Northern Ireland
Tackle five iconic Northern Ireland courses, including Royal County Down at the spiritual home of hospitality, Game of Thrones and the Titanic.
Why Northern Ireland?
It’s a testament to the otherworldly feel of the Northern Irish landscape that so much of Game of Thrones was filmed at no fewer than 25 different locations across the country.
Full of spectacular scenery, from the misty Mourne Mountains to the dramatic County Antrim coastline, it’s a land of beauty built by giants and storytellers, and, if that weren’t enough, is also home to one of the most hospitable people in the world.
When you’re not revelling at the greenest of lush landscapes, visiting historic sites such as the birthplace of the Titanic (in Belfast, one of Europe’s most culture-rich cities), or sampling the best Irish whiskey, you have legendary links golf to conquer.
It’s golfing nirvana – peppering the shorelines of County Antrim and County Down alone, there are 52 courses – two of which, Royal County Down, and the 2025 and 2019 Open Championship host Royal Portrush, are considered amongst the world’s best.
What to do?
Beyond the fairways, Ireland reveals itself best at a measured pace.
First, indulge in what nature has to offer by taking the long way along the Causeway Coastal Route, where the chiselled Atlantic landscape impresses at every turn.
Pause at Dunluce Castle, teetering theatrically above the sea, cross the swaying span of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, then walk the hexagonal poetry of the Giant’s Causeway.
Next, turn inland towards Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, and enjoy a tasting of the finest Irish whiskey there is.
In Belfast, Irish history is at the forefront.
Take a black taxi tour for something of a rare experience, perceiving the story of the city first through a Catholic guide, then a Protestant.
Then, the story of Titanic Belfast is a must, an immersive, beautifully judged tribute set on the very slipways where the ship first met water.
Interested to discover Northern Ireland alongside the 2027 Ryder Cup?
Where to stay?
For those arriving with Royal Portrush firmly in mind, Dunluce Lodge offers a more contemplative base: a modern private retreat set high above the links, with wide Atlantic views and an atmosphere that feels tuned to early tee times and slow evenings.
In the city itself, Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel provides an elegant experience in the heart of the city. Rising above the streets, it combines a prime central location with sleek, contemporary rooms and the Observatory bar – a fitting place to take in the skyline with a quiet drink.
Where to play?
Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links, the only Open Championship venue in Northern Ireland, demands precision and nerve, with iconic holes like Calamity Corner testing even the most skilled golfers.
Portstewart’s Strand Course impresses with its rugged dunes and sweeping Atlantic views, offering a true links experience where the natural landscape shapes every shot.
Castlerock’s Mussenden Course, often overlooked, offers a beautifully scenic, natural route that winds along the coast, combining challenge with understated charm.
Castlerock’s Mussenden Course, often overlooked, offers a beautifully scenic, natural route that winds along the coast, combining challenge with understated charm.
Royal County Down stands out as one of the world’s finest courses, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, featuring blind shots, gorse-lined fairways, and intricate bunkering that reward both strategy and creativity.
For a memorable finale, Ardglass delivers a distinctive coastal cliff top round, rich in history as the home of the oldest golf clubhouse in Ireland, making it a fitting and atmospheric end to any Northern Ireland golf tour.
Let us curate Northern Ireland for you
However you’d like to discover Northern Ireland, we can tailor an experience to meet your exacting needs.
