Greatest holes in Northern Ireland

For avid golfers, few experiences rival the thrill of playing the world’s most spectacular links courses. Northern Ireland is home to some of the best golf courses on the planet, offering breathtaking coastal views, unpredictable winds, and challenging layouts that test even the most skilled players. If you’re planning a golf trip to this remarkable region, get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic holes you’ll encounter on this journey.

GolfN's Adventure of a Lifetime sweepstakes will play seven of the greatest courses in Ireland's north. To get you excited for the possibility of taking this epic, $25,000-value trip, Brandon Tucker has used the GolfN app to highlight some of the best holes you'll play. The GolfN app features color 3D GPS of every golf course in the world, and the best part? You'll earn rewards for golf every time you use it.

You can watch the entire video on Ireland's favorite courses on our YouTube channel or read on for some takes about these epic holes.

Portstewart Golf Club: A Spectacular Start

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Portstewart, the neighbor of Royal Portrush, is known for its towering dunes and breathtaking coastline, as well as one of the greatest opening tee shots in golf. Be sure to be warmed up for this tee time.

The 1st Hole: One of the Best Openers in Golf

Few opening holes in golf offer a more spectacular view. The elevated tee looks down onto a fairway nestled between massive dunes, with the beach in full view. The drive is exhilarating, but trouble lurks in the dunes on both sides. This is a hole that immediately captures the essence of links golf—dramatic scenery, strategic bunkering, and the ever-present challenge of the wind.

Royal Portrush: The Legendary Links Challenge

Royal Portrush, host of the 2025 Open Championship, is a bucket-list course for many. It has a rich history and a stunning layout that makes every hole a thrill to play.

The 5th Hole: White Rocks

This spectacular par four is one of the most famous holes on the course. A dogleg right, it plays out toward the coastline, meaning the wind is always a factor. If you’re playing from the pro tees, you’ll need to decide how much of the angle to take on. Aggressive players can be rewarded with a short wedge into the green, but they must navigate treacherous bunkers along the way. And once you reach the green, you’re greeted by a stunning view of Dunluce Castle in the background—a truly unforgettable sight.

The 16th Hole: Calamity Corner

This par three is as intimidating as it gets. With a sharp drop-off to the right, missing short means you’ll face a brutal uphill recovery shot from deep rough. Playing safe to the left is the smart move, but with the unpredictable winds, even that can be a challenge. It’s called “Calamity Corner” for a reason—your round can go south in an instant if you’re not careful!

Ballyliffin Golf Club: The Wild Beauty

A former Irish Open host, Ballyliffin’s Glashedy Links course offers a mesmerizing blend of rolling dunes and breathtaking scenery.

The 8th Hole: A True Links Test

This long par four is a great example of classic links golf. From the tee, you’ll need to decide whether to challenge the bunkers with a bold drive or play it safe and leave a longer approach shot. The green is designed for a running shot, making it a great test of your ability to control distance and trajectory. Ballyliffin embodies the true essence of links golf—firm fairways, strategic bunkering, and endless shot-making possibilities.

Ardglass Golf Club: A Hidden Gem

While Royal County Down and Royal Portrush get most of the attention, Ardglass offers one of the most enjoyable and picturesque rounds in Northern Ireland.

The 1st Hole: A Dramatic Start

With jagged cliffs running along the right side of the fairway, this hole provides an unforgettable opening tee shot. The wind often helps, but you still need to be precise off the tee to avoid trouble.

The 12th Hole: Coastal Perfection

One of the most stunning par fives you’ll ever play, the 12th runs right along the coastline, offering breathtaking views and a true risk-reward challenge. With a good drive, you may be tempted to go for the green in two, but bunkers and thick rough make it a treacherous decision.

Royal County Down: The Crown Jewel

Considered one of the best golf courses in the world, Royal County Down is a demanding yet unforgettable experience.

The 9th Hole: A Blind Test of Nerves

One of the most famous holes in golf, this par four requires you to hit a blind tee shot over a massive dune. You’ll have to trust your aim, as you won’t see the fairway from the tee. Once you crest the hill, the hole reveals itself, and you’ll be left with a challenging approach to a well-guarded green.

Rosapenna: A Modern Classic

Out in the rugged northwest of Ireland, Rosapenna offers two courses, including the spectacular St. Patrick’s Links, designed by the renowned Tom Doak.

The 10th Hole: A Strategic Beauty

This par four features a wide landing area, but as you get closer to the green, the fairway narrows, making accuracy crucial. With the firm and fast conditions typical of links golf, careful planning is required to ensure the best approach to the green.

A Golf Trip Unlike Any Other

Playing golf in Northern Ireland is an unforgettable experience. The region’s famous links courses offer a perfect blend of history, challenge, and stunning scenery. From the dramatic coastline of Royal Portrush to the hidden gems of Ardglass and Ballyliffin, every round presents a new adventure.

If you’re planning a golf trip to Northern Ireland, make sure you’re ready for the challenge. Study the course layouts, embrace the unpredictable weather, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment on these legendary links. Whether it’s a dream golf getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience will stay with you forever. Sign up now for a chance to win GolfN's Adventure of a Lifetime Sweepstakes. ENTER HERE.

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