Londonderry and North Coast Golf Holidays

The North Coast boasts some of Ireland's most famous attractions such as the Giant's Causways, wonderful distilleries like Bushmills (dating from 1608), brilliant cities like Londonderry and fabulous golf...Particularly Portrush - host to the Irish Open.

The North Coast of Ireland is a place to explore. In fact, the area boasts eleven declared Areas of Special Scientific Interest. Dating from before 7000BC, the remains of the earliest known human settlement in Ireland can be found at Mountsandel on the east bank of the River Bann in Coleraine. The remains of Dunluce Castle sit on top of a wild, romantic coastline and dates back to the 14th-Century.

Further along the Causeway Coast lies the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Designated a World Heritage Site, it is said that this fascinating site came about when the giant Finn McCool tried to bridge the Irish Sea to get to his great Scottish enemy, Benandonner! Another Geological Area of Special Scientific Interest is to be found at Portballintrae Bay. Portballintrae is located seven miles east of Portrush and a mile from the town of Bushmills, home of the oldest whiskey distillery in the world.
Just outside the village of Ballintoy, connecting the North Coast mainland to Carrick Island is the famous (or infamous!) Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, spanning an eighty-foot drop into the sea. The waters round the island are exceptionally good for salmon and fishermen used the bridge to bring their catch back to the mainland. This was a considerable feat, especially when the bridge only had one handrail originally – not for the fainthearted! The bridge is now a challenge for locals and visitors alike.

Londonderry and North Coast Golf Breaks

County Londonderry makes up one of the six counties of Northern Ireland. It is home to beautiful landscape and important historical buildings including the famous City Walls of Derry and the Mussenden Temple. It is a 6th-Century city which is full of history, culture and creativity and its never-breached 17th-Century defensive walls. Meander through the bustling city streets and listen to the echoes of 1450 years of history, marvel at the ever-changing skyline of the city or explore the greater area of County Londonderry with its beautiful green landscape and interesting towns and villages. Few places can offer such a compelling and unique experience for the visitor as the Walled City of Derry. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added - Magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate. Combined with the history is a massive choice of bars, restaurants, brasseries and intimate clubs.

For golf, the North Coast of Ireland is a golfer’s dream. In this area of outstanding natural beauty, there is a fabulous choice of courses to play, not least the world-famous Dunluce Course at Royal Portrush which sits amongst stunning natural golfing country, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery you will find anywhere. Consistently ranked as one of the most challenging courses in the world, the Dunluce Course takes its name from the castle nearby, the remains of which overlook the course. Royal Portrush’s second course, The Valley, lies on the sea side of the Dunluce Course and is home to Royal Portrush Ladies Club and the affiliated Rathmore Club.

Boasting a long history, golf was first played in Portstewart as far back as 1889 and Portstewart Golf Club was founded in 1894. The Strand Course has spectacular views across the bay to the blue Donegal hills, the Atlantic Ocean and the estuary of the River Bann. Set in classic links country amid towering sand dunes, the greens are fast and in superb condition all year round. Another fine example of courses in the area is Castlerock Golf Club, a truly magnificent links course set among rolling sand dunes where you can see the River Bann flowing out to the Atlantic, with wonderful views of Donegal and on a clear day, towards Scotland and the Isle of Islay. Steeped in history, it is believed that the sand dunes, where part of the course winds its way, were occupied by humans in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages.

A pocket of brilliant golf, superb scenery and ideal apres-golf choices.

