The Northeast

Looking for a fresh challenge? Why not discover the superb golf courses of Northeast Ireland. Here you will find some of the finest links courses, such as Royal County Down, Portstewart, Castlerock and Royal Portrush. An area often overlooked by international visitors, the Northeast boasts over 70 golf courses.

Both Royal Portrush and Royal County Down rank among the best links courses in the world and have garnered a strong international reputation for hosting a number of major tournaments. Royal Portrush has the distinction of being the only Irish Course to host The British Open, when Max Faulkner emerged victorious, and also hosted the Seniors British Open on a number of occasions in recent years. Royal County Down is also no stranger to the Senior British Open having hosted it from 2000-2002. It also had the distinction of staging The Walker Cup in 2007. World renowned golfers such as Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy hail from this part of the world and honed their games on these wonderful links. In fact McIlroys legendary 61 around Royal Portrush is talked about with reverence in the area, partly because he was just 16 when he did it.

The Northeast boasts breathtaking panoramas including charming harbours, the famous rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, the vast inland sea of Lough Neagh and best of all, the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' - the Giants Causeway. Or why not visit the cities of Belfast and Derry or the World's oldest licensed whiskey distillery at Bushmills. All contribute to the most memorable golfing experience.

Golf – Carr’s Recommendation

• Royal County Down
• Royal Portrush
• Portstewart

View Golf Courses in the North East of Ireland

Hidden Gems

• Ardglass Golf Club
• Castlerock Golf Club

Hotels – Carr’s Recommendation

• Culloden Hotel
• Bushmills Inn
• Slieve Donard