Golf Breaks

Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Tee

Many of the world’s finest fairways and truest greens are right here under the watchful eye of the Mourne Mountains. They feature some of the most spectacular and scenic golfing challenges in the world and it is not hard to see how some of these courses have inspired the golfing giants of Northern Ireland. Major winners like Greame McDowell, Darren Clarke, Fred Daly and of course Rory McIlroy grew up learning their craft on these world class courses. So why not follow in their footsteps and organise a weekend of four balls with friends. If you simply want to tag along to drive the buggy and reap the benefits of a relaxing weekend away, there’s plenty here for you too.

Follow in the footsteps of Champions

Take in the most spectacular setting of the beautiful Royal County Down Championship Golf Course in Newcastle, County Down from the fairways.  A rare opportunity to test your skill against the glorious backdrop of Slieve Donard mountain.  

Golfers Retreats with Bodily Treats

When it comes to accommodation for that golfing weekend away, there are plenty of places around the county that are more than up to par. Slieve Donard Resort and Spa (4*)  in Newcastle overlooks the beach and sits under the Mountains of Mourne. Those looking to relax can indulge in some well-earned pampering and golfers can roll out of bed in the morning and walk to the first tee on one of the world’s most famous golf courses - Royal County Down..  

King of the Courses

This famous links in Royal County Down is part of the Murlough Nature Reserve and has some of the most scenic holes in world golf. Every corner of this beautiful place seems to offer a different vista. So even if you find you’re off your game, there is plenty to take away from the experience of this 18-hole championship course.

Those in search of a more hidden retreat will love Killeavy Castle Estate (4*) near Newry. It offers similar treats for tired bodies but in different, more secluded countryside. Surrounded by woodlands on the Ring of Gullion, guests are close to nature and cut off from the rest of the world. It’s the perfect spot to mull over that double-bogey on the last or get yourself a pint of local craft beer and gleefully recall that hole in one on the fourth.

Another wee spot that we love is The Mulberrys B&B near the village of Crossgar. This lovingly restored farm cottage, dating back to the 1830’s has 3 beautiful en-suite bedrooms and offers a freshly cooked breakfast using locally sourced ingredients, including eggs from their very own free-range hens.  Book your Heart of Down Golf Pass with Hillyard House in Castlewellan and stay in this luxurious, boutique style accommodation.

Parkland Putting & the Home of a Champ

When you’ve managed to get through what those birdies have to offer, it’s only a short hop to Downpatrick to take on the rolling undulations of the 18-hole St Patrick’s. This is a slightly gentler challenge compared to its sometimes blustery neighbour in Royal County Down but its scenery is just as breathtaking and there are some holes on this parkland course that will leave even the finest purveyors of the game scratching their heads.

For those looking for something a little more manicured, the tree-lined Spa Golf Club might be the perfect pitch. This 6,500 yard parkland is a fine challenge for golfers of all levels and must be one of the few that kicks off with a par five. You’ll be tempted to go for gold on the tricky par threes but tread carefully as there is danger lurking around every corner of this well thought out course. After your game the bright, modern clubhouse offers a great bar and restaurant where you can look back over your scorecard. But if you’ve had a day to forget on the golf course, you’re just a mile from the centre of the ancient market town of Ballynahinch and the spectacular Montalto Estate.

Visitors can enjoy trails and walks, beautiful gardens and a homely eating experience. If you want a break from walking around after a small white ball, the estate’s expert gardeners offer informative walking tours where you can pick gardening tips and tricks and maybe even find out the names of some of the bushes you lost your Titleist's in.

If you’re feeling peckish then The Café at Montalto is a stylish eatery which specialises in simple, traditional, home-cooked dishes.

All of the café’s ingredients come from local suppliers. Their vegetables are grown right here on the estate and as you approach the café you can sometimes smell the freshly baked bread luring towards their top-notch menu. Here it’s all about fresh ingredients, sustainability and most importantly great tasting food.

A Hidden Gem overlooking the Sea

If you still have it in you to take out the clubs, the Ardglass Golf Club is a little gem of a links near the town of the same name. On a sunny day, the views across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, down to Coney Island Bay and south to the Mourne Mountains are nothing short of spectacular.

If you have finished your round just in time for lunch, then why not try nearby Aldo’s. You can work up your hunger and wait until dinner too. Either way, it’s a fine place to finish off your weekend. Aldo's uses only the finest ingredients which they source from carefully chosen local suppliers. Their beef is supplied by McGreevy's butchers in Downpatrick while their seafood supply is caught in the Irish sea. This restaurant has been in the same family since 1973 and has been a consistent local favorite ever since.

We can’t promise the greatest record breaking round of your golfing life but whatever ‘courses’ you choose, the Mournes have everything the golf fan could wish for.