The best golf courses in Northern Ireland
Enjoy our ranking of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland
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Golf in Northern Ireland
We show you the ranking of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland so you can start planning your next golf trip.
Northern Ireland is a land of golf with some of the best golf courses in the world. The legendary Royal County Down, the stunning Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush and the spectacular Lough Erne Resort are just a few examples. In addition, there are hidden gems such as Galgorm Castle and Ardglass Golf Club.
Golf in Northern Ireland is a unique experience that offers a combination of spectacular scenery and challenging courses.
Want to take a golf trip to Northern Ireland?
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
GOLF CLUB
CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Royal County Down Golf Club Championship Course is considered by many to be the most beautiful golf course in the world and has been ranked first in Golf Digest’s “100 Best Golf Courses in the World” list in 2016 and 2018. Located in the Murlough Nature Reserve, the golf course boasts the breathtaking view of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay. Royal County Down is a true golfing challenge, with its narrow fairways and “bearded” bunkers that require excellent ball control.
ROYAL PORTRUSH
GOLF CLUB
DUNLUCE LINKS
Royal Portrush Golf Club Dunluce Links is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous golf courses, has hosted The Open 2019 and will host The Open 2025 again. Designed by Harry Colt, this challenging 18-hole links course offers stunning views of the Atlantic coastline and features deep bunkers, undulating fairways and demanding greens.
CASTLEROCK
GOLF CLUB
MUSSEDEN COURSE
Castlerock Golf Club Mussenden Course is a links golf course located on the north coast of Northern Ireland, near the town of Coleraine. Designed by renowned golf course architect Ben Sayers in 1901, the Mussenden Course is considered one of the finest links golf courses in Northern Ireland.
PORTSTEWART
GOLF CLUB
STRAND COURSE
Portstewart Golf Club Strand Course, nicknamed “the sleeping giant”, is undoubtedly one of the best links golf courses in Northern Ireland. The views from almost every hole are simply magical. It is a delight that will take a long time, if ever, to fade from your memory.
Do you want to travel to see The Open live?
LOUGH ERNE
FALDO COURSE
Lough Erne Faldo Course is located in the heart of Northern Ireland and is one of the most outstanding courses in the country. Designed by Nick Faldo, it offers a unique golfing experience in a spectacular setting with panoramic views of Loch Erne and the surrounding area. The 18-hole course, with a length of 6,983 meters, is one of the longest in Northern Ireland.
MALONE
GOLF CLUB
Malone Golf Club is a 27 hole golf course located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Designed by CK Cotton in 1962, the club has hosted numerous golf events over the years. The three nine holes offer a variety of challenges and picturesque views, with water hazards and trees providing an interesting challenge for golfers of all levels.
ARDGLASS
GOLF CLUB
Ardglass Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course located on the picturesque coastline of County Down, Northern Ireland. The course offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne coastline. Founded in 1896, Ardglass is one of Ireland’s oldest golf clubs and its warm and welcoming atmosphere attracts golfers from all over the world.
ROYAL BELFAST
GOLF CLUB
Royal Belfast Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland and was founded in 1881. It is located just minutes from the center of Belfast and offers a challenging golf course that was designed by Harry S. Colt. The course is a par 70 with 18 holes and features a traditional links layout with undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
BELVOIR PARK
GOLF CLUB
Belvoir Park Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1927, it has hosted several major events, including the Irish Championship and the Walker Cup. The course layout features narrow fairways and demanding greens, with many holes requiring a precise approach.
GALGORM CASTLE
GOLF CLUB
Galgorm Castle Golf Club is located in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and is one of the most popular golf courses in the region. Designed by Simon Gidman, this 18-hole course offers a challenging course with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers and fast greens. It also features a magnificent natural landscape, including streams, ponds and mature trees.
We prepare your trip to the best links in the world
Frequently asked questions about golf courses in Northern Ireland
How many golf courses are there in Northern Ireland?
In total there are almost 100 golf clubs in Northern Ireland.
What is the oldest golf course in Northern Ireland?
The oldest golf club in Northern Ireland is the Royal Belfast Golf Club, founded in 1881.
What is the best golf course in Northern Ireland?
It is difficult to choose the “best” golf course in Northern Ireland, as there are many incredible golf courses and each has its own unique beauty and challenges. If we had to choose one, it would be Royal County Down, as it has been named the best golf course in the world on several occasions.
