Royal County Down Golf Club
Newcastle
Royal County Down Golf Club is one of the true bucket-list courses for a Northern Ireland golf holiday. Set in Newcastle, County Down, beside Dundrum Bay and beneath the Mourne Mountains, it offers the sort of dramatic links setting that makes golfers reach for the camera before they even reach the first tee. The club has two 18-hole links courses: the world-famous Championship Links and the shorter Annesley Links.
The Championship Links is the main event. Founded in 1889 and later shaped by some of golf’s great course minds, it is a classic test of links golf: narrow fairways, natural bunkering, blind shots, firm turf, heather, gorse and wind that can change the whole round. Its setting within the Murlough Nature Reserve adds to the feeling that the course belongs naturally to the land rather than being forced into it.
For UK golfers, Royal County Down works perfectly as the headline round in a Northern Ireland itinerary. Belfast is within reach, while nearby courses such as Ardglass, Royal Belfast, Portstewart and Royal Portrush help create a seriously strong golf trip.
The 9th hole is one of the course’s most famous moments, played from high ground down to a fairway around 60 feet below, before an approach to a raised green. Visitor play is available on selected days, so advance planning is essential.
Belfast City Airport
44km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
1°C - 19°C
Cost of a Beer:
£6.20
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£85
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Whitley Bay is a brilliant choice for golfers who want a UK golf holiday with sea air, relaxed coastal charm and easy access to Newcastle. Set on the North Tyneside coast, it gives you golden beaches, a proper seaside feel and plenty to enjoy between rounds. Whitley Bay Beach is a Blue Flag award-winning stretch of sand running towards St Mary’s Lighthouse, making it ideal for long walks after golf.
The main local course is Whitley Bay Golf Club, set at the north-east corner of the town. The course enjoys views towards the coast and St Mary’s Lighthouse, with rolling fields around it, giving golfers a scenic but very playable North East round. The club also highlights its location just 25 minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne, which makes Whitley Bay a handy base for a golf break with city add-ons.
Away from the fairways, Whitley Bay has plenty of classic seaside appeal. St Mary’s Lighthouse sits on a small tidal island, reached by a short path when the tide allows, while the coastal walk links St Mary’s Island, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth Priory and North Shields Fish Quay.
For UK golfers, Whitley Bay works well as a tailor-made North East golf break, either on its own or combined with Tynemouth, Newcastle and the wider Northumberland coast. Hashtag Golf Travel can help plan the right courses, hotels, transfers and local extras.
