FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST 8

NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND GREENS OF DREAMS WILD & TRUE For most golfers the Emerald Isle is a ‘bucket list’ destination. After all, the island of Ireland boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking and naturally beautiful golf courses. I ventured along the Wild Atlantic Way and discovered nine superb layouts that offered a thrilling and genuine Irish golfing experience. >>

BY SAM GOLE

Image Credit: Sam Gole. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 9

BALLYLIFFIN ROYAL PORTSTEWART PORTSALON CASTLEROCK

DONEGAL

ENNISCRONE BELFAST CARNE LOUGH ERNE

DUBLIN

GREENS OF DREAMS WILD & TRUE

True links golf has its own unique allure. After all, its modest, natural and down-to- earth characteristics are endearing qualities.

Ireland’s Northern Headlands offers a golfing journey that takes you to the edge of the world. The epic coastline, which includes the NORTH & WEST COAST spectacular Causeway Coastal Route and Video courtesy: North & West Coast the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, is peppered Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO with stunning links courses. First stop, Royal Portrush . Image credit: Let & Bottom right—copyright Tourist Board. Top right—Sam Gole. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 10

ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB The small seaside town of Portrush is located in , Northern Ireland a three- hour from Dublin. It is home to —the only golf club outside Great Britain, which has hosted . Situated on a breathtaking site, the impressive 36-hole layout is set in magnificent rolling sand dunes with dazzling coastal views. From the tips, the championship Dunluce Course reaches 6,690 metres. The distinguished layout is a significant challenge that requires bold shotmaking and clever strategic play. These considerable features come into play early in the round at the second hole. Measuring 523 metres, the dogleg left 5 has a set of three cross- bunkers, which reach into the fairway and guard a territory that ranges from 30-60 metres from the green. Longer hitters will have to decide whether or not to carry the well-placed sand traps with their second shot. One of my favourite holes on the course is the par-4, 17th. It plays 329 metres from the member’s . A drive with a carry of 220 metres will land on a downslope and propel the ball toward the green. A rare putt for an eagle is on offer here! Playing a round at Royal Portush is a gratifying experience. While there is challenge a plenty, the layout offers fair play rewarding good shots. And the pleasing expansive coastal views will keep you entertained.

ROYAL PORTRUSH GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 11

PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB Just a ten-minute drive along the Causeway Coast is . Dating back to 1894, the club owns three 18-hole courses. The feature layout is the outstanding Strand Course, which was the host for the 2017 Dubai Duty Free won by Jon Rahm. And after the win, the talented Spaniard gave a towering review to the course, which features many high duneland holes. ‘The is amazing. It’s probably one of the most beautiful golf courses I have ever seen, if not the most.’ It’s a bold statement when considering the many beautiful courses in the world. However, after enjoying a round on the Strand Course, I can confirm there is merit to his opinion. In particular, the front nine is a masterpiece. Routed through imposing dunes, the remarkable stretch has a unique stately character. The views are magical. The fairways display great undulations and shape. Scoring well is a mighty test of golf. The first hole at Portstewart is one of golf’s finest opening tee shots. The drive is played from an elevated position down to the fairway below that bends to the right around a ridge covered in thick vegetation. The prominent tee ground offers wonderful views of Portstewart Strand Beach and the Atlantic. The par-4, 8th is another ripping hole. At 406 metres from the back tee, the lengthy two-shotter is a stern test. The tee shot must navigate a narrow strip of fairway before the hole bends sharply to the left and downhill.

PORTSTEWART GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 12

CASTLEROCK GOLF CLUB Castlerock Golf Club is a 20-minute drive from Royal Portrush and Portstewart. And like its great Irish links neighbours, the classic course is located on the stunning Causeway Coast. Castlerock was founded in 1901. Set in the rolling sand dunes and flanked by the Bann River the course enjoys views along the coast to Donegal and across the North Channel to . Its Mussenden Course, which is named after the Mussenden Temple perched on a nearby clifftop, plays 6200 metres from the championship . Although the layout isn’t long in modern day standards, it does present a tough contest. The par-4, 8th is rated the hardest hole on the course. It’s easy to see why. Playing a healthy 382 metres, the feature hole includes a double blind shot dogleg through a deep valley edged with towering dunes and thick gorse. The short par-4, 6th is another hole to approach with care. It is just 317 metres from the back pegs. However, the green is guarded at the front by the burn that continues to snake its way through a number of holes. A day at Castlerock is a heartwarming encounter. And, in many ways embodies the spirit of links . The homely clubhouse provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy some of the finest Irish hospitality. The Sunday Roast is a real winner! And the stunning course with the idyllic landscape offers subtle nuances and severe

