Golf in Northern Ireland

A land of legend and golf, Northern Ireland is home to numerous world-class courses and links courses where authentic landscapes and unique challenges await you. On a mission for the readers of Swing-Feminin, we embarked on a journey to the heart of this wild and captivating region. From the authenticity of Ardglass Golf Club to the ultra-chic elegance of Royal Belfast, before ending our journey at the legendary Royal County Down, we invite you to discover these golfing gems. As Northern Ireland celebrates Saint Patrick's Day and prepares to host the next Ryder Cup, the unmissable Éire is more than ever at the heart of the news, a change of scenery is guaranteed, a must-see!
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Hole No. 9 at Royal County Down – Northern Ireland ©TPlassais/Swing-Feminin

Northern Ireland, land of contrasts and golf

Our journey this time takes us to County Down, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, with our home port being the city of Newcastle, on the grounds of Royal County Down. What a privilege to be able to explore this region rich in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Often used as a backdrop for blockbuster films and series like Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland is also full of around a hundred golf courses that will delight even the most demanding golfers. You will wander between world-class links and chiseled inland courses...

Imagine putting on immaculate greens nestled between dunes, with a majestic mountain backdrop, or simply driving on cliffs overlooking a sapphire sea.

Whether you're an avid golfer or simply looking for a new sporting adventure, this region offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Prepare to swing in a unique setting, surrounded by Irish nature, with the Atlantic winds blowing in your company.

Ardglass Golf Club – Northern Ireland

First day,

Ardglass Golf Club: a diamond in the rough

Nestled on a jagged Irish Sea coastline in County Down, Ardglass Golf Club is a course to be enjoyed inevitably, an unforgettable experience, a perfect blend of nature and sporting challenge. Located just 30 minutes from the famous Royal County Down, Ardglass stands out for its unique charm and spectacular scenery.

From the moment we arrive, we are transported to another era.

A 13th-century fortress flanked by a row of cannons serves as the residence, earning it the title of the oldest clubhouse in the world... No less! Inside, the stone walls and vaulted ceilings immerse us in history, while the breathtaking sea views from the windows, or the small upstairs terrace, remind us that we're about to experience something special. The artillery line is surely there to warn us that it's going to be quite a battle to tame the mischievous Ardglass.

But it could be that the golf gods are with us. No wind this morning and radiant sunshine. An extremely rare occurrence, as a club member we met on our way to the 1st tee confirmed: "If you can't score today, you'll never score!" We've been warned...

Ardglass Northern Ireland

The 18-hole course stretches across rugged terrain, with each hole offering breathtaking views of the sea. Hole number 2, nicknamed "The Howd's Hole," is particularly impressive. This 3-meter par 167 requires you to fly over a precipice to reach your destination. Any ball short left of the green will bounce back into the rough bordering the cliff. A real test of nerves, but the satisfaction that accompanies a good shot will be all the greater.

ArdGlass's signature sequence

It's impossible not to mention the unforgettable 10-11-12 succession that takes us to the shores of Killough Bay. The location is magnificent. It all starts with the short par 4 of the 10th, which plunges towards the beach. Then, the par 5 of the 11th stretches along the bay, wedged on one side by a huge embankment covered with impregnable broom and on the other by a magnificent low wall of stacked stones close to the waves. Finally, climb back up to the heights via a few switchbacks and conclude with the scenic par 3 of the 12th, with its green as if placed at the water's edge, magnificently protected by 5 bunkers.

Paradoxically, Ardglass Golf Club is renowned for its difficulty, but also for its ability to accommodate golfers of all abilities. The generous fairways, often playable rough, fast greens, and expertly placed bunkers provide a constant challenge.

The wind, normally omnipresent on this seaside course, adds an extra layer of complexity. Light breezes like today can make the game a pleasant stroll, but when the sea is raging, Ardglass undoubtedly becomes a truly merciless battleground for golfers. It is precisely these conditions that make Ardglass so captivating.

Only one desire, that of returning to the Ardglass golf club

For golfers looking for authenticity, Ardglass is definitely a must-see in our eyes. It's a course that will challenge you, amaze you, and remind you why you love this sport so much. With a pint in hand at the clubhouse bar, reminiscing about the course, you'll feel only one desire: to return with friends...

