10 hidden gem golf courses in Northern Ireland

1. Carnalea Golf Club, County Down

Carnalea Golf Club is a pretty 18-hole, par 69 course on the outskirts of the colourful city of Bangor. Golfers have been teeing off here for over a century and it’s easy to see why. The coastal views out over Belfast Lough are simply spectacular. On the course blind tee shots, tough doglegs, plenty of bunkers and several out of bounds areas make for a tricky round for golfers of all levels. When you’ve tapped in on 18 (for birdie, we hope), retreat and relax in the clubhouse which comes complete with a bar and dining area. Crispy battered fish and chips with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness is a popular order. Again, the sea views here are the big draw so soak them up. On a fine day, you might even see the west coast of Scotland.

2. Templepatrick Golf Club, County Antrim

If you want to start golfing as soon as you land in Northern Ireland, head for Templepatrick Golf Club in County Antrim, which is only a driver and a long iron away (so to speak) from Belfast International Airport. You can stay at DoubleTree Templepatrick, a fine four-star hotel that overlooks the 18-hole course. The action unfolds across 220 acres of park and woodland on the Kingfisher Country Estate, and at more than 7,000 yards, the well-designed parkland is quite the test. Templepatrick also boasts a driving range, a short game zone and a pro shop, so it really is a one-stop golfing shop.

3. Royal Belfast Golf Club, Belfast

Fancy a round at the OLDEST golf club on the island of Ireland? Thought so. Royal Belfast Golf Club is beautifully situated by the shores of Belfast Lough and dates all the way back to 1881. But the history doesn’t stop there. It’s one of only five clubs in Ireland with Royal status, it boasts a grand Victorian clubhouse and the 18-hole parkland course was designed by legendary golf course architect Harry Colt. On a golf trip to Northern Ireland, Royal Belfast simply has to be on your bucket list. Courses don’t get any more historic than this.

4. City of Derry Golf Club, Derry~Londonderry

Who’d have thought that one of Ireland’s premier parkland courses is just a short hop from the walled city of Derry~Londonderry? City of Derry Golf Club is that spot. Picturesquely located by the banks of the River Foyle, this well-maintained course is dotted with mature trees and provides great views of County Donegal’s rolling landscape in the distance. There are 22 holes to enjoy here, 18 on the Prehen Championship Parkland and a further six on the Academy course. The clubhouse features a Thai restaurant considered one of the best in the city. If it’s a stroll along lush fairways you’re after once you’ve walked the historic 400-year-old city walls, City of Derry Golf Club fits the bill nicely.

5. Bushfoot Golf Club, County Antrim

The Causeway Coastal Route is home to an array of world-leading links courses. So much so, that Bushfoot Golf Club slips under the radar, but what a gem is to be found for those who seek it out. Established in 1890, the 9-hole course can be played twice from varying tee positions, creating a unique par 70 course experience. With narrow fairways, small greens and breezy seaside conditions, Bushfoot is a proper links challenge for any golfer. Post-round, drink and dine in the bar and restaurant which comes with gorgeous coastal views. Or head to the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery for a 19th hole to remember at the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world!

6. Kirkistown Castle Golf Club, County Down

Golf in County Down often centres around one spot – Royal County Down, a glorious links often named one of the world’s top courses by industry experts. Venture off-the-beaten-track along the remote Ards Peninsula however, and another fine links challenge awaits. Kirkistown Castle Golf Club has been quietly going about its business since 1902. Rolling hills, rough gorse and gnarly hawthorn combine to provide a true test of your golfing abilities. On a clear day, views out to the Irish Sea stretch as far as the Isle of Man and even Scotland. Plus the iconic 17th century Kirkistown Castle is visible from numerous holes. With very reasonable green fees, Kirkistown is regarded as one of the best value courses around.

7. Ballycastle Golf Club, County Antrim

The elemental Causeway Coast is home to a number of world-leading links courses, but a lesser-spotted gem for the golfing connoisseur to seek out is Ballycastle Golf Club in County Antrim. Founded in 1890, Ballycastle’s hilltop setting has been providing epic views to golfers for well over 100 years. From Rathlin Island and the Glens of Antrim to even the shores of Scotland of a clear and fine day, the landscapes on show are spectacular. As for the course, it’s a wonderful mix of undulating greens, sand dunes and coastal hills that’s fun and challenging in equal measure.

8. Lough Erne Golf Resort, County Fermanagh

The shimmering waters of the Fermanagh Lakelands provide the setting for one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious golfing getaways – Lough Erne Resort. This five-star stunner is home to not one but TWO championship parkland courses. The Faldo Course was designed by golf legend Nick Faldo and the likes of Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington have tested their skills on its lush fairways. The Castle Hume Course meanwhile mixes scenic views with real tournament pedigree, having hosted 10 Ulster PGA Championships in its time. Add in a tranquil Thai spa and no less than three unique restaurants and Lough Erne quickly becomes a must-visit on any golf trip to Northern Ireland.

9. Castlerock Golf Club, County Londonderry

Take your pick from the short 9-hole Bann Course or the full-length, 18-hole Mussenden Course at Castlerock Golf Club on the ruggedly beautiful north coast. Both courses feature towering sand dunes, walls of thick gorse bushes, contoured fairways and tough but fair greens. In other words, this is pure links golf at its finest. No wonder Irish golf legend Christy O’Connor Snr called Castlerock “a true hidden gem”. If you’re new to links courses of this tricky ilk, you can even hire a caddy from the club to accompany you on your round. Afterwards, the fully-stocked bar and restaurant awaits where you can enjoy some well deserved refreshments. Founded in 1901 and still delivering amazing golfing experiences today – that’s Castlerock to a tee (pun intended).

10. Clandeboye Golf Club, County Down

Hidden away in a quiet woodland setting, Clandeboye Golf Club is home to two top courses – the Dufferin and the Ava. The former is considered one of Ireland’s great inland courses while the latter is a shorter affair where subtlety trumps power. Each course is located on North Down’s high plain, offering majestic views of Strangford Lough and the mighty Mourne Mountains. What further sets Clandeboye apart from its peers are extensive practice facilities which include a driving range, putting green and chipping area, so you can hone your skills before taking to the fairways proper. The bistro in the clubhouse serves up tasty lunch and dinner options, while the bar is the perfect place to unwind with a pint of Guinness in hand.

And with that, we’ll raise a glass to all of the clubs listed here! The secret is out about Northern Ireland’s hidden golf gems...