CASTLEROCK GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: Castlerock Golf Club. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 13

borrows, which are a feature of a layout at its natural best. Don’t miss playing a round at this beauty—it’s a real charmer! Speaking of charming, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect base when playing Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock. The delightful 4-star boutique hotel is conveniently located a 10-minute drive from Portrush in the small village of Bushmills. It is also ideally situated minutes from the world renowned Causeway Coastal Route. The popular tourist region includes an array of sightseeing wonders. If you’re up for a road trip after golf, The Giant’s Causeway, The Dunlace Castle and Carrick- a-Rede rope bridge crossing are just a short drive away. Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, the restored Bushmills Inn offers stunning architecture, beautiful grounds and an award- winning restaurant. For those of you who enjoy a nip of Whiskey, you’ll love lodging in Bushmills. The village is home to The Old Bushmills Distillery—the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. Take a guided distillery tour to discover how they craft smooth tasting Irish whiskey. If you prefer staying in a more populated spot that is within putting distance of a variety of trendy restaurants and bars, check out Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. Located within the historic city walls, the luxury hotel is a 60-minute drive to Royal Portrush. The 30-bedroom hotel oozes Edwardian elegance. The Bishop’s Gate Hotel provides access to more than 20 golf courses within an hour’s drive including the superb .

Image credit: copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 14

BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB The small village of Ballyliffin is located at the northwestern tip of Inishowen in . Welcome to Ireland’s majestic Northern Headlands and the thrilling Wild Atlantic Way. The remote and rugged region is home to some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. It is also home to Ballyliffin Golf Club—a 36-hole wonder and Ireland’s most northerly Golf Club. The layout consists of two courses—The Glashedy Links and The Old Links. The outstanding Glashedy Links hosted the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open won by Russell Knox. At a whopping 6,845 metres from the tips, the Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock designed course is a lengthy examination. With clever routing using imposing dunes, the striking layout features many memorable holes. In particular, the three stunning par 3s will leave a lasting impression, each offers expansive ocean views from tee ground perched on impressive dunes. The short 7th at 156 metres lays claim as the signature hole at Glashedy Links. Its vantage point at the highest position on the layout presents panoramic views across the course, coastline and ocean. A pond guards the right hand side of the green. Played distinctly downhill and fully exposed to wind, correct club selection is crucial to find the putting surface. Make the time to head out for a round on the accompanying Old Course. Remodeled by Nick Faldo, the 6,343-metre links has a natural, old-fashioned feel. Here you can bump the ball along rippling fairways, through greenside bowls and into rising banks. Fashioning your game around The Old Links is a lot of fun. The Ballyliffin TownHouse is just minutes from the golf course. The multi award winning boutique hotel will serve you a fresh home cooked breakfast to order. For a real day starter, check out their chefs Porridge with a dash of Irish whiskey/ Irish Cream Liqueur.

BALLYLIFFIN GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 15 Image credit: Tourism Ireland. Malin Head, Fanad Head & Slieve League.

If you’re into adventure away from the golf course, Ballyliffin TownHouse is ideally situated on the Majestic Wild Atlantic Way, close to Malin Head, Fanad Head & Slieve League.

PORTSALON GOLF CLUB The next golfing stop is Portsalon Golf Club— it’s an 80-minute drive from Ballyliffin. The long and winding road trip wraps itself around Lough Swilly providing stunning lake views. Located on the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, Portsalon Golf Club was established in 1891. Aided by Pat Ruddy‘s redesign in 2000 and his continuing course improvements in association with European -winning captain Paul McGinley, the modest club is rated among Ireland’s Top-25 best courses. In 2015, it earned the title of Best Hidden Gem in 2015 by Golfers Guide to Ireland. Portsalon is uncrowded and unpretentious. One side of the layout lies adjacent to a remote sandy crescent shaped beach. The other side of the 6,172-metre course is flanked by a quaint rural setting. The course features double greens and mogul-like fairways. The walk from the sixth green to the seventh tee next to the shoreline of the untouched beach is a highlight. Another highlight is the fabulous second hole. At 396 metres, the picturesque hole is a strong par 4. The hole bends to the left from the tee and features a ‘S’ shaped river all the way to the green. The drive and the approach shot are played over the river. Good judgment and solid ball striking are required here to post a par score.

Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 16

DONEGAL GOLF CLUB Donegal Golf Club is an 80-minute drive from Portsalon. It’s another classic links remodeled by Pat Ruddy. The 6,670-metre course is built on a promontory of 182 acres that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. Lying in Donegal Bay, the course is an easy walk that is broken up by the outstanding views, wildlife and display of fauna and flora. , the 2011 Open Champion, has described the par-73 layout as ‘one of my favourite courses in the world’. The fifth hole is a knockout. Named ‘Valley of Tears’, the 179-metre par 3 is a genuine challenge. There’s no fairway to bail out! A well-struck tee shot must carry a deep valley and bunkers to reach the bowl shaped green. A par result is a win here! Located just 11 kilometres from the golf club is Harvey’s Point. Situated on the shores of Lough Eske, the landmark hotel is an ideal place to base for golfing in Donegal. Harvey’s Point was named Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Hotel in Ireland 2013-2017. Here you will be immersed in the beauty of Lough Eske and the Bluestack Mountains and enjoy the superb dining and accommodations on offer. Leaving this special place isn’t easy. However, when you are ready to pack up, there’s another exciting golfing treasure that awaits. And, it boasts a very different feel.

DONEGAL GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 17

LOUGH ERNE RESORT Lough Erne Resort is a 60-minute drive from Harvey’s Point. Here, pristine lake views and a manicured parkland setting replace the rugged ocean views and links style landscape of previously mentioned courses. Lough Erne Resort is home to two championship golf courses; the award winning Faldo Course and Castle Hume Golf Course. The Faldo Course is the pick of the two layouts. Designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, the stunning 6,553-metre course winds its way around a 600-acre peninsula set between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne. The waters of the Lough come into play on 11 holes. From the opening tee shot the demanding layout requires attention with the 335-metre par-4 set alongside Castle Hume Lough. Picking a signature hole isn’t an easy task. Some of the holes for consideration are the 5th, 9th, 10th and 17th. I really enjoyed the adrenalin producing 5th hole. It plays 180 metres from the tips and demands the only forced carry over water. With no option for an alternative passage to the green, you’ll need to pump your approach shot high and long to the large receptive green. Lough Erne Resort offers the complete package when it comes to luxury, comfort and revitalisation. The 5-star hotel has 120 magnificent rooms and suites. A variety of dining options feature the best of local produce specialising in quality Irish Meats and Seafood. The resort also features The Thai Spa. After your round, try the Traditional Thai

Image credit: Lough Erne Resort. Massage and Golfers Tonic. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 18 Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland.

ENNISCRONE GOLF CLUB Fully rejuvenated, it’s time to become reacquainted with the Wild Atlantic Way and discover Enniscrone Golf Club. And what a find this special layout is— Enniscrone is a breathtaking encounter. Located in County Sligo beside the picturesque seaside town of Enniscrone, it is a two-hour drive from Lough Erne Resort. Enniscrone Golf Club celebrated 100 years of links golf in 2018. Its 18-hole Dunes Course is a stunner! The par 73 course stretches 6430 metres over 400 acres of prime duneland. It’s a captivating location set on a promontory that juts out into Killala Bay at the mouth of the Moy Estuary. The links is bordered by Scurmore Beach—one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. The Ox Mountains and the Nephin Beg Range provide a stunning backdrop. The course flows in harmony with its surroundings. Fairways shape through towering shaggy dunes. Elevated tee shots offer panoramic ocean views. Some greens are raised on platforms protected by valleys. While other greens are nestled at the base of large dunes creating an amphitheatre-like look. This course inspires you to want to put on a show. And you’ll need your best performance to score a par four at the 15th hole. Rated the hardest hole at the course, you must position the tee shot down the right hand side of the fairway for the best view of the green. The green is very long with three levels making judging the approach shot difficult. From the approach shot into the first green to the final putt at the 18th, golfing at Enniscrone is a gripping joy ride!

ENNISCRONE GC Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: Sam Gole. FEATURE GETAWAY | NORTH & WEST COAST LINKS GOLF IRELAND 19 Image credit: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland.