Ardglass Golf Club, Castle Place, Ardglass. High season green fee rate €200

www.ardglassgolfclub.com

Club House of the Royal Belfast Golf Club – Northern Ireland

Second day,

Royal Belfast Golf Club: history and chic parkland

Founded in 1881, Royal Belfast Golf Club is Ireland's oldest golf club. As such, it has a rich and unique heritage that is reflected in every corner of its course, expertly designed by Harry Colt, to whom we owe, among others: Royal portrush, Or Saint-Germain golf course in France. A long, tree-lined driveway leads you to the chic clubhouse mansion. You immediately sense the hushed atmosphere and the weight of tradition that reigns here. You tiptoe in (golf shoes are prohibited) and whisper. At least at first...

Nestled on the edge of the sparkling waters of Belfast Lough, surrounded by rolling green hills and bathed in a peaceful and majestic atmosphere, Royal Belfast Golf is a worthy representative of Northern Ireland's golfing diversity. It's a place where history, tradition, and natural beauty combine to deliver a truly memorable golfing experience. Links golf is great, but if, like today, the wind is blowing strongly, playing a bit sheltered among the trees is quite enjoyable.

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The course, steeply undulating, stretches over 18 impeccably maintained holes. You'll regularly have to remove or add one or two clubs to adjust your sights. Add to that the wind and the equation becomes significantly more complicated. The greens are fast, and the cleverly placed hazards test not only your technical skills, but also your strategy. As such, Harry Colt has scattered a myriad of bunkers throughout the course. Cleverly placed on the fairways and around the greens, it's a delight to stumble upon them (I'll grant you the least possible) as their quality is impeccable.

Affordable and adorable Royal Belfast:

The green fee price was a complete surprise. Considering the history (Ireland's oldest golf course), its status as a Royal golf course, its facilities, the environment, and the maintenance, we were expecting a minimum rate of €150. In fact, not at all... The price during peak season is slightly above €100 per week, depending on the fluctuation of the pound sterling. So don't hesitate to add it to your agenda between two or three links.

Royal Belfast Golf Club, Station Rd, Holywood BT18 0BP

High season green fee rate (weekdays) €100

www.royalbelfast.com

Royal County Down – Northern Ireland

Last day,

Worse than a kid...

We've been waiting for this moment for three nights now. The highlight of our stay in Northern Ireland: walking the legendary fairways of Royal County Down. The ordeal is terrible; our hotel, the Slieve Donard, is located just meters from the course, and the desire to do battle with the monster is overwhelming.

Let's admit it right away, we cracked after two days... After dinner, we slipped onto the course (on foot) to soak up the atmosphere of the place: magnificent light, purplish-pink sky worthy of the most beautiful Instagram filters. Let's go! A little round trip on the 1st via its fairway nestled between two strips of generously vegetated dunes... This little saving shot allowed us to last another day.

Sunset over the Royal County Down Club House ©JFBall/Swing-Feminin

Royal County Down: Royal county UP!

Located in Newcastle, surrounded by the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, Royal County Down Golf Club is much more than a course, much more than a links course. It's the GOAT of links golf, pinned to the wish list of golfers worldwide. A masterpiece of world golf, a true sanctuary for lovers of the little white ball, this legendary course fluctuates between the first and third places among the most beautiful courses in the world, according to rankings.

A Legendary Journey designed by legends.

Created in 1889 by Old tom morris, to whom we also owe small courses like St Andrews Carnoustie or Muirfield to name but a few, the Royal County Down remains one of its jewels. To be completely complete, HS Colt In the 1920s, he finalized the layout as we know it today. He is responsible for the current design of the iconic holes 4 and 9.

Golf in Northern Ireland, Royal County Down

The course stretches nearly 6 yards from the backslopes, featuring undulating fairways, natural dunes, and unpredictable greens. The layout is as formidable as it is beautiful. Each hole offers a unique challenge, where strategy and precision prevail over brute force. The bunkers, often deep and surrounded by tall grass, require extreme skill to escape unscathed.

A Unique Experience

At Royal County Down, golf isn't just about the game. It's a total immersion in unspoiled, wild nature where the wind blows vigorously and the landscapes change moods every moment. The Mourne Mountains serve as a majestic backdrop, the Irish Sea laps or laps at the edge of the course as it pleases, while the golden morning light or evening mists bring an almost mystical dimension to your game.

