Local Tips for Playing One of the World’s Finest Courses
One of the world’s best. But there is much to consider when playing Royal County Down.
If you habitually track the world’s best golf courses, you will have seen the name “Royal County Down” pop up repeatedly. While these things are always subjective, it has been named the world’s best golf course several times. Even if you disagree with its status as number one, it’s hard to argue that this gem nestled in the spot where the Mourne Mountains meet the Irish Sea isn’t a delight.
Newcastle
Not to be confused with the more famous Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newcastle Co. Down is an old-school seaside resort. It has that old-world charm, full of penny arcades, ice-cream shops, and some brilliant options for fish and chips. There are plenty of pubs with big screens for sports, a few prediction hubs if you want to try your foresight on the Masters over the weekend, and some decent restaurants
Top tip: Head to Mourne Seafood in Dundrum, about ten minutes outside Newcastle. It’s an icon of Northern Ireland’s restaurant scene and a must for seafood lovers.
Accommodation
The obvious answer is the Slieve Donard Hotel, which is literally on the doorstep of Royal County Down. Nonetheless, the Slieve Donard is considered a luxury hotel and is not cheap, especially over the weekends. Alternatives include the Burrendale Country Club and Avoca Hotel, just a few minutes from Royal County Down.
Top Tip: As mentioned, Newcastle is a seaside resort. As such, it is littered with apartments and holiday homes to rent for the short term. You can find them on sites like Airbnb and Booking.com, but you can also find hidden gems on local Facebook groups.
Seasonality
Newcastle comes to life in the spring, summer & early autumn. In the dead of winter, it can be a bit lifeless. Indeed, some of the shops and attractions will only open during the busier tourist season. The weather can be challenging to predict, even in summer. On the one hand, the Mourne Mountains can shield you from some elements. On the other, the wind can whip ferociously off the Irish Sea. Pack for all four seasons.
Top Tip: Call any restaurants or other businesses you intend to visit to ensure they are open. TripAdvisor or Yelp listings often won’t have up-to-date information on opening times, etc.
Newcastle’s Environs
You probably were well aware: Northern Ireland is tiny. You can effectively drive from one end of the region to another within three hours. As such, you can decide to stay somewhere else while still making your tee time at Royal County Down. Belfast, for example, is 50 minutes away, widening your options for accommodation. Tyrella Beach, Mourne Mountain hikes, Castlewellan Forest Park, and many other engaging experiences are 15 minutes away.
Top Tip: There’s a lovely village called Rostrevor within a 25-minute drive of Newcastle. It doesn’t have extensive hotel options, but it is a brilliant option for a day trip. It has postcard-worthy prettiness and great pubs.
Alternative Golf
Royal County Down is one of the jewels in Northern Ireland’s crown. Those searching for championship-level courses will know Royal Portrush, now on the circuit for The Open. Yet, Ardglass Golf Club is a hidden gem, and it is located about 30 minutes away from Newcastle. If you want a laid-back 18 holes to warm up for the Royal County Down challenge, Warrenpoint is also about 30 minutes away.
Top Tip: Belfast is a better mid-point than Newcastle if your trip is about cramming in as much golf as possible. From Northern Ireland’s capital, you are within 90 minutes of Royal Portrush and Royal Portstewart, the Galgorm Golf Club, Castlerock, Ardglass, and Royal County Down.
Article Author: D. Jefford, Freelance Writer.
Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to Where2Golf.com, its writers or editors. The author is speaking solely for himself, not for the company or as a formal representative of the company.
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