CARNE GOLF LINKS Carne Golf Links is another paradise for thrill- seeking golfers. It is a 70-minute drive from Enniscrone Golf Club. The epic 27-hole layout is situated near the town of Belmullet overlooking Blacksod Bay in County Mayo. The spectacular and untamed site occupies one of Ireland’s farthest western reaches on the Atlantic edge. The course is plotted throughout some of the highest sand dunes to be found in the world. A round of golf at Carne is a roller-coaster like experience. Fairways powerfully climb and fall amid the gigantic dunes then abruptly twist to the left and to the right. There’s no shortage of wow-factor. The 495-metre par-5, 18th hole provides stunning views of Blacksod Bay and the Atlantic. The fairway weaves through the dunes and down a deep valley before sharply rising to the green. When it’s time to take a breath from playing golf on the edge, rest up at Mount Falcon Estate. The 32-bedroom hotel with 45 luxury lodges provides access to up to 12 golf courses including Enniscrone and Carne. The 100-acre parkland estate includes a golf , clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry, a spa centre and six kilometres of woodland trails. And, there’s even a trout lake and three kilometres of prolific salmon fishing on the world famous River Moy. A golfing journey along the Causeway Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way is a thrilling encounter. Whether you’re dreaming of an authentic links golf With special thanks and appreciation to the experience, parkland beauty, drama filled sights or team at North & West Coast Links Ireland, a slice of history, Ireland has it all. the golf courses, hotels and Spirit Of Ireland IRELAND GOLF PACKAGES NEXT PAGE >> Coaches. They delivered an outstanding ‘dream come true’ golfing holiday. CARNE GL Video courtesy: North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. VIDEO Image credit: Sam Gole. TRAVEL | HOLIDAYS IRELAND 20

IRELAND GOLF TRAVEL

For an unforgettable golfing getaway to Ireland, Drummond Golf Travel is proud to operate in association with North & West Coast Links Golf. Packages include golf, accommodation and transport. Plus, all the delights that Ireland has to offer such as dinners, culture, heritage, The Wild Atlantic Way & The Causeway Coast experiences. With 30 years experience, NWCLG provide a top class product, value for money and excellent customer service. All golf packages are completely bespoke. They are designed and priced on application to best suit what you are looking for in your vacation to Ireland.

To get you started, we’ve listed a few sample Ireland Golf Packages on the following pages.

Cheers!

Image Credit: Sam Gole TRAVEL | HOLIDAYS IRELAND 21

Sample Package THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Play and stay at the very best. Enjoy golf at Royal County Down—ranked the world’s best golf course! And play Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Castlerock, Ballyliffin and Portmarnock. Away from the spectacular golf courses, take the time to explore many of Ireland’s stunning sites, such as The Causeway Coast and Dublin.

Tour Package: 8 nights/ 6 rounds Highlights • 6 rounds of championship links golf. • 8 nights’ luxury shared accommodation with breakfast each morning. - Portmarnock Hotel & Spa 1 nights. - Slieve Donard Resort & Spa 2 nights. - Bushmills Inn 5 nights. • Self drive vehicle for entirety of the trip. • All local taxes included. • Assistance of North & West Coast Links Coast Ireland personnel for duration of the itinerary.

From AUD *POA * Contact Drummond Golf Travel for more info.

ENQUIRE DRUMMOND GOLF TRAVEL ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT SAM GOLE 0412 230 769 | [email protected]

Image credit: Top—Derek Robinson. Bottom left—Hastins Hotel. Bottom right—Sam Gole. TRAVEL | HOLIDAYS IRELAND 22

Sample Package CAUSEWAY COAST EXPERIENCE

The trip includes four rounds of golf at Ballyliffin Golf Club, Castlerock Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club and Royal Portrush Golf Club along with luxury accommodation at Bishops Gate Hotel, Bushmills Inn and the Grand Central Belfast. Also included is a tour of Bushmills Distillery, as well as entrance to the Giants Causeway and the Titanic Exhibition.

Tour Package: 6 nights/ 4 rounds Highlights • 4 rounds of championship links golf. • 6 nights’ luxury shared accommodation with breakfast each morning. • Entrance into the Giants Causeway & The Titanic Exhibition. • A tour of the Bushmills Distillery. • Self drive vehicle for entirety of the trip. • All local taxes included. • Assistance of North & West Coast Links Coast Ireland personnel for duration of the itinerary.

From AUD *3,395pp Based on a minimum of four people travelling. * Contact Drummond Golf Travel for more info.

ENQUIRE DRUMMOND GOLF TRAVEL ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT SAM GOLE 0412 230 769 | [email protected]

Image credit: Top—North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. Bottom—copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board. TRAVEL | HOLIDAYS IRELAND 23

Sample Package NORTH WEST EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a tour of North West Ireland playing four great golf courses—Lough Erne, Donegal, Portsalon and Ballyliffin. Be treated to luxury accommodation at Harvey’s Point Hotel and The Ballyliffin TownHouse. Take time to see the sights along the Wild Atlantic Way. And, enjoy a tour of Sliabh Liag Distillery.

Tour Package: 5 nights/ 4 rounds Highlights • 4 rounds of championship links golf. • 5 nights’ luxury shared accommodation with breakfast each morning. • Tour of Sliabh Liag Distillery. • Self drive vehicle for entirety of the trip. • All local taxes included. • Assistance of North & West Coast Links Coast Ireland personnel for duration of the itinerary.

