Northern Ireland is known for its spectacular scenery, particularly around the Giant’s Causeway, as well as its excellent golf courses, which are both great reasons to spend golf holidays in Northern Ireland. In fact, the golf courses in Northern Ireland are considered some of the best in the world, receiving consistent raves from magazines, golf enthusiasts and even legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
The Royal Belfast Golf Club is one of the top golf clubs in Northern Ireland, as well as the oldest. It was founded in 1881, although its present course was established only in 1925. It is also considered a challenging course, putting the skills of golf enthusiasts to the test.
Located in Newcastle, the Royal County Down Golf Club is also an old golf club which is known for providing spellbinding views of the Mourne Mountains and having two links courses. The first, called Championship Links, is a challenging one designed for genuine golf enthusiasts while the second one, Annesley Links, can be enjoyed by those spending leisurely holidays in Northern Ireland.
You will find two links golf courses at the Royal County Down Golf Club, as well, both of which provide amazing views of the coast. The more popular course is the Mussenden Course, which has 18 holes and an SSS of 72, although the 9-hole Bann Course can be a treat for golfers, too.
The best golf club in Northern Ireland, though, is the Royal Portrush Golf Club. In fact, it is considered one of the best in the entire world. The Dunluce Course is particulary popular because of its challenging holes, such as ‘White Rock’ and ‘Calamity’, which are difficult even for professional golfers spending holidays in Northern Ireland.
For a course that is part parkland and part links, head out to the Ballycastle Golf Club. The first five holes are located on parkland, while the remaining ones are on dunes and hillsides with stunning views of the Sea of Moyle, the Glenshesk Valley and Knocklayd Mountain.
You can play golf at the Radisson Roe Park, as well. Although one of the most recent golf courses in Northern Ireland, the 18-hole parkland course is already a popular one and is well known for its challenging water features. There are excellent golfing facilities around the course, too, such as a driving range and a putting green, as well as an excellent hotel right nearby where you can spend the night after spending a day on the course.
These golf clubs and many others truly make Northern Ireland a great destination for golf holidays. Even if you’re not a golfer, though, you can still have memorable holidays in Northern Ireland. After all, this island offers plenty of other great activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Northern Ireland, by car. To book your car hire in Northern Ireland, or learn more about cheap rental cars worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.
