Ardglass Golf Course has become a firm favorite of any Northern Ireland Golf Tour and one of the most fun golfing experiences in Ireland. Golf writer and historian, James Finegan, passionately wrote, “I cannot imagine playing at Royal County Down and not finding time for a game at Ardglass.”
Although the course is the star of the experience, Ardglass Golf Club is equally proud of the traditional Irish “craic” it extends to every visitor. Its clubhouse – the oldest in the world – dates back to 1405, taking residence in a fortified warehouse, and a center of entertainment for everyone who walks through its doors.
Perhaps blessed because its founder was a man of the cloth, in 1896 Rev. Thomas MacAfee laid out seven holes that together only measured 1,000 yards that fit between today’s 1st and 18th fairways.
It was extended to a proper 9-hole length in 1907 and stayed that way for over 60 years. In 1970, with a purchase of more land, the course was extended to 18 holes and improvements have been consistently made, creating today’s exceptional links experience.
Ardglass golf course features dramatic elevation changes resulting in incredible views of the shoreline. The Irish Sea comes into play on no less than eight holes and the constant wind makes playing purely by the yardage book impossible.
The design is characterized by small firm greens, a challenge to hold with poorly stuck approach shots, and firm hard fairways.
Post round, golfers that are also fans of the Game of Thrones will be eager to visit nearby Castle Ward, which doubled as “Winterfell” in the series. Or make a pilgrimage to the town of Downpatrick where the patron saint of Ireland and everyone on March 17th, St Patrick, is buried.
Ardglass is undeniably one of the most breathtaking golf courses along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline. With dramatic elevation changes and a layout that hugs the cliffs, players are treated to sweeping views of the Irish Sea from nearly every hole. The course begins at the clubhouse, winds its way out to a craggy headland, and loops back again, offering a truly scenic and exhilarating round.
Most of the eighteen holes are set on elevated terrain, providing uninterrupted vistas across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, over Coney Island Bay, and southward toward the majestic Mountains of Mourne. The opening stretch is especially unforgettable, with the first five holes dramatically perched along the cliff tops, setting the tone for a round that’s as visually stunning as it is challenging.
Ardglass Golf Club has become a standout stop on many Ireland golf trips, thanks to its dramatic cliffside setting and unforgettable design. The course opens with what many consider the finest opening tee shot in the country, played with the sea at your feet and a medieval castle at your back.
From there, the round only gets more exhilarating. Holes hug the coastline, with the 2nd and 12th par-3s offering thrilling shots along sheer cliff edges and over sea-sprayed ravines. The par-5 11th challenges even confident drivers, with the sea guarding the entire right side.
As the course heads inland, the drama continues. The par-4 17th forces accuracy alongside an old stone wall, while the closing hole sweeps downhill toward the historic clubhouse, offering a final chance to score and soak in the stunning views one last time.
Allan O’Connor, Ireland Operations Manager
When it comes to combining top-tier golf with classic elegance in Northern Ireland, Culloden Estate & Spa is always high on my list. Set on a hillside overlooking Belfast Lough, the views are just as impressive as the service. What I loved most was the peaceful atmosphere is that you’re close to the city, but it feels a world away.
Northern Ireland is a golfing utopia. With breathtaking views, rolling countryside, and around 100 courses across the small country, it is often considered the go-to destination for a luxury golf vacation.
6 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $6,343 per golfer
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To book a tee time at Ardglass Golf Club, you can conveniently arrange it through Premier Golf as part of a Southwest Ireland golf package.
The green fees vary at Ardglass Golf Club depending on the season and day of the week. In the high season (2023), you will pay £115 on weekdays & £150 on weekends and bank holidays. In the low season, you will pay £65 per round on weekdays and £75 per round on weekends and bank holidays.
Ardglass has one course, an 18-hole links course on the northeast coast of Ireland. It has a par of 70 and a length of 6268 yards from the medal tees. You can see the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains from the course as you work through the challenging holes that run through the cliffs and rocks.
Ardglass also has one of the oldest clubhouses in the world, dating back to 1405 AD.
Yes, you can rent golf clubs and equipment. They offer caddy hire, buggy hire, club hire, and trolley hire. You can also buy tees, gloves, golf balls, and all other equipment needed at their pro shop.
Ardglass subscribes to the ‘Standard of Dress’ prescribed by the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union. You must always dress smartly inside the clubhouse and on the course.
Some dress items not accepted include:
You are also required to wear golf shoes everywhere on the course, including the practice putting green. Footwear worn on the course is permitted only in the locker rooms and associated areas and should not be worn in the clubhouse bar or the McAfee Suite.