Five reasons every golfer has to play Royal County Down

Few courses in the world can rival the sheer majesty of Royal County Down. In the shadow of Slieve Donard, this Northern Irish gem is a pilgrimage for those who love the game, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of golf. Here are five reasons why every simply golfer has to play Royal County Down.

1. Designed by nature
Royal County Down is a masterpiece of natural design. Unlike many modern courses that rely on artificial shaping, this links has evolved with the land, shaped by the wind and time itself. The fairways roll through towering dunes, the rough is thick with heather and gorse, and the greens are protected by deep, devilish bunkers. It’s a test that is both strategic and visually stunning, offering golfers a true sense of place. Every hole feels organic, a seamless blend of golf and nature.

2. The best views in golf
Golf is often described as a journey, and nowhere is that more true than at Royal County Down. The course is set in one of the most dramatic landscapes in golf, with the misty Mourne Mountains as your backdrop, flanked by the Bay of Dundrum sweeping out into the Irish Sea and with purple heather blooming all around. The 9th hole, one of the most photographed in the world, offers a breathtaking panorama from its elevated tee. The interplay of light, mist, and sea creates an atmosphere that is simply magical – this is golf in its most elemental form.

3. A true Championship test.
Royal County Down is no museum piece – it is a course that challenges the very best. It has hosted the world’s greatest players in events such as the Irish Open and the Walker Cup, with its fast-running fairways, tricky undulations, and firm, sloping greens providing a stern test. Unlike many championship courses, Royal County Down does not rely on brute length to defend itself. Instead, it demands precision, imagination, and a strategic mind. It is a thinking golfer’s paradise, rewarding those who can craft shots and control trajectory in the ever-changing coastal winds.

4. Gateway to Northern Irish golf
One of the greatest joys of visiting Royal County Down is that it serves as a gateway to exploring the best of Northern Irish golf. Within a short drive, you can find other world-class courses such as Portstewart, Royal Portrush, and Ardglass, the journey itself is taking in winding coastal roads, ancient castles and breathtaking landscapes.

Royal Portrush

5. Irish hospitality
A trip to Royal County Down is about more than just golf; it is about the experience of Northern Ireland itself. Cozy pubs, traditional music and a friendly welcome that are guaranteed; whether you’re enjoying a post-round pint at The Percy French or sampling the finest local seafood, the warmth of the people enhances the magic of the course. The culinary scene is also flourishing, with Michelin-starred restaurants like Ox in Belfast offering modern takes on traditional Irish cuisine. And of course, no trip is complete without a visit to one of Northern Ireland’s legendary whiskey distilleries.