Northern Ireland is the perfect place for a golfing holiday as there are lots of fantastic golf courses to choose from. Regardless of whether you’re new to the sport or have been playing for years, you’re sure to love these top golf courses in Northern Ireland.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club
Less than 40 minutes from Larne by car, Galgorm Castle hosts a championship golf course alongside world class facilities, making it a popular option for those taking a golfing holiday in Northern Ireland. Galgorm Castle Golf Club offers something for everyone and welcomes golfers of all abilities, even little ones who may not have tried the sport before, thanks to its Par-72 layout and fun golf area. Often listed amongst the top three parklands in Northern Ireland, Galgorm Castle Golf Club boasts a picturesque location set in the 220-acre castle estate and offers a relaxing and pleasurable game.
To play at Galgorm Castle Golf Club, you can simply book your tee time online, or opt for one of their luxurious play and stay packages. Once you hit the course, you’ll be greeted by softly rolling grounds which provide a challenge for experienced golfers but also offer an enjoyable round for those new to the sport. In the fun golf area, you’ll find a six hole pitch and putt course which is ideal for children but can also be used by those wanting the chance to warm up before heading off to tackle the 18 holes of the main course.
Another benefit of golfing at Galgorm Castle Golf Club is that you can relax and unwind at their famous clubhouse afterwards. Boasting a pro shop, changing facilities, and meeting rooms, the highlight of the clubhouse has to be the Castle Kitchen + Bar. Serving up delicious meals to suit all tastes, the restaurant prides itself on the beautifully prepared Northern Irish meat and poultry cooked up in its BBQ smokehouse. Once you’ve eaten your food, make your way to the cosy bar where you can enjoy one or two gins from the bar’s extensive selection.
Lough Erne Resort
Just over two hours from Larne port by car, the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen boasts two championship golf courses which makes it the perfect option for a golfing holiday in Northern Ireland. Thanks to its location in the Fermanagh Lakelands, anyone who loves golfing with a view is sure to be impressed with the options at this resort. The oldest of the resort’s two courses is Castle Hume Golf Course which prides itself on its well-maintained fairways and lovely panoramas. The course boasts over 7000 trees and 30 bunkers, plus it’s surrounded by Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne too.
One of the draws of Lough Erne is the Faldo Course. Designed by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, this Par-72 course boasts stunning views no matter which hole your playing and welcomes golfers of all abilities all year round. A top 100 course in the UK and Ireland, the Faldo Course offers a memorable round of golf thanks to its pristine greens and stunning backdrop, and you’re sure to be pleased to see water from the Lough coming into play on 11 of the course’s 18 holes.
You’re sure to find something great to eat at the Loughside Bar & Grill either before or after your 18 holes. Serving up traditional golfer favourites based around delicious local produce, this restaurant offers stunning views across the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Lough, plus it has an outside terrace for warmer days too. The restaurant also boasts a shop where you’ll find items from a whole range of popular golfing brands. You could also choose to eat in the more casual Castle Hume Clubhouse which offers classic bar snacks and drinks overlooking the Castle Hume course.
Malone Golf Club
Set in 330 acres of wooded parkland less than an hour from Larne port by car, Malone Golf Club has 27 holes which provide rounds that golfers of all abilities can enjoy. Although maybe not one of the most well-known golf courses in Northern Ireland, it certainly delights everyone who visits – especially those who aren’t sure what to expect. The combination of a 25 acre trout lake and mature trees make this a challenging course, and the fact that it’s just 5 miles from Belfast means that it’s a popular choice for golfers visiting Northern Ireland by ferry. The first nine holes, named Drumbridge, include the hardest hole on the course – number 7. Playing Drumbridge offers a different experience depending on the season as the level of moisture in the ground impacts on the way that the ball moves, so you’re sure to enjoy the challenge no matter what time of year you visit.
The back nine, Ballydrain, boasts challenging par-3 holes and both the 13th and 18th holes are ones to look out for. It’s when playing these nine holes that you’ll really be able to appreciate the lake and greenery that make Malone Golf Club such a picturesque option. The final nine, Edenderry, is hilly which brings its own challenges and requires plenty of energy from those taking on this part of the course. with doglegs and water to contend with, you’re sure to have fun navigating your way to the end of the nine.
Malone Golf Club’s clubhouse is also noteworthy as it was built to be a stately home between 1835 and 1843. Boasting Tudor revival design, the building has changed hands and been extended and renovated throughout the years with Malone Golf Club buying the property in 1960 and turning it into an impressive clubhouse. serving excellent food and those all important post-game beverages, the clubhouse is a must-visit once you’ve completed your round. Don’t forget to visit the pro shop for all of your sporting and golf merchandise needs too.
Now that you know where to find the top golf courses in Northern Ireland, book your Carinryan to Larne ferry and try them out for yourself. Remember, you can take unlimited luggage when you sail with us, so you can pack your car full of all the golfing gear you need.