From AUD *2,295pp Based on a minimum of four people travelling. * Contact Drummond Golf Travel for more info.

ENQUIRE DRUMMOND GOLF TRAVEL ALL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT SAM GOLE 0412 230 769 | [email protected]

Top—North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland. Bottom—copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board. FEATURE TRAVEL | THE CAUSEWAY COAST NORTHERN IRELAND 24 THE CAUSEWAY COAST NORTHERN IRELAND

Blessed with its epic landscape, the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world’s most thrilling road trips. It hugs the Atlantic coast from bustling Belfast to the historic city of Derry-Londonderry. The legendary 246-kilometre stretch is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys, scenic clifftop paths and historic landmarks. Here are a pick of the gems to explore along the way. >>

Image Credit: Sam Gole. FEATURE TRAVEL | THE CAUSEWAY COAST NORTHERN IRELAND 25

1 2 THE CAUSEWAY COAST THINGS TO SEE

Lonely Planet rated Belfast and the Causeway Coast ‘Best Region in the World to Visit’ in 2018. And it’s easy to see why. From Titantic and the Game of Thrones tapestry to golf, whiskey and famous sights, the Causeway Coast is well worth the look!

1. BELFAST The glittering city of Belfast with its iconic attractions and Victorian charm make it the perfect spot to begin your Causeway Coast adventure. Check out Titanic Belfast—it’s an interactive museum that pays homage to the ill-fated ship. Explore St George’s Market, a Belfast foodie institution where you’ll find everything from chocolate to local cheese. Another popular sight is Carrickfergus Castle. The Norman-era castle on the northern shore of Belfast Lough remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland..

3 4 2. THE GOBBINS Situated a forty-minute drive from Belfast is the Gobbins cliff walk. The one- of-a-kind experience is absolutely stunning. It includes a dramatic series of tubular bridges, staircases and tunnels clinging to the cliffside just metres above the waves.

3. CUSHENDUN CAVES The Cushendun Caves is one of the many Game of Thrones locations scattered around the Causeway Coast. Take a small detour to Murlough Bay or Torr Head to view a seemingly endless stretch of coastline and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Scotland.

4. CARRICK-A-REDE Sway above the waves with the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge crossing. Suspended almost 30 metres above the sea, the bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It offers some of the best views on the Causeway Coastal Route and the chance to catch intriguing glimpses of mysterious caves and caverns as the ocean swirls far below you. Image credit: copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board. FEATURE TRAVEL | THE CAUSEWAY COAST NORTHERN IRELAND 26

5 6 THE CAUSEWAY COAST—THINGS TO SEE

5. GIANT’S CAUSEWAY The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geological phenomenon of 40,000 basalt columns was formed by volcanic eruptions over 60 million years ago. As Lonely Planet puts it, the Causeway ‘looks for all the world like the handiwork of giants’. Head to the Causeway in time to watch the sunset—it’s absolutely breathtaking.

6. OLD BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY In operation since 1608, the Old Bushmills Distillery is the island’s oldest working distillery. The company’s distinctive single malt whiskey is still produced there today. Take a guided tour where you’ll discover how the whiskey is made using traditional copper pot stills and a triple distillation process. Try a tutored whiskey tasting or a meal at the in-house restaurant, which serves Northern Ireland fare with a Bushmills twist.

7. DUNLUCE CASTLE Perched 30 metres above the wild ocean, Dunluce is one of the most 7 8 picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. A defended site for over 1,000 years, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nowadays, Dunluce remains only in ruins, but it’s still utterly stunning.

8. GOLF The golfing gods blessed the Causeway Coastal Route with a host of courses sure to thrill true golfing enthusiasts. Home of the 2019 The Open, Royal Portrush Golf Club offers two 18-hole links layouts— the Dunluce Course and The Valley Course. Portstewart Golf Club, which hosted the 2017 Irish Open, presents 54 holes and is regularly ranked among the top links courses in the world. Castlerock Golf Club may be lesser known than its more famous neighbours, but the 27-hole layout is a gem in Northern Ireland’s golfing crown. Set against the backdrop of the glassy Lough Foyle, Roe Park is an elegant 18-hole parkland course. Surrounded by rich countryside, Gracehill House Golf Course rolls between woodland and quiet parkland and is one of County Antrim’s hidden highlights. Ballycastle Golf Club was built in 1890 and its seaside location offers magnificent water views.

Image credit: copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board.