The ultimate golf break in Northern Ireland

During a recent visit to Northern Ireland, Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken had the chance to play the likes of Royal Portrush and sample the very best in local hospitality. These are his reflection on what might just be the ultimate golf break.

I love to visit the magnificent island of Ireland to play golf. If you have never played golf here, you are missing out on an important element of golfing pleasure and delight.

Golf in Ireland has a unique personality and rhythm, and I always return home with a sense of kinship and a golf bag full of memories. Despite sometimes cruel weather conditions I have never been disappointed by any trip ‘over the water'. 

I love links golf! If you have never played true links golf, then Ireland is a destination that can accommodate you at every level. 63 of the hundreds of golf courses on the island fit the definition of being a true links course. Around 25% of the world's links course are in Ireland. This definition includes a sandy soil, coastal dunes and a seaside setting. Literally the 'link' between the land and the sea, historically land that could not be developed for anything else.

My most recent trip encompassed rounds at Holywood Golf Club in Belfast, the childhood home of career Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy. This was followed by two epic rounds of golf at the classic links designs of Castlerock and the wonderful Royal Portrush, the venue for the 2025 Open Championship.

Staying at Culloden Estate & Spa

On the first night in Belfast, we were provided accommodation at the Culloden Estate & Spa. This is an excellent premium venue relatively close to the city centre giving easy access to Hollywood Golf Club the following morning.

We ate at the Cultra Inn, restaurant and pub that's part of the facility and gardens of the hotel. Everything about the food and beverages offered were excellent.

The night before our visit, the German national football team had stayed at the hotel during their World Cup qualifying match against Northern Ireland. The spa and pool here were a delight. Our accommodation and the helpful, knowledgeable service that went with it, was equally superb.

Walking in Rory McIlroy's Footsteps at Holywood Golf Club

The next morning, we had the opportunity to visit Holywood Golf Club, the childhood course of Rory McIlroy, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the five-time major champion.

If you want to read about that experience, please read my new article.

Castlerock Golf Club is a Wonderful Place to Play

You will no doubt be familiar with Royal Portrush and Royal County Down, two of the most celebrated venues on the planet, but Castlerock is a true gem and feast for the golfing senses that I had the chance to play during my time in Northern Ireland.

If you want to know more about it, here is why it's one of the best golf courses you may not have heard of before.

Can it Get Better Than Staying at Dunluce Lodge?

Next, it was time to make our way to Portrush. During the 2025 Open, Dunluce Lodge is where Rory McIlroy chose to stay with his family.

A US-based investment group owns the five-star hotel, which features 35 suites, a modern spa, and a nine-hole putting green. 

This is not just any old putting green, this was created by Martin Ebert from Ebert & Mackenzie, the company entrusted by the R&A to update the Open venues.

It is a delight. Think the Himalayas at St Andrews with slightly less height but it is so much fun. Our group of golfing journalists lost several hours competing against each other during our stay at different times of the day. 

Its proximity to Royal Portrush and the incredible views across it are difficult to do justice in mere words.

Room rates range from €400 to €1,100 per night, with a private lodge of eight suites that hosted McIlroy and his family.

It was constructed for over €17 million, and the hotel targets growing golf tourism in the area after the Open Championship.

This is the ultimate legacy item being created as a direct result of the success of the 2019 and 2025 Opens played over the garden fence.

The Perfect Base to Experience Royal Portrush

I was incredibly lucky and was allocated the Portrush Suite that had immaculate views across the golf course towards the Skerries. The 4th fairway was a simple wedge from my bedroom window.

Everything about Dunluce Lodge exudes quiet, understated luxury and perfectionism. On arrival we were all given a wonderful Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail and the food provided during our evening meal was simply exceptional.

I reviewed the wine cellar, and it is also exceptional. I imagine that any golfing gastronauts will be putting this venue to the very top of their wish list.

Given its proximity to the Bushmills distillery, it is not surprising that it also stocks an exemplary whiskey store with some shots costing thousands.

The measure of this venue is that it never felt intimidating and the quality of the welcome from every single staff member was superb. Always a smile and nothing was too much trouble.

