Royal County Down

County Down

4.7

519 reviews

4.7(519 Google reviews)

About Royal County Down

Royal County Down's Championship Course is widely regarded as one of the greatest golf courses on earth.

Laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1889 along the shores of Dundrum Bay in Newcastle, it combines the raw natural beauty of Ireland's Mourne Mountains with 18 holes of exacting, thrilling links golf. The dunes, heather, and testing blind tee shots that have defined the course for over a century have made it a bucket-list destination for golfers from every corner of the world.

Royal County Down

36 Golf Links Rd, Newcastle BT33 0AN, UK

028 4372 3314

royalcountydown.org/

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Northern Ireland punches well above its weight in world golf, and Royal County Down is the jewel in the crown. It sits alongside Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Royal Belfast in a region that offers some of the most spectacular links terrain anywhere in the British Isles. The club has hosted the Curtis Cup, the Irish Open and the Senior Open Championship, and it consistently appears at the summit of every credible world ranking.

Visitor access to the Championship Course is available throughout the week, but tee times are in very high demand, and demand for 2025 was so strong that many slots were fully booked by October 2024. Caddies are highly recommended and can be arranged through the caddie master; they offer invaluable local knowledge on a layout where several tee shots play to blind landing areas, and many also act as photographers to help capture the experience. A driving range is available on site, reached by a short buggy shuttle from the clubhouse, and the clubhouse restaurant overlooking the 18th green makes an excellent place to reflect on your round.

What Golfers Say About Royal County Down

A selection of recent visitor reviews from Google.

John Hazell
10 months ago
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.

Padraig McGuire (BusManPaddy)
7 months ago
Nothing short of excellent. Such a wonderful course. Group all loved it Caddies all professional and excellent and all staff in general are great. Special mention to the girls in the restaurant as they are always so happy and helpful. Highly recommend

Kenny Larkin2
11 months ago
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Royal County Down open to visitors?

Royal County Down welcomes visiting golfers on the Championship Course, though access is strictly by advance booking. Tee times are in very high demand and the majority of visitors book six to twelve months ahead. Contact the club on 028 4372 3314 or through royalcountydown.org to check current availability.

How far in advance should I book a tee time at Royal County Down?

As a general rule, booking at least six months ahead is advisable; for peak summer dates or weekends, twelve months is not unusual. The course's popularity with international visitors means tee sheets fill quickly. It is always worth contacting the club directly even at shorter notice, as cancellations do occasionally arise.

Are caddies available at Royal County Down?

Yes, caddies can be arranged through the caddie master and are strongly recommended on a course where local knowledge is a genuine advantage. Blind tee shots and subtle green contours reward guidance from someone who knows every roll and ridge. Many caddies also offer photography, making the most of one of golf's finest backdrops.

What is the history of Royal County Down Golf Club?

Royal County Down was founded in 1889, with Old Tom Morris commissioned to lay out the original course for a fee of £4. The 'Royal' prefix was granted by King Edward VII in 1908. The club operates two 18-hole layouts: the world-renowned Championship Course and the shorter Annesley Course, which offers a more relaxed experience for visitors. The Championship Course has hosted the Curtis Cup, the Irish Open and the 2015 Senior Open Championship.