BALLYLIFFIN
Founded in 1947, this is Ireland’s most northerly course. Faldo described it as the most natural golf course he had ever played; “an undiscovered masterpiece” – the Royal Dornoch of Ireland.
Constant pressure on the course and clubhouse by locals and visitors led to the creation of the sister course the Glashedy. Glashedy played host to the Irish Seniors Open in 2006. Both courses are well worth a visit.
The Ballyliffin G;ashy course opened in 1995 and is destined to be one of the north’s greatest courses and a real test of golf.
CASTLEROCK GOLF CLUB
Castlerock is a fabulous links course that lies on the north coast of Northern Ireland, just to the west of Portstewart.
The course has frequently played host to National Championships in both the Amateur and Professional game, including the Irish PGA Championship in 2001. As well as the tough main course, there is also the 9 hole Bann course, which offers an easier test of golf.
DONEGAL GOLF CLUB (MURVAGH)
A mighty challenge and a majestic links, Donegal Golf Club has the longest course in Ireland.
The 12th and 16th have been described as ‘a reasonable train journey’ from the back tees! Located in the scenic north-west of the country, this great Eddie Hackett designed links course is well worth a visit. Set in isolated splendour, the course has panoramic views across the bay and on to the Bluestack Mountains.
PORTSALON
Portsalon may not be of championship quality, but this lovely, unpretentious course offers a good test of golf.
First opened in 1891, Portsalon is one of the nine founder members of the Golfing Union of Ireland. The course was extensively redesigned by Pat Ruddy in 2000, introducing new holes and increasing the yardage significantly. The views over Lough Swilly and the Inishowen Peninsula make it spectacular on a sunny day.
PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB
Portstewart is a difficult but fair open links course, giving magnificent views of Donegal Hills, the rolling Atlantic, Strand Beach and the River Bann.
The Strand Course is of championship standard, and is now, arguably, vying with Royal County Down as the finest course in Northern Ireland. A must-play for any golfer visiting the north, the Strand course has played host to major events such as the Irish Amateur Championship, British Girls’ Championship and final qualifying for The Open.
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN GOLF CLUB
Founded in 1889, the course offers a tremendous challenge to even the most experienced golfers. With the Mourne Mountains rising up from the Irish Sea and providing a stunning backdrop to every game,
Royal County Down is a scenic course. The fact that the course has five blind tee shots, which is unusual, makes it very challenging. Well-positioned bunkers demand a very high degree of accuracy with your tee shots and your iron approaches to the undulating greens. This fabulous links course played host to the Walker Cup in 2007. A course you are sure to enjoy.
ROYAL PORTRUSH
One of three ‘Royal’ courses in Northern Ireland, Portrush is steeped in history. The only course in Ireland to have hosted The Open (1951, when Max Faulkner won) and more recently in 2019 (Shane Lowrey) it is on everybody’s shortlist of top Irish courses, a great test of any golfer’s nerves and shot-making ability.
Founded in 1888, the club was named ‘The Royal Portrush Golf Club’ in 1895 when the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) became patron. The course is famous not only for its magnificent turf and superb golf holes but also for its lovely setting, overlooked by the ruins of Dunluce Castle.
A must play on any itinerary for golfers who are visiting Northern Ireland, Royal Portrush hosted the 2012 Irish Open and will be the host course for The 148th Open in 2019.
THE FALDO COURSE, LOUGH ERNE RESORT
Lough Erne Resort is home to The Faldo Course, designed by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo. The Faldo Championship Course is an exciting challenge for golfers of all abilities, featuring 18 spectacular golf holes.
Situated between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, 14 of the holes have water in play; a highlight is the iconic 10th Hole, the ‘Emerald Isle’, where the green is surrounded on three sides by water.
The routing of The Faldo Championship Course takes full advantage of the natural topography and provides golfers with superb playing conditions all year round, as well as breathtaking views of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
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