Royal
Portrush (Dunluce course)
Phone: (028) 7082-2311
The
Dunluce links at the Royal Portrush golf club is arguably Ireland's most famous.
The course is the only one in Ireland to have played host to the British Open
Championship. Situated on the beautiful North Antrim Causeway coast, the Dunluce
offers magnificent views no matter where you are on the course. What is most memorable
about the course is its architecture – every hole is designed to present an unprecedented
challenge. The course weaves its way through a maze of sand dunes, making for
an endlessly interesting game. The fourteenth hole, “Calamity Corner,” is alleged
to be the most severe one-shotter in the country. Nearby Royal Portrush sits the
Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, a bed and breakfast that caters to the golfing
crowd.
Royal County
Down
Phone: (028) 4372-3314
Nestled
into the foothills of the Mountains of Mourne, Royal County Down offers visitors
a beautiful and blissfully serene golfing experience. Flowering gorse and heather
line the fairways, creating swaying bursts of indigo and lilac that provide a
striking contrast to the expanse of green. The course is ideal for seasoned golfers
– challenging holes make accuracy and a sure touch essential skills. Because Royal
County Down is close by Dundrum Bay , an inlet of the Irish Sea, the weather on
the course can be temperamental. Be prepared for brisk winds and the possibility
of a shower. Regardless of the elements, this is a must-play course, one that
has been dubbed “an essential to any golf career.” After a round of links at Royal
County Down, head to the Slieve Donard Hotel. Located just acres away from the
golf club, the Slieve Donard offers deluxe accommodation and features immaculately
landscaped private gardens.
Portstewart
Phone: (028) 7083-2015
Long in the shadow of its neighbor,
Royal County Down, Portstewart is finally emerging
as a top quality golf course in its own right. With
the addition of seven new holes, Portstewart now competes
with Royal County Down for the title of finest golf
course in Northern Ireland. The first hole is in a
class by itself – the elevated tee shot is hit deep
down to the green, skillfully avoiding a crop of sandy
dunes. While on the course, you'll enjoy sweeping
views of the Donegal Hills, Strand Beach, Atlantic
Ocean and the River Bann. Nearby Portstewart sits
the Ard Na Tra, a quaint bed and breakfast that is
ideal for a night's stay.
Castlerock
Phone: (028) 708-48314
If you like your golf courses
rugged, Castlerock is the place to go. Just minutes
away from Portstewart and Royal Portrush, Castlerock
is a worthy neighbor to the superstar links. With
long demanding holes that wind through a chain of
intimidating sand dunes, Castlerock promises to test
every aspect of your game. The fourth hole, dubbed
“Leg o' Mutton,” requires a tee shot struck over a
river that deftly avoids the railroad track to the
right. Sandwiched between the sea and a row of traditional
Irish cottages, Castlerock offers picturesque views
of the surrounding landscape. If you're looking for
a place to relax and grab a drink after your game,
head to the Culloden Hotel, located just minutes away
from Castlerock.
