Made for Golf: A Giant Coastal Adventure

Ahead of The 153rd Open, Kim O’Neill (@golfwithkim), and her sister Dani, discovered why Northern Ireland is made for golf with an unforgettable trip to County Antrim. Alongside thrilling rounds, there were cosy hotels, scenic drives, local food, and iconic sights. Read on to discover why this is the place for you, regardless of whether you're chasing birdies or breathtaking views.

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"More Than a Game - It’s an Adventure"

There is something so magical about Northern Ireland – whether it’s the lush scenery or the warmth of its people, it’s simply stunning. When I was given the chance to experience a golfing getaway in County Antrim, I couldn’t wait to get going.

Of course, a trip like this isn’t just about the golf, it’s about the wild beauty, the deep history, the people you meet and those unforgettable moments that stay with you long after you sink the final putt. As I was packing for this adventure, it was such a lovely feeling knowing the only worry I would have about my luggage allowance was how much I could fit in my car. Road trips are an amazing way to escape for a few days. From Cork, it took five and a half hours to drive to the Causeway Coastal Route and our home for the next few days, the Marine Hotel Ballycastle. This three star hotel was the perfect base - the rooms were spacious with great views looking out over the seafront. And the weather was so clear when we arrived, we could see the Scottish coastline. The hotel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the ferry to Rathlin Island - Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island (with an upside down lighthouse!) - so if you are considering a trip, the Marine Hotel is well located.

After settling in for the evening, we treated ourselves with room service for dinner, and the food didn't disappoint. There's lots of options to suit every palate, and I had the crispy chilli chicken which was delicious. After a big dinner, it was time for bed to get ready for our first day of golf and exploring.

From Rope Bridge to Rolling Fairways

After an incredibly comfy sleep, I woke naturally and enjoyed taking in the coastal views. We'd breakfast in the hotel, with lots of options including a variety of freshly baked breads, fresh fruit and yoghurt and cooked breakfasts available on demand.

We then drove a few miles to one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Pre-booking is essential but it’s usually as easy as booking your tickets a day or two before via the National Trust website. This foot bridge is suspended about 100ft above the Atlantic Ocean and crossing it certainly gets the heart racing. It’s a thrilling experience and provides unique views of the coastal landscape, all the way back to the car park.

Just a short road trip away was our next destination, and one of the best courses I have ever played at, Ballycastle Golf Club. Founded in 1890 and perched between the rolling Glens of Antrim and the rugged Causeway Coastal route, this is links golf at its best. The course presents a challenge from the 1st tee with a par five along an angled, narrow fairway and a river to the right. On the par three 3rd, keep an eye out for the ancient ruins on the left-hand side. The 6th hole is a par six and offers one of the more generous fairways on the course. My top tip would be to make sure to keep it on the short stuff, as the undulating landscape leaves the hole obscured from the tee. The 17th is probably my favourite hole on the course though, known locally as ‘The Pitch’ and a 183-yard, par three. On this tee box make sure to take the landscape in and take note: the green is at the foot of a severe drop.

After a great afternoon on the course, we’d worked up an appetite, so we made our way back to the our hotel, freshened up and made the 12 mile trip to dinner at the historic Bushmills Inn.  
The restaurant at this four-star hotel did not disappoint. For starters, Dani had the classic prawn cocktail and I'd the Guinness and onion soup, followed by the sticky barbecue glazed port belly, while Dani's whiskey cured fillet of salmon looked amazing. For dessert we shared the butterscotch sundae and sticky toffee pudding. Both were delicious; my sundae was creamy and tasted homemade, and there is something so special about tucking into ice cream when you’re near the sea.
After dinner, we stopped in to preview a wonderful art exhibition of golf courses painted by the incredibly talented local artist, Kathryn Callaghan. For art fans and golfers alike, I highly recommend you stop into the Bushmills Inn during June and July to check it out.
And with just enough time left for a quick night cap, we jumped in a taxi for the short drive to Portrush to check out the iconic Harbour Bar. It’s a great pub right by - you guessed it - the harbour, with a buzzing atmosphere and a fantastic selection of gins and spirits. The perfect way to end a perfect day.

Links, Landmarks and Local Flavour

After another delicious breakfast at the hotel, we checked out before 11am and embraced another day of epic adventures and golf.

We drove 21 miles along the Causeway Coastal Route to a hidden gem, Glenariff Forest Park, which is one of the nine Glens of Antrim, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Glens'. There are four walking trails to enjoy, but for a truly magical experience head for the waterfall trail - the views will stop you in your tracks.

As it got closer to our next tee time, we hopped in the car and drove to Cairndhu Golf Club - a coastal headland course found on the Antrim Coast Road, near Larne. This is not one for the fainthearted - it is a clifftop masterpiece, where course management is everything. The 2nd hole is a beauty, as is the 3rd, a par three from an elevated view, which gave us views for days. The 18th is also great; a great risk-reward finishing hole, although I wouldn’t want to be chasing the lead at this tee box!  

After a close game, we enjoyed lunch in the clubhouse, and as we chatted to locals about golf in Northern Ireland, their passion for the game was undeniable - along with the warmth of their welcome. 

As well as being home to two of the internationally top ten ranked courses - Royal County Down and Royal Portrush - Northern Ireland boasts a rich golfing history and a range of spectacular courses for visitors to choose from. The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh was ranked sixth in this year’s Golf World’s Top 100 Parkland Courses in the UK and Ireland.
With over 90 courses on offer, including a variety of links and parkland, golfers and visitors alike can enjoy a tremendous selection of things to do and enjoy, no matter where they choose to stay in Northern Ireland. If I’d only time for a short trip however, I’d definitely recommend the Causeway Coastal Route, where we enjoyed an incredible weekend. Next on my list is Royal Portrush, and we cannot wait to return.