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Royal County Down

Set against the Mourne Mountains, Royal County Down’s Championship Links combines Old Tom Morris heritage with exacting design, and is ranked number one in the world by Golf Digest.

  • Carts: No
  • Caddies: Required
  • Airport: Belfast - 1 hr 15 min
Northern Ireland Ireland

Royal County Down

The world's #1 ranked links

This is a world number one ranked course where blind shots and tight lines demand total commitment.

Old Tom Morris Design

His enduring design principles are still evident today.

Yardage and par

Measuring 7,206 yards, par 71, it presents a stern test.

Walker Cup and Irish Open host

Underlining its standing in championship golf.

Blind shots through dune corridors

Demand trust in strategy across natural dune valleys.

Forecaddie required

A forecaddie is required for all visitor play.

A County Down links pairing

Pairs perfectly with nearby Ardglass Golf Club.

Royal County Down’s Championship Links lies beneath the Mourne Mountains and is ranked number one in the world by Golf Digest. Opened in 1889 with input from Old Tom Morris, it has evolved into one of the most exacting tests in golf. Blind tee shots define the experience, requiring full commitment to lines often concealed by dunes. 

Fairways move subtly through natural valleys, placing emphasis on positioning rather than power. At 7,206 yards, par 71, the course demands disciplined shot-making and careful club selection. It has hosted both the Walker Cup and Irish Open, reinforcing its championship pedigree. Despite its global standing, the experience remains grounded in traditional links golf, where wind and contour shape every round. Each hole reveals itself gradually, rewarding those who trust their strategy and embrace its distinctive challenge.

Pair your round

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Plan with our team

Sean Benville
Alison Duffin
Susan McCann

Designed specifically for you.

From the first tee to the final craic at the 19th hole and beyond, let our expert planners curate your perfect journey. Backed by decades of family tradition, we handle every detail so you can focus on the game.

Plan with our team

Designed specifically for you.

From the first tee to the final craic at the 19th hole and beyond, let our expert planners curate your perfect journey. Backed by decades of family tradition, we handle every detail so you can focus on the game.

Sean Benville

Sean Benville

Trip Planning Manager

Alison Duffin

Alison Duffin

Events Manager

Susan McCann

Susan McCann

Chief Operating Officer