Northern Ireland Golf Breaks
Northern Ireland Golf Breaks
Northern Ireland is home to some of the finest golf courses in the world. As a result, it’s a must-visit destination for any golfer, whatever your handicap.
Coastal landscapes, world-renowned championship courses, and a rich golfing history all come together here. So, whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or a relaxed weekend away, there’s a package to suit.
We currently have 4 packages available across the region. Search all Northern Ireland packages →
Why Golf in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland boasts two of the world’s top-ranked golf courses. Royal County Down, in Newcastle, is a great example. Many rank it as the number one course globally. Its challenging links design, dramatic dunes, and views of the Mourne Mountains make it a genuine bucket-list round.
Royal Portrush, another world-class links course, famously hosted The Open Championship in 2019. As a result, it now draws golfers from all over the world, all keen to test themselves against its stunning Atlantic views.
For something different, Galgorm Castle Golf Club offers a parkland alternative. It’s home to the ISPS HANDA World Invitational. This course combines a natural setting with genuinely top-class facilities, making it ideal for a well-rounded golf break.
Top Northern Ireland Golf Hotels and Resorts:
Popular Golf Courses & Hotels in Northern Ireland:
Top Offers in Northern Ireland Right Now
| Resort | Highlights | From |
|---|---|---|
| Portrush Atlantic Hotel | 1 round at Royal Portrush, stay and play a top-class trio of courses | £229pp |
| Slieve Donard | Right on the doorstep of Royal County Down | £289pp |
| Lough Erne Resort | 2 courses to play, including the award-winning Faldo Course | £325pp |
Prices per person, based on shared occupancy and subject to availability.
These are 3 of the 4 packages available. Elsewhere, you can browse and filter every Northern Ireland package by price, star rating, and board basis. You can also check our live Sale, Exclusive, and Special Offers pages for the latest deals.
Top Golf Hotels & Resorts
- Slieve Donard — Newcastle. Right beside Royal County Down, with views of the Mourne Mountains and a full-service spa.
- Lough Erne Resort — Enniskillen. Two championship courses, luxury lodges, and a Thai spa.
- Portrush Atlantic Hotel — Portrush. A handy base for Royal Portrush and the Causeway Coast.
- Galgorm — Ballymena. Set within 163 acres of parkland along the River Maine, with a championship course and full spa.
Popular Golf Courses in Northern Ireland
Royal County Down Golf Club — In Newcastle, Royal County Down is one of the world’s top-ranked links courses. The Championship Course offers views of the Mourne Mountains. Rugged dunes, fast greens, and challenging bunkers provide a true test of golf.
Royal Portrush Golf Club — As host of The Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a must-play for any golfer. The Dunluce Links is famed for its coastal views and challenging design. The Valley Links is slightly more forgiving, but it still demands accuracy and skill.
Castlerock Golf Club — Near the Causeway Coast, Castlerock offers a traditional links experience on its Mussenden Course. Rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and coastal winds make it a favourite for golfers wanting an authentic Northern Irish links test.
Ardglass Golf Club — On the County Down coastline, Ardglass delivers spectacular sea views from nearly every hole. The course blends links and parkland, with undulating fairways and fast greens making for a scenic yet challenging round.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort — Set within 163 acres of parkland, Galgorm offers a championship course alongside a spa and luxury accommodation. Consequently, it blends golf and relaxation beautifully along the River Maine.
Lough Erne Resort — This five-star resort features two championship courses, including the award-winning Faldo Course. Luxury lodges, a Thai spa, and fine dining make it a prime choice for golfers wanting both challenge and comfort.
Overall, Northern Ireland’s mix of links and parkland courses makes it a top destination for golfers wanting real variety alongside genuine challenge.
Useful to Know
- Travelling to Northern Ireland — Belfast International and Belfast City airports both offer easy access, with direct flights from most major UK airports.
- Northern Ireland weather — Expect a mild, changeable climate year-round. Coastal links courses like Royal Portrush can be breezy, so pack layers.
- After the golf — The Giant’s Causeway, Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, and the Mourne Mountains all make for a great day away from the course.
- Popular golf accommodation — Slieve Donard and Lough Erne Resort are, in particular, among our most booked stays in the region.
Why Book With Find A Golf Break?
- ATOL and Travel Trust protected — book with complete financial confidence.
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot — from 419+ genuine customer reviews.
- Local knowledge — our team knows these courses and resorts first-hand.
- Tailored packages — choose your nights, rounds, and board basis to suit your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf course in Northern Ireland? Royal County Down is the standout, often ranked the number one course in the world. Royal Portrush, a recent Open Championship venue, is a close second.
Can I play Royal County Down or Royal Portrush? Yes. Both courses welcome visiting golfers, and we can help arrange access as part of a wider package, including stays at Slieve Donard and Portrush Atlantic Hotel.
