Newcastle, County Down and Portrush, County Antrim · Bucket-list links

Planning a Golf Trip to Royal County Down & Portrush: Group Guide

Two of the most sought-after links in the world, Royal County Down below the Mountains of Mourne and Royal Portrush on the Causeway Coast, with Portstewart's Strand course 15 minutes from Portrush.

Best forPlanners who can book a year or more ahead for two links courses that rank among the world's best.
Group size4–12 · 12–24 golfers
Budget$$$$ Luxury
Best monthsMay, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Trip styleBucket list

The courses to play

  • Royal County Down, Championship Links: Visitors play Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday; full payment is due at booking and is non-refundable, play is in four-balls, and every group must take at least one caddie or forecaddie. Buggies are not available.
  • Royal County Down, Annesley Links: Shorter links on the same ground with new holes by Martin Ebert; visitor days are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
  • Royal Portrush, Dunluce Links: No visitor bookings on Wednesday and only after 3 p.m. on Saturday. Visitors should be members of recognised golf clubs, and handicap certificates may be requested.
  • Royal Portrush, Valley Links: Full-length championship course used for qualifying at the North of Ireland Championship, where Graeme McDowell learned the game.
  • Portstewart, Strand Course: Willie Park Jr. and Des Giffin links along the Atlantic; it is closed to visitors at set member times every day, so check the club's published schedule.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
Belfast InternationalBFSabout 1 hr to Portrush
George Best Belfast CityBHDabout 1 hr to Newcastle (Royal County Down)
City of DerryLDYabout 45 min to Portrush

Check live flights to BFS on Google Flights →

When to go

Royal County Down's peak green-fee season runs from late April to mid-October, and Royal Portrush's runs April through October. Visitor tee times sell out far ahead.

Group tip

Royal Portrush is taking 2028 requests only from official golf tour operators until independent booking opens on February 2, 2027, so decide early whether to use an operator. Split nights between Newcastle and the Portrush/Portstewart area rather than commuting between the two Royals. Hire a driver: the airports are 45 minutes to an hour from each course, and Royal County Down requires caddies or a forecaddie for every group.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

Heads-up before you book

  • Royal Portrush visitor tee times for 2027 are listed as fully booked. source

Checked November 7, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the resort.

Fun facts about Royal County Down & Portrush

  • Royal County Down was founded on March 23, 1889, and Old Tom Morris advised on extending its first nine holes to 18, which were ready for play by mid-1890. source
  • Royal County Down's ninth is a 486-yard par 4 played from beside a large mound to a fairway about 60 feet below. source
  • The 2019 Open at Royal Portrush drew 237,750 spectators, second only to the Centenary Open at St Andrews. source
  • Rory McIlroy set the Dunluce course record of 61 in 2005, at age 16, during the North of Ireland Amateur Championship. source
  • Portrush's Valley Links runs through the War Hollow, believed to be the site of a battle with Magnus Barefoot, King of Norway, around 1102. source

Facts last checked November 7, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a Royal County Down & Portrush golf trip?

Royal County Down's peak green-fee season runs from late April to mid-October, and Royal Portrush's runs April through October. Visitor tee times sell out far ahead. Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

What airport do you fly into for Royal County Down & Portrush?

Belfast International (BFS), about 1 hr to Portrush; George Best Belfast City (BHD), about 1 hr to Newcastle (Royal County Down); City of Derry (LDY), about 45 min to Portrush.

What are the best courses at Royal County Down & Portrush?

Royal County Down, Championship Links, Royal County Down, Annesley Links, Royal Portrush, Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush, Valley Links, Portstewart, Strand Course.

Is Royal County Down & Portrush good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Planners who can book a year or more ahead for two links courses that rank among the world's best.. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24 golfers.

How far ahead should we book Royal County Down & Portrush?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

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