local seafood at an affordable price, then make your way to the Mourne Seafood bar a small coastal restaurant in Dundrum known for its locally caught seafood, each bite guarantees a symphony of flavours for seafood lovers, a delicious menu to try out for an evening after a day on the course.

The Buck's Head is situated in the historic village of Dundrum, the Buck's Head boasts a cosy atmosphere, with a blazing fire and a contemporary dining room. Watch Chef Alex Greene and his team craft your meal right before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the dynamic ambiance as you dine, connecting directly with the heart of the kitchen.

Family Friendly and Live Entertainment

After a day of watching the Amgen Irish Open tournament spend an evening out in Newcastle. It is well equipped to cater for families and large groups, with plenty of bars and restaurants, just to name a few, we have listed them below.

Quinns bar is a popular place for families due to its welcoming environment and extensive menu, with spacious seating and a lively atmosphere it is a perfect place to bring the whole family. Some weeknights and weekends they offer some fabulous live music! There's always something happening in this lively pub.

A stone's throw away from the golf course is The Percy French a local favourite serving pub classics, regional dishes, bar snacks and traditional Sunday roasts with a focus on local produce and seasonality.

If you fancy a different cuisine Villa Vinci restaurant offers the perfect stop for beach strolling couples or families on a day out. Villa Vinci is an established Italian restaurant with a reputation for sumptuous food and exceptional service. On some nights they also have live singing.

Bask in the warmth of the roaring log fire in the The Avoca Hotel's exquisite and roomy restaurant. They have live music every Friday & Saturday, so you can tap your feet and enjoy some good tunes. Plus, they have a full Cocktail and Drinks menu.

If you're out and about and need some inspiration on where to go? Another place in Newcastle to head to for food and some good atmosphere is O’Hares. Perfect for enjoying some live entertainment that happens on Tuesday nights, bring your ukulele and join the Anchor Ukes or sing and clap along.

Check out Macken's Bar and Restaurant, close to the Harbour. There's live music on a Wednesday night and at the weekends.  Their Trad Sessions are legendary. On a sunny day their Beer Garden is not to be missed.

Great Jones Craft & Kitchen on main street aims to deliver the best in modern Irish cuisine, with an innovative twist on classic dishes. They have a carefully crafted food menu, matched with an eclectic selection of wines, craft beers, cocktails and a kids' menu, there really is something for everyone.

Enjoy a relaxing dining experience in the Harbour House, Newcastle, you can expect a warm, friendly welcome. Indulge on their wide selection of seasonal menus with fresh, local and sustainable produce you can expect scenic views of the Newcastle Harbour and of Newcastle Town while dining.

We hope one of these establishments is suitable for a successful meal or evening out after a day celebrating the Amgen Irish Open.

There are so many cafes, restaurants and takeaways to choose from and they cater to all tastes and preferences. Check out our food&drink section and live entertainment blog for more suggestions around Newcastle and the surrounding areas.

The Amgen Irish Open 2024
Golfing
The Amgen Irish Open 2024

The 2024 Amgen Irish Open will take place from 11-15 September, at Royal County Down Golf Club, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. World-class golf, live music, and the best fans in the world are all to be enjoyed at this unmissable tournament.

Royal County Down Golf Club
Links Golf Course
Image showing Royal County Down Golf Course and Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, with Slieve Donard mountain in the background.

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne.

Graphite
Restaurant
Graphite

Graphite restaurant, a cocktail and wine bar located on Newcastle main street, in the heart of County Down. Graphite encourages enjoying modern adventurous food, exquisite cocktails and sumptuous wine, but most importantly, celebrating our local produce here in Ireland.

Brunel's Restaurant
Restaurant
Exterior of Brunel's Restaurant, Downs Road, Newcastle

Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
Hotel
Slieve Donard Exterior

A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.

Mourne Seafood Bar
Restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar

Our aim is to provide locally sourced seafood at an affordable price. All our produce is sourced from local ports and delivered daily to ensure freshness and quality.

The Bucks Head Inn
Restaurant
The Bucks Head Logo

Under new ownership, Bronagh McCormick and Alex Greene are thrilled to unveil an exciting transformation at The Bucks Head! The Bucks Head will welcome you with a fresh new look, promising an inviting atmosphere and unforgettable moments. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey, redefining the essence of The Bucks Head for a new era! While our rooms remain under refurbishment, we are delighted to share our Main Restaurant and Front Bar are open.

Quinns Spirit Grocer
Restaurant
Quinns Spirit Grocer

Quinns Spirit Grocers have endeavored to retain all the old magic, character and charm which this pub has held for many people down the years with a combination of a pub (at the rear of the present bar) and a shop (in the front).

The Percy French
Restaurant
The Percy French Exterior

At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, local favourite The Percy French serves pub classics, regional fare, bar snacks and a traditional Sunday roast — all with a focus on in-season and local produce. A wide-ranging wine list sits alongside draught beers and a menu of classically inspired cocktails.

Villa Vinci
Live Music
Villa Vinci

Located in the popular seaside town of Newcastle, on the Co Down coast, Villa Vinci is an established restaurant with a reputation for sumptuous food and exceptional service.

Avoca Hotel
Hotel
Sea view bedroom from Avoca Hotel, Newcastle, County Down. Room overlooks Newcastle beach and promenade.

The Avoca has 20 exquisite, thoughtfully designed guest rooms with comfort in mind, including Superking Family suites, Kingsize and Superking Double rooms that can accommodate from 4-5 guests. Built in the 1800’s from Mourne granite and local stone, the Avoca, Newcastle, County Down, is situated at the base of the Mourne Mountains with undisturbed views of the Irish Sea.

Mackens Bar
Live Music
Mackens Bar

A traditional cosy pub, good music, good craic, everyone welcome!

Great Jones Craft & Kitchen
Restaurant
Great Jones Craft & Kitchen

Bringing a fresh and exciting spin to the restaurant scene in Newcastle, Co Down – Great Jones Craft & Kitchen deliver a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and style.

Harbour House Inn
Guest House
Exterior of the Harbour House Inn on a sunny day

A family run business, built on the sea wall at the foot of the mountains. Nineteenth century building overlooking Newcastle Harbour and Dundrum Bay with beer garden at waters edge. A panoramic view of Mourne Mountains.