Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Itineraries
Northern Ireland Golf Courses
A short flight to Belfast then the golfing world is your Oyster. The choice is yours, superb links courses that are the envy of the world, fabulous parkland courses bring the variety to your trip.
And the people, we need say no more, you will enjoy the hospitality 100%
Royal Portrush Golf Club
It’s always better when you can talk first hand about a golf course. Very fortunate to have played this absolute beauty just before the Open. What a belter, it’s a good as it gets for links golf. No wonder the R&A wanted it back there.
Every hole is a gem, the changes to the course for the Open blend in like nothing has happened. The views, the condition of the course, the caddies, the welcome at the clubhouse. It just has to be done.
Still don’t know how Rory went out of bounds on the first………local nerves no doubt.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club
A change to the magnificent links courses of Northern Ireland. Galgorm has just played host to the Irish Open so again the stature is growing. Having read some of the Pro’s reports they were pleasantly surprised by the quality and test of golf Galgorm Castle gave them.
It is a lovely parkland course with lots of variety. It is a real thinkers course.
The clubhouse is very good and the food was extensive and varied.
This is a definite one to have on your itinerary and a chance now to play an Irish Open course.
Portstewart Golf Club
There are three golf courses on the land at Portstewart, The Old Course, The Riverside Course and the big daddy, The Strand Course. What a view you get stood on the 1st tee of the Strand. If ever there was a pure golf view to capture, enjoy and breathe in then this has to be up there with the best, it is a wow. The front 9 of the Strand is as good a front 9 of links golf you will ever meet. The back 9 is good, just that the front 9 is massively elevated in terms of natural quality.
If links golf is your tipple then you have to taste The Strand.
Castlerock Golf Club
Rugged, exposed, the wind off the sea, rain blowing, yes that was my links golf experience of Castlerock….but it isn’t links golf without those elements…is it? I always believe if you play a links course in calm conditions you have been cheated, it’s not meant to be like that. The golf course is a joy to play, tough, as all links are. The General Manager Bert Mackay really sums up the essence of what Castlerock is all about, enjoyment, enjoy the golf and the hospitality with a smile irrespective of the conditions, embrace the links moment.
What golf tourists should expect when visiting Northern Ireland
Well Maintained golf courses
Golf is a serious business in Norther Ireland, adding £300 million to the economy. That in mind great pride is taken in the beauty Northern Ireland has and the standard of their golf courses is second to none
Cuisine and beverages
The cuisine of Northern Ireland is based on it’s traditional roots, meat, fish, vegetables. Rustic food is the order of the day with modern twists in lots of hotels and restaurants.
One thing for sure the food will be extremely tasty and wholesome.
On the drinks side, well whiskey and Guinness are the drinks of choice.
Culture - so friendly, so helpful
The hospitality in the Northern Ireland is superb. Music, laughter, enjoyment. The people of Northern Ireland will provide you all of that.
And when in Portrush a visit to the Harbour Bar is a must. No one can come out of there without having a great evening.
Caddies - It’s in the blood
The caddies in Northern Ireland are extremely knowledgeable, often the knowledge is past down from father to son.
They are never short of a word or a story and are definitely worth listening to. If you are playing courses like Portrush then a caddy really enhances your enjoyment.
Hotels in Northern Ireland
Galgorm Resort & Spa Hotel
Just over 30 minutes from Belfast Airport and 40 minutes from Portrush the Galgorm resort is the perfect luxury destination. The rooms are excellent, the restaurants and indeed its own pub are very good and the spa is stunning with riverside hot tubs and indoor and outdoor heated pools.
This really is a unique setting with the River Maine flowing through the resort. A really enjoyable place to relax and unwind.
Atlantic Hotel Portrush
As the name suggests the hotel has views out to the Atlantic Ocean which makes for wonderful views out towards the west.
If you don’t want to travel far to Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock then this is the place to stay. The standard is 4*, the food in the hotel is of a good standard with a big plus being it is in the centre of Portrush not too far from the Harbour Bar which is a must visit.
Bushmills Inn
A luxury boutique hotel a stones throw, or maybe a Bryson De Chambeau drive away from Royal Portrush. This is a superb property, lots of nooks and cranny’s and little cosy sitting areas. The food is amazing, really high quality. The decor, the rooms, the history of the place, it was a coaching in back in the 1600’s, is just amazing, even secret doors are within the building!
The Giant’s Causeway is literally on the doorstep.
FAQ’s about playing golf in Northern Ireland
When is the best time of year to play golf in Northern Ireland?
Well the main answer here is April to October though knowing the vagaries of the weather in Ireland one can’t expect the weather to be perfect, even in the height of summer!
So you could play all year round, snow permitting is the real answer, depending on how keen and brave you are.
Currency
Remember, the currency is the British pound, not euros as some people make the mistake of thinking.
How do I travel around Northern Ireland?
The best and most cost effective way is to hire a car. Everywhere is extremely accessible and not too far away. You will enjoy the scenic journeys as well.
Are caddies compulsory in Northern Ireland
Caddies are not compulsory but as stated previously they can certainly enhance your enjoyment.
Contact us.
For more information, enquire about a bespoke itinerary or to book a holiday to Northern Ireland, please complete the form to the right and we will be in touch.“I find it hard to believe anyone can come here and not enjoy the whole experience. The food, fresh from the field and sea and served with the enigmatic Irish charm. The golf courses are a dream to play and last long in the memory.
The culture and history are outstanding, the Giant’s Causeway, the whiskey, the people, the story’s, the folklore.
Oh and not to forget the worldwide hit of Game of Thrones was filmed in the area.
Make Northern Ireland one of your must do golf vacations. ”