Royal County Down Golf Course Review: Playing One of the World’s Best Links
Arrival in Newcastle, County Down
The Mourne Mountains loom in the distance, signalling the end of a winding, beautiful drive through the countryside as we approach Newcastle, a popular seaside town in County Down, Northern Ireland. The town sits beneath the towering Slieve Donard, a favourite hike for enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Driving through the gates of Royal County Down Golf Course, I was greeted by a friendly security guard before parking the car and heading to the clubhouse. Inside, I ordered broccoli and blue cheese soup with a sandwich platter, accompanied by a pint of Guinness. From my seat by the window, I watched golfers teeing off the 10th hole — a picturesque par 3 — as I enjoyed my lunch and soaked in the views over the Mourne Mountains.
Royal County Down clubhouse
Warming Up and Tackling the Front Nine
Once finished, I made my way to the putting green for a quick warm-up before heading to the first tee. The opening hole is a long par 5. My drive found the middle of the fairway, but my second shot drifted into a bunker (I blame the Guinness!). I scrambled it out and managed to finish the hole respectably.
At the second hole’s tee box, the view was breathtaking — the Irish Sea ahead and the mountains behind. It’s a par 4 with a blind tee shot, so you really need a Royal County Down caddie or a member’s guidance. My drive went a little too far right into the rough, and my approach landed me in another bunker near the green. Yes, another bunker — a frustrating start! I managed to recover again and got it onto the green.
The third hole, a long par 4, played tough, but after finishing it we climbed to the fourth tee box, where the view was simply stunning. A par 3 with Newcastle, the Slieve Donard Hotel, and the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop — a perfect photo opportunity. I hit a cracking shot that landed close to the hole and walked away with a satisfying par.
4th hole - Par 3
The fifth hole doglegs to the right, with a bunker lurking dangerously on the left. It demands precision off the tee. We continued through the next few holes, and by the ninth, we were treated to a beautiful walk back toward the clubhouse, framed by the Mourne Mountains. It’s easy to see why so many call Royal County Down one of the best golf courses in Ireland.
9th hole - Par 4
The Back Nine: Beauty and Challenge
We stopped for a quick break — a visit to the facilities and some snacks — before tackling the 10th hole, another par 3. In my opinion, the back nine isn’t quite as dramatic as the front, but it’s still an excellent test of golf. The tricky par-4 12th and the par-3 14th both stood out. The 16th is a short par 4, followed by a long, demanding 17th with bunkers cutting through the fairway. Finally, we finished the round with a strong par 5 on the 18th — a fantastic closing hole that challenges both your skill and nerve.
Royal County Down, Newcastle
““Playing Royal County Down isn’t just golf — it’s a journey through some of the most stunning links and scenery the world has to offer.””
Final Thoughts on Royal County Down Golf Course
Playing at Royal County Down Golf Club lived up to every expectation. It’s easy to understand why it’s consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world. Every hole tests your imagination, accuracy, and patience — all set against a backdrop that feels almost mythical. The course conditions were flawless: fast greens, perfectly kept fairways, and rugged dunes that define the classic Irish links golf experience.
That said, other Irish courses like Royal Portrush, Portstewart, and Rosapenna are every bit as enjoyable, and the likes of Lahinch and Ballybunion are breathtaking — though more remote and harder to reach from Belfast or Dublin. Royal County Down, by contrast, is remarkably accessible — only 60 to 90 minutes from either city — and Newcastle offers plenty of great accommodation, pubs, and amenities for visiting golfers.
If you’re planning a golf trip to Northern Ireland, Royal County Down Golf Course should be at the top of your list. It combines history, challenge, and natural beauty like nowhere else. I’ll definitely be back next year.
What’s your favourite Irish links course — Royal County Down, Portrush, or Ballybunion? Leave a comment below or drop me an email — I’d love to hear your thoughts.
📸 Quick Tips for Visitors
Best time to play: April–September offers the best conditions, with long daylight hours and mild weather. It’s possible to play from October to March, but be aware that weather conditions can be unpredictable — heavy rain and wind may cause cancellations.
Location: Newcastle, County Down — about 1 hour 30 minutes from Belfast or Dublin airports.
Green fees: Check the Official Royal County Down website for current rates.
Must-see nearby: Slieve Donard hike, Mourne coastal route, and local seafood spots in Newcastle town.