Golf Accommodation and Hotels

Maddybenny Country House & Cottages4 star

At Maddybenny they strive for excellence and to give you a holiday to remember. Year on year this has been nationally recognised by awards from NITB, Bridgestone, Georginna Campbell and more.
The Bushmills Inn4 star

Time to take a slower pace of life. Step back to a time steeped in charm. From inglenook turf fires to hayloft snugs, there’s something to find behind every door – a secret just waiting to be unlocked. The welcome is warm and the fire always lit. So pull up a chair, there’s always room for a friend.
Cromore Halt Guest Inn3 star

Cromore Halt is a family owned Guest Inn providing comfortable and quality accommodation at affordable prices. Situated in Portstewart, the premier holiday location on the North Coast, Cromore Halt provides the ideal location to explore the splendor and serenity of the magnificent North Antrim …
Hastings Everglades4 star

If easy-going is your thing, then the luxurious but laid-back Everglades hotel, just 5 minutes from Derry City centre, is your kind of place. A place to relax in comfortable surroundings, enjoy good home-cooked food, have a pint by the fireside, and make friends. Where everything’s easy and …
Strand House4 star

Strand House is a luxurious family run bed and breakfast on the Causeway Coast with ample parking in its own well maintained grounds. Portstewart is a superb gateway to the North Antrim Coast making Strand Guest House an excellent choice for Causeway Coast accommodation.
The Anchorage Inn3 star

Situated on the main promenade in the picturesque town of Portstewart and only 3 miles from the shopping town of Coleraine, the Anchor complex incorporating the Anchorage Inn, Inishowen Business Suite, Skippers restaurant, Award winning Anchor Bar & Club Aura, is well known throughout Ireland for …
The Adelphi Portrush4 star

The Adelphi is like a Boutique Style Hotel, and offers unparalleled luxury coupled with a quality of service that is second to none!
Beech Hill Country House4 star

This 4-star 18th century country house hotel is situated in the countryside, just a short drive from Derry city centre and within reach of the City of Derry Airport. Beech Hill Hotel is situated just outside the historic walled city of Derry, perfectly placed for visiting the city and exploring the …
Ramada Portrush4 star

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, situated in the centre of Portrush close Dunluce Castle and much more... The redesigned Counties Cafe Bar and Restaurant with the new Clubroom is well known as the perfect venue to meet with friends for a meal, coffee or beverages in contemporary surroundings with an …
Radisson Roe Park Resort4 star

Roe Park Resort is an ideal base for relaxing or enjoying a round of golf. All bedrooms are very well equipped with modern facilities. Greens Restaurant serves the finest local cuisine whilst more informal dining is available in the Coach House Brasserie. Guests have the choice of two bars. Leisure …

Golf Courses

Portstewart golf course

Portstewart is home to what might be the world’s most underrated course. Many feel Portstewart’s Strand Course boasts the finest opening hole and front 9 in Ireland, maybe anywhere. The panoramic views are breathtaking, particularly those of the Donegal hills.
Royal Portrush golf course

Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses – the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Both command impressive views across the North Atlantic with breathtaking views of Scotland and Donegal but the golf is even …
Castlerock golf course

Situated on the North Coast, Castlerock embodies all the essential charms of links golf. The Championship Mussenden Links is a 6700 yard par 73 and its “USP’s” include a pure seaside routing, firm fast greens, and an intimacy with the landscape surrounding it. The 9 hole Bann …
Ballycastle golf course

Founded in 1890, Ballycastle Golf Club is a founder member of the Golf Union of Ireland. The seaside resort of Ballycastle is situated on the Causeway Coast which is designated an Area of Natural Beauty. The Club lies at the foot of one of the Glens of Antrim, Glenshesk, offering a warm welcome to …
Gracehill golf course

Gracehill offers a myriad of golfing challenges and the traditional clubhouse, whilst still retaining the charm and character of its Georgian heritage, provides a warm and friendly atmosphere, scenic views of the course and a seasonal bistro April to October. Gracehill is considered to be …
Faughan Valley golf course

Offering year round playability, this parkland treat is designed to provide rewarding play and a warm welcome for all levels from novice to professional. Built on the banks of the River Faughan, there are lots of water hazards including the lake on the third. With the green protruding …
Radisson Roe Park Resort golf course

The layout includes a number of challenging water features and takes full advantage of this beautiful setting, with Lough Foyle and the Sperrin Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The 265 yard, par 4 fifteenth hole provides a real risk and reward opportunity with the long hitters being …