Teeing Off in Nature's Wonder - Golfing in Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Escape to the stunning Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion for a perfect golf getaway. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and world-class golf courses, this region offers an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts.

With the Heart of Down Golf Pass, you can explore a variety of exceptional courses, each providing unique challenges and stunning views. Here’s how to make the most of your golfing retreat.

Royal County Down Golf Club: A Golfer’s Dream

Begin your golfing journey at the prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club, one of the world’s top-ranked courses. Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, the Championship Links here offer a sublime blend of challenge and beauty. This course is a true test of skill, featuring fast greens, deep bunkers, and rugged fairways set against a backdrop of towering dunes and the Irish Sea.

Playing at Royal County Down is a transcendent experience. The panoramic views of Dundrum Bay and the majestic Mournes create a dramatic setting for your round. The iconic 9th hole, with its elevated tee and stunning vistas, epitomizes the course’s challenging yet exhilarating nature.

Ardglass Golf Club: Coastal Splendour and Historic Charm

A short drive along the coast brings you to Ardglass Golf Club, where the rugged beauty of the Irish Sea meets a historic golfing tradition. Known for its breathtaking coastal views and dramatic cliffside holes, Ardglass combines challenging golf with a touch of historical charm. The clubhouse dates back to 1405, being the oldest club house in the world, adds to the unique allure of this course.

At Ardglass, every hole offers a different perspective of the sea and the dramatic coastline. The 2nd hole, a par 3 played over the crashing waves, is particularly memorable. As you navigate narrow fairways and undulating greens, the ever-present sea breeze adds an extra layer of complexity to your game.

Warrenpoint Golf Club: Parkland Elegance by the Lough

For a change of pace, visit Warrenpoint Golf Club on the shores of Carlingford Lough. This parkland course is known for its tree-lined fairways, well-manicured greens, and serene setting. Offering a different style of play compared to the coastal courses, Warrenpoint provides a tranquil retreat with its lush, rolling landscape and strategically placed hazards.

Warrenpoint’s layout, with its gently undulating terrain and scenic views of the lough, creates a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing round. The club's friendly vibe and excellent facilities ensure a warm welcome and a pleasant golfing experience.

Kilkeel Golf Club: Majestic Mountains and Coastal Views

Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, Kilkeel Golf Club offers a captivating blend of mountain and coastal golf. This parkland course features panoramic views of the Mournes and the sea, providing a scenic and enjoyable round.

Kilkeel's layout takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, with holes that meander through mature woodlands and open parkland. The course is renowned for its excellent conditioning and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

St. Patrick’s Golf Club: Hidden Gem with a Warm Welcome

Located in Downpatrick, St. Patrick’s Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a delightful golfing experience. This mature parkland course, set amidst rolling countryside, features a variety of holes that challenge your accuracy and shot-making skills.

St. Patrick’s is known for its friendly atmosphere and scenic setting, with fairways that wind through wooded areas and open landscapes. The course's well-maintained greens and thoughtful design provide a rewarding experience for golfers of all levels.

Spa Golf Club: Tranquil Retreat with a Rich Heritage

In the heart of County Down, Spa Golf Club offers a tranquil golfing retreat with a rich heritage. Established in 1907, this parkland course is surrounded by mature trees and natural water features, creating a serene and picturesque setting for your round.

Spa’s layout includes a mix of challenging and forgiving holes, making it accessible for golfers of all abilities. The club's charming clubhouse and welcoming ambiance make it a delightful destination for a relaxing day of golf.

Discover Hidden Gems

For a golfing experience that offers both unique landscapes, consider playing at Ashfield Golf Course. Situated on reclaimed farmland, Ashfield has emphasised environmental protection since its opening in 1990. Cloverhill Golf Club, set within the Ring of Gullion’s area of outstanding natural beauty, provides both amateurs and seasoned pros with a distinct challenge against a stunning backdrop.

Mayobridge Golf Course is the visionary creation of local man Joe Fegan, who transformed the surrounding wasteland into a world-class facility, blending the local hills, waters, and woods into a golfer’s paradise. Lastly, Bright Castle Golf Club boasts historical significance and unique challenges, including the once-longest hole in Europe, a formidable 735-yard par-6, set amidst the scenic grounds of the 16th-century Bright Castle.

Après-Golf: Culinary Delights and Local Experiences

After a day on the links, indulge in the local culinary delights and explore the rich cultural heritage of Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. The region is known for its fresh seafood, artisanal breads, and locally brewed beers. Savour a meal at one of the charming local restaurants or pubs, where you can enjoy local specialties and warm hospitality.

Experience the essence of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey with an exclusive tour that delves deep into the storied traditions of Irish whiskey blending and bonding. Discover the rich history and artistry behind blending whiskey. Each tour offers an enriching blend of educational talks, an interactive whiskey blending workshop, and a session of cocktail crafting and tastings. 

For those with a sweet tooth, a trip to NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate is a must. Located in the picturesque countryside, this premier bean-to-bar chocolate maker offers a chance to see the chocolate-making process up close and taste some of their exquisite creations. 

The Shortcross Gin Discovery and Tasting experience takes place on Rademon Estate, which dates back to AD 565. Their award-winning gin is Northern Ireland’s first craft gin, made with techniques and provenance that result in quality you can taste. This distillery provides a thoroughly modern experience in ancient settings which is perfect for any gin lover.

Exploring Beyond the Fairways

When you’re not on the golf course, Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion offers a wealth of outdoor activities and scenic beauty to explore. Hiking trails through the Mourne Mountains provide stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re scaling the heights of Slieve Donard or enjoying a gentle walk through the forests, the natural beauty of the region is sure to captivate you.

The local towns and villages also offer rich cultural experiences, from historic castles to charming markets. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and discover the hidden gems of the region.

Heart of Down Golf Pass

The Heart of Down Golf Pass offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy three rounds of golf across a selection of premier courses for just £120. To secure your pass and schedule your rounds, contact St. Patrick’s Golf Club today.

Play & Stay Offers 

Many of the world’s finest fairways and truest greens are right here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. 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. Check out our great value Play & Stay offers. 

Plan Your Trip

Plan your perfect golfing getaway today and discover why Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is a golfer’s paradise waiting to be explored.