How much does a golf break in Northern Ireland cost? Packages currently start from around £229pp for a night’s bed and breakfast with golf included. There are 4 packages available across a range of top resorts.
How far is Royal County Down from Belfast? Newcastle, home to Royal County Down, sits around an hour’s drive from Belfast, making it an easy addition to a wider Northern Ireland trip.
Is Northern Ireland good for a golfing society or group trip? Yes. Resorts like Lough Erne and Galgorm regularly host group trips, with packages that include accommodation, tee times, and transfers.
Ready to Book?
From Royal County Down’s Mourne Mountain backdrop to Royal Portrush’s Open Championship fairways, Northern Ireland Golf Breaks bring together some of the best links golf on the planet. Browse our current packages. Or get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the perfect trip.
Search All Packages | Enquire Now | Call 0800 130 3099
Useful to know
Planning a golf holiday in Northern Ireland? Here’s a quick look at direct flight times from major UK airports to Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD):
London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton): Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Manchester: Approx. 1 hour
Birmingham: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes
Leeds-Bradford: Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes
Glasgow: Approx. 50 minutes
Edinburgh: Approx. 55 minutes
Bristol: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Northern Ireland’s world-class golf courses are just a short flight away, making it perfect for a quick and convenient golf break.
Book your golf holiday in Northern Ireland today and enjoy top golfing experiences within just an hour’s travel.
It’s worth noting that flight times may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, airline schedules, and airport traffic.
Transfers are available in and around; however, we can arrange transfers for you if you need them.
Northern Ireland has a temperate maritime climate, making it a year-round golfing destination.
Specifically, the warmest months are July and August, with temperatures ranging from 16-20°C. While you can expect mild, pleasant conditions, it’s worth noting that rain showers are frequent, so golfers should come prepared.
In contrast, the coldest period is from December to February, with temperatures between 2-8°C. Although winter golf is possible, frost and rain may affect course playability, so it’s important to check local conditions.
Generally, the best time to play golf in Northern Ireland is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September), when temperatures are around 12-18°C, providing comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Moreover, during summer, the sun rises around 5 AM and sets close to 10 PM, offering long daylight hours. On the other hand, in winter, sunrise occurs around 8:30 AM, with sunset as early as 4 PM. Spring and autumn bring moderate daylight, with sunrise at 6 AM and sunset near 8 PM.
Ultimately, Northern Ireland’s mild climate, long summer days, and stunning courses make it a fantastic destination for golfers, particularly in spring and autumn.
After golf in Northern Ireland, you can explore the region’s top attractions. For instance, visit the Giant’s Causeway for coastal views, or alternatively, take a scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route.
In addition, in Belfast, explore the Titanic Belfast museum or stroll through the Cathedral Quarter for dining and entertainment.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy fresh seafood in the coastal towns of Portrush or Bangor, or, unwind with a drink at a traditional pub.
Furthermore, if you’re into history, visit the walled city of Derry/Londonderry or, explore the Mourne Mountains.
Overall, Northern Ireland offers a blend of relaxation and adventure after your round.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
Located beside Royal County Down, one of the world’s top courses, Slieve Donard offers luxury accommodations with views of the Mourne Mountains. In addition, the resort features a full-service spa, fine dining, and direct access to this iconic golf course.
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is set within 163 acres of parkland and offers a championship course, spa, and luxury accommodations. Consequently, the resort provides a blend of golfing and relaxation in a beautiful setting along the River Maine.
Lough Erne Resort
This 5-star resort offers two championship courses, including the award-winning Faldo Course. Moreover, Lough Erne features luxury lodges, a Thai spa, and fine dining, making it a prime choice for golfers wanting both challenge and comfort.
Roe Park Resort
Roe Park Resort offers a scenic 18-hole parkland course in a historic estate. Furthermore, the resort features modern rooms, a spa, and various dining options, making it a great base for golfers looking for a relaxing, fulfilling golf holiday.
Hilton Belfast Templepatrick Golf & Country Club
This 4-star hotel offers a championship 18-hole course just outside Belfast. In particular, Hilton Templepatrick provides spacious rooms, a health club, and dining options, offering comfort for golfers exploring Northern Ireland’s courses.
Bushmills Inn Hotel
Beside the famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, Bushmills Inn provides charming accommodation with easy access to one of Northern Ireland’s most renowned courses. Overall, the hotel combines traditional charm with modern amenities, perfect for golfers visiting the North Coast.
These top golf accommodations in Northern Ireland provide a blend of world-class golfing, luxury, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable experience for golfers.
Discover why Northern Ireland is truly made for golf. From world-renowned championship courses like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush to hidden gems in breathtaking landscapes, this region offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Learn more about what makes Northern Ireland a golfer’s paradise in our detailed blog post.
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