Every room had a copy of ‘History Made, History in the Making’, a wonderful book created by Roger C Anderson. I have a decent collection of centenary golf books, and this book is hands down the best I have ever read. I was so impressed with this book that I decided to reach out to the author and express my admiration to him for creating the seminal golf club history book. Unfortunately, I discovered that he passed away in 2023, but this book represents an incredible legacy for future generations and sets the standard by which all future golf club histories will be measured. What an incredible legacy. Thank you, Roger C Anderson.

It documents the first 130 years of this venerable site in detail bringing to life the characters who were instrumental in its success. It is a weighty tome coming in at 4.4 kg. This caused an interesting conundrum with my baggage allowance at the airport. This is a book that sold out in its first edition, and I was delighted to be able to add it to my library having bought a copy from the hotel.

This Place Will Become One of The Greatest Golf Hotels

My two nights here were simply delightful, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have been one of the first guests to sample this superlative venue.

Ireland has always been known for its hospitality and welcoming nature. Despite its luxury that level of welcome was evidenced by everyone that I interacted with at the hotel. From the staff at breakfast who provided one of the best Irish breakfasts I have ever seen, never mind tasted, to the cocktail bar staff who made our visit such a memorable experience.

The hotel is full of small things that illustrate an attention to detail that is superb. Ranging from the locally produced chocolate bar using Mussenden Sea salt to the superb nighttime teas produced courtesy of JJ Darboven that are designed to aid a restful night’s sleep. 

Each night, as part of the turn down service, a short story was provided that had a local theme dealing with ancient heroes and mythical creatures of Irish folklore. A delightful touch that I read with pleasure.

I am not given to making predictions often in my golf writing, but I predict that this hotel will become one of the most sought-after venues within the golfing world.

Proximity and access to one of the world's greatest links golf courses is a unique selling point. Add to the mix the unsurpassed views and history of the site and its gastronomic excellence and this is a package that will attract many.  

I also anticipate that the prices will increase as demand will exceed availability once this golfing gem becomes more well known. I feel genuinely privileged to have experienced the Dunluce Lodge in its early days.

Naturally, during my time here, I had the opportunity to play the legendary Royal Portrush, an experience that you can read about here.

What Makes Hospitality in Northern Ireland Special?

A perfect example was my visit to Portrush, host of the 2025 Open Championship. The town is intrinsically linked to the golf and vice versa. Each depends on the other for its heartbeat and existence.

At the conclusion of a special round of golf, my health app illustrated that I had walked 27,000 steps but that I had also climbed over 27 flights of stairs. A perfect illustration of the severity of the slopes and dunes encountered when searching for golf balls. Fortunately, not always mine, mostly my playing partners! 

We wandered into town to face the delights of the Harbour Bar. This has become a world-famous golfing watering hole with golf memorabilia literally overflowing from the ceilings and walls. The owner encourages golfing celebrities to visit, and I would recommend this as a must visit venue when nearby. 

Live music is situated in Darren's Corner, named after resident and Open champion Darren Clarke. Superb singers and musicians provide a wonderfully joyous atmosphere. I defy any visitor not to get drawn into the community singing that follows as night follows day. 

This venue houses an excellent restaurant and a nightclub on its upper floors. Given that this was a midweek visit, it was incredibly busy with patrons of every age and decade. If you are a golf fan this is a venue you must visit at least once in your life. I also love the Dunvegan Hotel in St Andrews, and they share the same life affirming vibe.  

If you have never visited the island of Ireland to play golf, please do so. I have been blessed to play golf all over the world and some of my most memorable golfing and travel experiences have happened on the Emerald Isle.

It is easy to access and the hospitality I have received has always been impeccable, enriching and simply great fun. I love the ability of the Irish to create a hooley from any type of social interaction. An ability to tall a tale or play an instrument or sing a song is a great social currency in Ireland. Music is so readily available with live bands and musicians even playing on Sunday morning markets selling tourist trinkets in Dublin. 

Hospitality is taken to a different level in Ireland with incredible food and all levels of accommodation to suit every price bracket.

If you want to know more, please visit Tourism Ireland or see our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best deals and packages to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.