The Ultimate Golf Trip to Northern Ireland: A Week of World-Class Links Golf

If you're a passionate golfer, Northern Ireland offers some of the finest links courses in the world. Recently, a group of avid golfers set off on a seven-night adventure to experience the very best the region has to offer. The weather was unusually pleasant, with blue skies and mild temperatures, which added to the overall magic of the trip. For Mr. Kobin, a seasoned traveler and golfer who has played courses all around the globe, this was the best golf trip he had ever been on. That’s saying something.

A Perfect Itinerary: Nine Rounds of Golf at Iconic Courses

The group stayed for a week and packed in nine rounds of golf at some of the most storied and scenic courses in Northern Ireland and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the world-class courses they played:

1. Castlerock Golf Club

This beautiful links course sits along the north coast, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its challenging layout and breathtaking views, Castlerock offers golfers an authentic links experience. Its undulating fairways and tricky greens test even the most skilled players, while the coastal scenery keeps you mesmerized between shots. A great way to kick off the trip.

2. Portstewart Golf Club

Next on the list was the famous Portstewart Golf Club, with its dramatic sand dunes and stunning landscapes. The front nine, in particular, is regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging stretches of golf in Ireland. The rolling fairways cut through towering dunes, offering a mix of beauty and difficulty. For many in the group, this course stood out as a highlight of the trip.

3. Royal Portrush Golf Club

Royal Portrush is arguably the crown jewel of Northern Ireland’s golf offerings, having hosted The Open Championship. As one of the most prestigious courses in the world, it provided a thrilling experience for the group. With its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and sweeping views of the coast, Royal Portrush was both a challenge and a delight. It’s not often you get to walk the same course as the legends of the game.

4. Old Tom Links

The group then traveled to play Old Tom Links, which gave them a taste of classic links golf. Named after Old Tom Morris, one of the pioneers of the game, this course is rich in history and tradition. Its layout challenges players to think their way around the course, with fast greens and coastal winds adding to the challenge. The old-school charm of this links made it a favorite for those who appreciate the roots of the game.

5. Sandy Hills Links

At Sandy Hills, the group found a rugged, natural landscape that felt like true wilderness golf. Set amidst towering dunes and rough terrain, this course offers a raw, untamed beauty that leaves a lasting impression. Each hole feels like an adventure, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and a design that blends perfectly into the surroundings.

6. St. Patrick's Links

St. Patrick's Links, designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak, was a relatively new addition to their journey. Despite its youth, it’s already gaining a stellar reputation. The course embraces the natural terrain, offering wide fairways and a minimalist design that feels like it has always been part of the landscape. Its layout offered a refreshing contrast to some of the older courses played earlier in the trip.

7. Royal County Down

Considered one of the best golf courses in the world, Royal County Down is a true masterpiece. Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, this iconic course offers challenging holes combined with some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable. The group found this course not only visually stunning but also one of the toughest they played all week. The blind tee shots, gorse-lined fairways, and fast greens tested every aspect of their game.

8. Co. Louth Golf Club (Baltray)

Moving south, the group visited Co. Louth Golf Club, affectionately known as Baltray. Located on the east coast of Ireland, this lesser-known gem is an example of classic links design. Its firm, fast fairways and tricky greens make it a true test of golf. The group appreciated the serene, traditional feel of Baltray, as it provided a slightly more laid-back round compared to the intensity of Royal County Down and Portrush.

9. Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club

Rounding out their tour, the group played Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club, one of Ireland’s oldest links courses. Founded in 1909, this charming course offered a more relaxed but equally enjoyable round of golf. The coastal views, combined with the course's quirky layout, made it a delightful way to end the trip. The group relished the opportunity to experience the history and tradition embedded in this classic links course.

An Unforgettable Experience

Over the course of seven nights, this group of golfers experienced the very best of Northern Ireland’s links golf. The combination of perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and challenging courses created memories that will last a lifetime. For Mr. Kobin, who has traveled the world playing golf, this trip stood out as the best he’s ever had.

The diversity of the courses, from the prestige of Royal Portrush and Royal County Down to the hidden gems like Laytown & Bettystown, offered a perfect balance of iconic challenges and under-the-radar beauty. The group left Northern Ireland not only as better golfers but with a deeper appreciation for the unique charm and history of links golf.

If you’re considering a golf trip of your own, Northern Ireland should be at the top of your list. With courses that rival the best in the world, combined with the region's natural beauty and rich golf tradition, it’s truly a golfer’s paradise.