With traditions dating back more than 100 years, Royal County Down is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland and one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.
It is also renowned as one of the world’s most brutal golf courses to master: the Championship Course.
Although membership is by invitation only, what's valued at Royal County Down is camaraderie – all the better to play the Hat game, where names are drawn to see who plays with whom.
Laid out beneath the massive and menacing backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the scenery around Royal County Down Golf Course is stunning.
The scene from the medal tee on the par-3 4th hole set high in the yellow gorse, and the sweeping valley of the 9th hole are just two of the many highlights.
As well as the Championship Course, Royal County Down has a second course, the Annesley Links; while not as challenging as the championship links, this course is designed as a course for players of all levels.
Reserving tee-time – It's possible for a visitor to play as a guest, just be prepared to change clothes and shoes in the car park, and remember to take a jacket if you want access to the clubhouse for a drink after the game.
A variety of playing options are available depending on your handicap.
The Championship Course is available for guests every day except Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday morning, while the Annesley Links is available every day except Wednesday.
Course type – Public links, 18 holes
Scorecard – Length 7037 yards
Par – 74
Green fees – From £90 per round in the low season from November to March, and £160 per round during the high season from April to October.
Year built – 1889
Designer – Old Tom Morris
Facilities – Hire clubs available, senior caddie, full bar and restaurant facilities and pro shop
Course info – www.royalcountydown.org
Accommodation – Try the luxurious Slieve Donard Hotel, located conveniently on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Course and within a short walk of the clubhouse
Best time to play Royal County Down From May to September, with an average temperature 18°C (64°F) and an average high of 26°C (78°F) in summer from July through August.
Location – Newcastle is 48km (29mi) south of Belfast, 145km (90mi) north of Dublin and 65km (40mi) from Belfast International Airport.
Other activities – Hiking along the coast and into the mountains, mountaineering and canoeing (Tollymore Mountain Centre) and bird watching
Mourne Mountains – Made famous by a traditional Irish ballad of Irish songwriter, Percy French, who penned the immortal words 'Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea'.
The distinct granite mountain range is Northern Ireland’s highest and a hiker’s paradise.
A network of ancient smuggling tracks weave along the coast through open moorland and upland pastures and the climb to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m) is relatively easy.
Try the 2.5km (1.5mi) Brandy Pad, from the historic site of Bloody Bridge on the shore into the heart of the mountains; along the way try to spot a rare ring ouzel or red grouse.
Mournes Festival – This festival of music and dance is held in local villages during the first week of August.
Latest update: Royal County Down: 6 May, 2025
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