Royal County Down Golf Club

Golf club · Newry, Mourne and Down ·

Royal County Down Golf Club

Golf club · Newry, Mourne and Down ·

Links golf course with stunning views, narrow fairways, pot bunkers

Information

36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AN, United Kingdom Get directions

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"I count Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down among my favorite courses to play." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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Royal County Down Golf Club

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25 Best Golf Courses in the World

"Set in the Murlough Nature Reserve along Dundrum Bay, this links course offers holes with different views, blind tee shots, narrow fairways framed by purple heather and golden gorse, deep bunkers, and fast, domed greens, with the ninth ranked among the most photographed holes in golf." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-golf-courses-in-the-world-6828808

Royal County Down Golf Club

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62 Postcards · 27 Cities

"With the Mountains of Mourne serving as the backdrop, Royal County Down Golf Club is home to links courses placed along the Dundrum Bay. The ninth hole of the Championship Links holds the record as one of the most photographed holes in the world of golf."

12 Most Scenic Golf Courses and Resorts in the World

Royal County Down Golf Club

John H.

Google

Playing the Championship course at Royal County Down is a dream come true and a fantastic experience. It’s a golf course that deserves its exceptional ranking as No 1 in GB&I. We booked our tee time in October 2024 for the 24th April 2025 and had to pay in full on booking to secure the tee time. At the time of booking I was told that the tee times were almost fully booked for 2025, which confirms just how popular it is. When we arrived, we checked in with the caddie master and left our clubs with him, before having a good look around the pro shop. We then had some breakfast upstairs in the clubhouse overlooking the course. The driving range is a a few minutes away from the clubhouse. They use a buggy to shuttle players to the range to warm up. We booked caddies who also double up as photographers and generally make the whole experience more enjoyable. The course itself is in pristine condition. We loved every minute. Enjoy the pics.

Kenny L.

Google

Magical place to play. The course layout is superb. Just let down by the condition. Probably due to the amount of traffic the course gets. Amazing views and some amazing holes. A pleasure to play.

Greg M.

Google

Worthy of its ranking as a top course in the world. Tough but fair.

Greg F.

Google

This place does not disappoint! 100% lives up the hype and deserves the plaudits it gets as a course. Numerous blind shots mean the caddie is a must for anyone playing for the first time. Very knowledgeable and worth the price in saved golf balls alone. The course is magnificent - great vistas and views and despite what was a wet and windy day it did not dampen the spirits. Fairways are kept wonderfully- greens and tight and the run offs are deadly. This course is a must for anyone who is in the area and can get on it. It won’t disappoint.

mcmennis

Google

You can see why this is number 1 in the UK & Ireland. Blown away from start to finish. Clubhouse Looks stunning, all old features and fittings, everything screams history, pictures of all the greats playing a round there, Tiger, Rory, Jack Nic etc. Staff were so welcoming and friendly. Breakfast was the only thing that could be improved on as the only options were bacon or sausage buttys. Food after the round was brilliant. Changing room and showers top notch. Practice facilities Top notch driving range with callaway chrome soft balls, you also get driven to and from the range 👍 Course Wow. Just wow. The views are insane, the course is incredible, lightning fast greens, perfect tee off areas, fairways are also perfect. But the course layout is sooo good. It's hard to describe but it's literally perfect.

Mark H.

Google

Such a massive disappointment. Lovely setting but conditions of the course fell well below the standard expected at a venue of this supposed calibre and the cost to play here. The staff put it down to recent weather but having played royal Portrush a few days later which was in pristine condition it doesn’t stack up.

Palindromic B.

Google

By far the best golf course I've played if I could give another star I would. Had the advantage of decent weather but a stiff breeze made it more challenging. One thing to remember is to trust the lines indicated by the marker stones and you won't go far wrong on any of the blind tee shots. The stroke saver will help you if you don't opt for a caddy. Presentation of the course was superb and the greens were immaculate. Was worth every penny.

Tom D.

Google

We enjoyed our annual day to the Irish open, which was in Royal County Down this year. The setting is stunning, and the course is spectacular with beautiful seaside views. As an older couple, the walk was challenging but not unsurmountable. I found the layout by the organisers to be somewhat spectator unfriendly. More viewing areas could have been created. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our day in Royal County Down G C, and I would be privileged to play it at some stage in the near future. 🏒🥇

Melissa G.

Yelp

Experienice on course 5 stars.... employees in clubhouse zero stars. arrogant, unfriendly, unappreciative. purchased 8 garments, not even a thank you. I hope management makes adjustments.

Thomas G.

Yelp

One of the top ranked courses in the world for a reason. Definitely amongst the best I have played. Narrow fairways precision is a must. I strongly suggest that you spring the 40 quids on a caddy as there are plenty of blind shots and over 130 pot bunkers spread throughout the course. Excellent views of mountains and sea beautiful layout with plenty of tee boxes to chose from. A must to play

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Exclusive: Pro Golfer Justin Thomas on His Favorite Places—From the Best Golf Courses to His Dreamy Babymoon Destination

https://www.travelandleisure.com/justin-thomas-celebrity-check-in-11790410

Royal County Down Golf Club

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

25 Best Golf Courses in the World

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-golf-courses-in-the-world-6828808

Royal County Down Golf Club

@hypebae

62 Postcards · 27 Cities

12 Most Scenic Golf Courses and Resorts in the World

Royal County Down Golf Club

John H.

Google

Kenny L.

Google

Magical place to play. The course layout is superb. Just let down by the condition. Probably due to the amount of traffic the course gets. Amazing views and some amazing holes. A pleasure to play.

Greg M.

Google

Worthy of its ranking as a top course in the world. Tough but fair.

Greg F.

Google

mcmennis

Google

Mark H.

Google

Palindromic B.

Google

Tom D.

Google

Melissa G.

Yelp

Experienice on course 5 stars.... employees in clubhouse zero stars. arrogant, unfriendly, unappreciative. purchased 8 garments, not even a thank you. I hope management makes adjustments.

Thomas G.

Yelp

Royal County Down Golf Club

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Exclusive: Pro Golfer Justin Thomas on His Favorite Places—From the Best Golf Courses to His Dreamy Babymoon Destination

25 Best Golf Courses in the World

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Exclusive: Pro Golfer Justin Thomas on His Favorite Places—From the Best Golf Courses to His Dreamy Babymoon Destination

25 Best Golf Courses in the World