Montgomerie
In recent years, Carton House has emerged as one of the most exquisite golfing destinations in Ireland and beyond, in part, thanks to two fantastic, well-maintained courses and an unparalleled level of service.
The Montgomerie Course was designed by seven times European Order of Merit Winner, Colin Montgomerie. His creation is a 7,300-yard “links-style” journey across sweeping firm fairways, cavernous bunkers, and impeccable greens. Taking clear inspiration from the great seaside courses of yesteryear.
Home to the Golfing Union of Ireland, the oldest golfing union in the world. This club has attracted golfers from across Ireland and the globe. Golfers who love the game and respect its traditions embrace its welcoming environment and revel in a club that can truly be called home.
K Club Palmer
Located just a short drive from Dublin, K Club is the perfect escape for those looking to marry the idyllic Irish country retreat with the iconic attractions Dublin has to offer.
Home to not one but two Arnold Palmer-designed courses, The Palmer Ryder Cup Course and The Palmer Smurfit Course – golfers are very much spoilt for choice. The Palmer Ryder Cup course is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most spectacular courses, both challenging and dramatic, with a layout and design that will leave you breathless. Leafy, verdant spaces, mature trees and numerous water hazards create many challenges for even the most seasoned golfers.
With two stunning championship golf courses, five-star luxury and a fantastic location just a short drive from Dublin, The K Club is a must for any golfer embarking on an Irish golfing break. For those who enjoy pushing their boundaries, the Ryder Cup Course has been dubbed by many as the most difficult inland layout in the country.
Castlerock
The coastal village of Castlerock is home to a classic links course crafted through the beautiful rolling dunes of the north of Ireland. Castlerock Golf Club boasts some exceptional views of the Isle of Islay with the River Band flowing alongside, adding an exquisite aesthetic pleasure to this remarkable golfing experience.
Formed in 1901, the club has two courses: The Mussenden Course, an eighteen-hole championship course and The Bann Course, a testing 9-holer. Both courses are acutely affected by the wind and are sure to challenge even the finest players. Large banks of rough and whins are abetted by hidden burns and the humps and hillocks that are so characteristic of seaside golf.
A real gem of a links, considered among the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer. A must-play addition to a tour of Royal Portrush.
Portmarnock
On Christmas Eve 1893, two Scotsmen rowed over to the peninsula of Portmarnock to explore the possibility of creating a links golf course. With low dunes, small green hollows and long valleys it was the perfect ground for golfing. In 1894 their dream was realised, as the spectacular Portmarnock Golf Club was born.
Left completely exposed to the elements, this course is not for the faint-hearted of players. Tall, rough, and undulating fairways are to be negotiated en route to the putting greens guarded by cavernous pot bunkers and vast slopes and swales.
Visitors to the club will be struck by its remoteness and the rugged atmosphere as they pit themselves against one of the most trying tests of links golf around. Portmarnock is a must for the purists.
Royal Portrush
Royal Portrush Golf Club is rated as one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world.
The only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a member’s club that welcomes visitors all year round to face the challenges of its courses and to brave the harsh Irish conditions.
Whilst it is not the longest championship golf course, Royal Portrush is predicated on the fundamental essence of links golf; being completely exposed to the elements. The course’s character depends heavily on the local conditions, which can change in a heartbeat and challenge golfers of all abilities.
Portrush should feature on any golf fanatic’s bucket list. Ticking it off has never been easier with Mayfair Concierge.
Belvoir
Founded in 1927, the Belvoir Park Golf Club is a proper championship course set amongst some 163 acres of delightful parkland in South Belfast.
Once the childhood home of the Duke of Wellington, this outstanding golf club has been described as home to the ‘best parkland course’ in Ulster as well as being one of the finest in Ireland. The grounds are always exquisitely maintained and are visually stunning.
Host to the Irish Open and Irish PGA Championship, this course is a true golfing test that still manages to provide a warm and friendly environment for all types of visitors. Layed out by the famed course architect Harry S. Colt, Belvoir Park is of the highest golfing pedigree that will provide any player with a formidable golfing experience.
More recently, Belvoir has also been privileged to host the Irish PGA Championship and Amateur and Senior Ladies Championships and the World Blind Golf Championships in 2008.
