Castlerock

County Londonderry

4.6

362 reviews

4.6(362 Google reviews)

About Castlerock

Castlerock is a classic Causeway Coast links with the Mussenden Temple visible from the fairways and the Bann Estuary providing a dramatic backdrop throughout the round.

Founded in 1901 near Coleraine in County Londonderry, Castlerock Golf Club occupies a fine stretch of natural links ground at the mouth of the River Bann, where it meets the North Atlantic. The club's main layout, the Mussenden Course, is a championship-quality links of genuine character, and it forms part of Northern Ireland's celebrated Causeway Coast golf trail, which also takes in Royal Portrush and Portstewart among others.

Castlerock

Golf Club, 65 Circular Rd, Castlerock, Coleraine BT51 4TJ, UK

028 7084 8314

castlerockgc.co.uk/

Free parking

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Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast has established itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the British Isles, and Castlerock is a core part of that story. The Mussenden Course sits on links terrain of natural quality, with dunes, seaside turf and the Atlantic wind providing the essential ingredients of a traditional links examination. The views across the Bann Estuary and towards the clifftop Mussenden Temple give the course a visual character that is entirely its own, distinct even from the celebrated scenery of nearby Royal Portrush.

The club has benefited from its position within an area that has seen significant growth in golf tourism since Royal Portrush hosted The Open Championship in 2019. Visitor numbers on the Causeway Coast have risen steadily, and Castlerock has kept pace by offering a genuinely high-quality links experience at a more accessible level than some of its famous neighbours. The shorter Bann Course adds further flexibility for groups or those wanting to play two rounds in a day on different styles of layout.

The surrounding area has much to offer beyond golf. The Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge are all within easy reach of Coleraine, and the town itself has good accommodation and transport links to Belfast and Derry. For a multi-day golf and tourism itinerary on the Northern Ireland coast, Castlerock provides both a strong golfing anchor and an excellent base.

Opening Hours

Monday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

What Golfers Say About Castlerock

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

Buddy
4 months ago
Incredible golf course, facility and staff. By far the most authentic and enjoyable top tier course on the north coast. The 9 Hole bann course right by the coast is an incredible challenge for any golfers as well. Highly reccomend playing all 27 holes. Great Guinness pour in the clubhouse with amazing views over the 18th.

David Dalrymple
7 months ago
Played a round of 18 here on the Thursday evening of the open week. The whole experience was great. Staff in the pro shop were great at welcoming us to the club. The Caddie master was great taking us over to the practice range giving us a bit of chat about the club. The clubhouse and bar staff were incredible with the bar being open late. We teed off at around 5:30 so were not back to the clubhouse late and they still were serving with a smile. The course its self is fantastic, the views over the coast are amazing stunning. The final 3 holes on the front abs back 9 are incredible. Our only feeling was that we booked a 5:30pm tee time but with the pace of play on the course we were very lucky to get round before the sun went down. Given the price of the round It would have been disappointing if we had to stop short of the final few holes 16/17/18 which are some of the best.

Matthew Cockerill
7 months ago
Exceptional Course. Stand-out holes are 7, 8, 9, and 17 that are all as good as any holes on any links. Very busy due to the open, but still very well looked after, and a fantastic pint of Guinness at the end!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Castlerock Golf Club open to visitors?

Yes, Castlerock welcomes visiting golfers on the Mussenden Course, with tee times available most days subject to club competitions and advance booking. Contact the club through castlerockgc.co.uk for current visitor availability, green fees and any restrictions. The shorter Bann Course is also available to visitors and provides a more relaxed alternative.

What are the two courses at Castlerock?

Castlerock operates two 18-hole layouts. The Mussenden Course is the main championship links, measuring over 6,700 yards and presenting a full links examination in the Atlantic conditions. The Bann Course is shorter and considered a more forgiving round, making it well suited to those who want to experience the club's setting and atmosphere without the demands of the full championship layout.

What is the Mussenden Temple and can you see it from the course?

The Mussenden Temple is an 18th-century circular building perched dramatically on the clifftops above the beach at Downhill, roughly two miles from the course. It was built as a library by the Bishop of Derry and is now in the care of the National Trust. The temple is visible from several holes on the Mussenden Course, adding a striking architectural landmark to an already memorable golfing landscape.

How does Castlerock fit into a Causeway Coast golf itinerary?

Castlerock is well placed as part of the broader Causeway Coast golf trail, which is one of the most compelling regional golf itineraries in [Northern Ireland](/locations/northern-ireland). Royal Portrush is approximately 12 miles to the east, and Portstewart is situated between the two clubs. A three or four-day trip centred on Coleraine or Portrush can comfortably include all three courses along with visits to the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.