What surprises you upon arrival is the clubhouse's simplicity. No gimmicks, a reasonably proportioned building, almost disappointing. But that's the magic of the place. Make no mistake, the star here is the course. For warming up, the driving range is about 300m from the clubhouse, and a golf cart service takes you there free of charge. Near the tee, several areas are dedicated to short game play and allow you to wait for your tee time. You should also book well in advance to reserve a tee time, as there can be several months of waiting in the summer months... The price of success... It's also essential for first-timers to hire a caddy. Not necessarily to carry the bag, but essential to give you the line of play, as many holes are played blind. If you hit the ball correctly, one for four will be enough. If you can afford it, don't deprive yourself. Little reminder: no golf carts on the course here.

A breathtaking route

Here we are, on the tee box... A strong breeze blows across our faces. The starter points to a wooden box where we can help ourselves to tees, ball markers, and pitch repair tools. We're like children, both excited and impressed. No room for error, we have to tee off correctly at all costs... Contract fulfilled for most of us...

Nothing prepared us for such a place, it's incredible what nature is capable of offering, a little helped of course by talented course craftsmen. The fairways wind through incredible dunes, sometimes several dozen meters high, to end in apotheosis on firm and undulating greens. Moreover, despite several darts on the green, my magnificent pitch repair tool, offered by the RCD, will remain useless almost the entire course. Sometimes, you will have to play short on certain tees to avoid hitting the rough slyly placed in front. But also rely on the immense sights which are located behind certain greens to adjust the shot... The Royal County Down is already in the top 3 of the world ranking, but there is no debate possible, its first 9 holes are without a doubt the best in the world. So much so that the last nine could seem disappointing. They remain of the same quality in terms of the drawing, but as they move away from the shore and the impressive dunes, the suspended moment is lessened, perhaps to better allow us to leave the place on tiptoe...

Our little jugs:

The postcard: the long par 3 of the 4th, with its elevated tee. The view is incredible, the sea, the mountains, and the entire course at your feet...

And for its challenging side, the 4m par 9 of the 400th is impressive. A fairway in two parts, the first stops 160m from the tee, extended by a rough slide more than 20m high and which resumes at the bottom to reach a raised green. The idea: a big drive to fly over everything and land softly on the grass below...

Why go there?

Royal County Down can be the course of a golfer's life. The idea isn't simply to hang the RCD on your list of achievements like you'd hang a hunting trophy on your living room wall. It's more intimate than that. You connect with the place and come back changed. However, please, do it right, play a few links before this one; the pleasure will only be tenfold.

Royal County Down, 36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle Co Down. BT33 0AN

https://www.royalcountydown.org/

High season green fee rate €500

The Slieve Donard Hotel, at the pinnacle of Irish hospitality

The Slieve Donard Hotel stands proudly overlooking the Irish Sea, offering breathtaking views of Newcastle Beach and the surrounding Mourne Mountains. Slieve Donard takes its name from the highest peak in the surrounding mountains. It was in this 5-star establishment, backing onto the Royal County Down golf course, that we set up camp for our exploration of County Down.

Built in 1897 by the Belfast and County Down Railway Company, the Slieve Donard Hotel, with its imposing Scottish Baronial style architecture, was originally intended to accommodate wealthy travelers using the Belfast to Newcastle railway line.

A haven of luxury and relaxation

Renovated in 2023, the Slieve Donard Hotel features colonial decor in the public areas and a distinctly English feel in its 180 guest rooms. Large bay windows let in abundant natural light, offering spectacular views of the outdoors.

The hotel's spa, spanning over 2 square meters, is one of the most renowned in Northern Ireland. Guests can enjoy a wide range of treatments. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a relaxation room with ocean views—the perfect place to recharge after a day spent golfing or exploring the region.

At table.

There's nothing like starting the day with a hearty breakfast. At Slieve Donard, it's an institution. You'll find everything (or almost) to satisfy your cravings: eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, beans, brioches, cereals, yogurts, fruit... And in the evening, the main restaurant, The JJ Farrall's, will offer you refined cuisine, highlighting fresh and local products. Why not indulge in the famous piece of typical Irish beef, the Sirloin. For a burger or a typical fish and chips, opt for the other restaurant in the complex with a pub feel, the Percy French located at the entrance to the complex.

More information about the hotel: https://marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/

Some great places to dine outside the hotel in Newcastle:

Brunel's in Newcastle, or 9 minutes away The BucksHead : both offer chic and refined cuisine based on local and seasonal produce. Allow €60/person

By Jean-François Ball

For more information : www.irlande-tourisme.fr
Facebook.com/TourismeIrlandaisSu

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