25 of The Best Golf Courses to Play in Northern Ireland

By: Kieran Clark | Wed 11 Sep 2024

Northern Ireland is home to some of the finest golf courses that you will find on these islands - Royal County Down is even considered by many to be the greatest of all.

Wherever you stand on that debate, there is no doubt that there is a stunning collection of gems to be played here, and there is an attractive sense of variety too, whether you experience those famed links or the scenic parklands of Belfast and its surrounding counties.

Royal Portrush is another highlight as it prepares to once again stage The Open Championship in 2025.

There really is something for all golfers, but where should you start? We have taken a look at our Course Section and its many thousands of reviews submitted by everyday members of the Golfshake Community to pick out 25 of the very best venues that are just waiting for you to visit them.

Should you be a resident of Northern Ireland or are planning a break from further afield, then get these places on your list!

Royal County Down Golf Club

Location: Newcastle, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Review Comment: "It is one of the best golf courses in the world, steeped in history and prestige. The design, condition, including impeccably manicured grounds, the layout, and challenge are first class and make it one of the greats in the world."

Royal Portrush Golf Club

Location: Portrush, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Review Comment: "It was in excellent condition in late October. The greens were fabulous. The Open Championship feel to the place. The starter was such an entertaining guy. Sense of history in the clubhouse. The view as you walk onto the 5th green!"

Portstewart Golf Club

Location: Portstewart, County Londonderry

Golfshake Rating: 4.84

Review Comment: "Undoubtedly a great course, particularly over the first few holes that weave through the dunes. Like all links courses you have to pay for the privilege and accept it's going to be busy. But it's a slick operation and marshalls keep everybody moving. The clubhouse and pro shop match the course in expectation and I can't imagine anybody going home without having had a good day's golf."

Galgorm Castle Golf Club

Location: Ballymena, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Review Comment: "A special course and venue, great to play it ahead of the NI Open in a few weeks. A great test, but also a good course for an 18 handicapper."

Rockmount Golf Club

Location: Carryduff, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "Always play this course when I am in County Down. If anything it was in even better condition than ever this time round. Played with a member who chased me down the first fairway to ask if I was playing alone and wanted company. Highly recommend the course as one of interest and challenge."

Clandeboye Golf Club

Location: Bangor, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.48

Review Comment: "A gem of a course which is in great condition. It can be played all year round and is a very good challenge to all levels of golfers. I would recommend that you should give it a try and you will not be disappointed."

Cliftonville Golf Club

Location: Belfast

Golfshake Rating: 4.46

Review Comment: "Brilliant test of golf, only 9 holes but every one of them difficult, toughest start of any course in Belfast."

City of Derry Golf Club

Location: Derry/Londonderry, County Londonderry

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

Review Comment: "Fantastic, well kept course, with friendly staff and members. Personally my favorite out of the three good courses in Derry."

The Knock Golf Club

Location: Belfast

Golfshake Rating: 4.42

Review Comment: "A big challenge. Certainly not an easy course, it's well worth a visit and very conveniently located on the outskirts of Belfast."

Castlereagh Hills Golf Club

Location: Belfast

Golfshake Rating: 4.42

Review Comment: "As the name suggests, it's hilly, but a lovely and surprisingly not too busy a course given the proximity to Belfast."

Hilton Belfast Templepatrick Golf & Country Club

Location: Templepatrick, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Review Comment: "Played the course today for the first time, the course is in great condition and a true challenge for any golfer. I will definitely be back!"

Bright Castle Golf Club

Location: Downpatrick, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Review Comment: "What a gem this course is, the greens were fantastic, the fairways also in good condition and some of the views out towards the Mourne Mountains were spectacular. It's a big course and tough to play in any weather but expect a real challenge on a windy day."

Carrickfergus Golf Club

Location: Carrickfergus, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.35

Review Comment: "Great course, very playable holes and very well kept greens."

Scrabo Golf Club

Location: Newtownards, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.34

Review Comment: "I was in Belfast a few weeks for work from the US and sampled a few of the local courses, I would absolutely recommend this one. The reviews about the difficulty are true, but I didn’t find it too overwhelming. I loved that it was challenging but didn’t feel unfair. And really none of holes felt difficult from length alone. It’s a very interesting course with lots of rolling hills, tight corners, and fun tee boxes."

Carnalea Golf Club

Location: Bangor, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.33

Review Comment: "This course is quite short but challenging. The first 9 holes are very links like, the back 9 is more parkland like. Some of the views are stunning and the 9th is one of the most spectacular par 3s in Northern Ireland."

Moyola Park Golf Club

Location: Castledawson, County Londonderry

Golfshake Rating: 4.28

Review Comment: "Great value and a good challenge. Well worth a visit. Lovely parkland course. Easy to get to, good food and clubhouse and fast pace of play. Greens are in excellent condition too!"

Ballymena Golf Club

Location: Ballymena, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.27

Review Comment: "Have played here many times. The course whilst flat, will catch you out if you're not careful - long par 3s and tight fairways make it a test even for the scratch players, but the layout means it's still enjoyable for the higher handicappers. Course drys out exceptionally well, you'll get a round here when other courses are still waterlogged. Friendliest club I've ever been to, members and staff are very welcoming. Price wise it's very affordable, green fees, food and drinks all very reasonable. Would strongly recommend to players of all standards."

Castlerock Golf Club

Location: Castlerock, County Londonderry

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

Review Comment: "Great links course, lovely views, challenging holes, the course fitted into the natural sand dunes."

Ballyclare Golf Club

Location: Ballyclare, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

Review Comment: "Good challenge at all levels, fairways are lined by trees and greens are in great condition, well worth a visit, food excellent in clubhouse."

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club

Location: Newtownards, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.20

Review Comment: "The pro at Kirkistown Castle was very helpful and welcoming pointing out particular features of the course which made for a nice start. Fairways are in great condition, are a reasonable width, which is a good thing as the rough is particularly punishing at the moment (mid July). Greens were immaculate with plenty of subtle changes and a fast pace. Bunkers are proper bunkers as befitting a true links course. There are significant elevation changes on many holes but I can't think of a blind shot being required on any. The restaurant is well worth a visit after your round. Would I play here again? Yes, on Tuesday - it was that good."

Greenacres Golf Club

Location: Ballyclare, County Antrim

Golfshake Rating: 4.18

Review Comment: "Great course, great staff, great facilities. Perfect for someone looking to challenge themselves."

Ardglass Golf Club

Location: Ardglass, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.17

Review Comment: "Ardglass was a great experience. The pro shop was very welcoming and helpful, caddies are available if you want one but we didn't find it necessary after purchasing the course guide. The course is typical links, punishing if you are not straight, the odd unlucky bounce and lost ball if you are too wide. Every aspect of the course was in excellent condition. Practice facilities are limited to short game and a net. If you are anywhere near this course play it!"

Shandon Park Golf Club

Location: Belfast

Golfshake Rating: 4.16

Review Comment: "A long course, a real test. Well maintained. Greens in perfect condition."

The Blackwood Golf Centre

Location: Bangor, County Down

Golfshake Rating: 4.13

Review Comment: "From the ability to play two course, the Top Tracer fitted driving range, pitching and putting greens, and not to mention the food in the Nineteen Restaurant, this is a great club to be involved with. Friendly staff always willing to help."