Royal County Down Golf Club

Royal County Down Golf Club is a championship course in Newcastle with 18 holes stretching along Dundrum Bay. The layout is bordered by Murlough Nature Reserve and faces the Mourne Mountains.

The golf club was founded in 1889 by Belfast business leaders and initially had only 9 holes. Old Tom Morris oversaw its expansion into an 18-hole course.

International tournaments like the Walker Cup and Irish Open are held here regularly, drawing professional players from around the world. These events have established the course as an important venue for competitive golf.

Visitors can play the course on specific days by contacting the Secretary's office to arrange their round. Mornings on weekdays and afternoons on weekends typically have availability for visiting players.

The bunkers feature distinctive overhanging edges formed by marram grass, red fescue, and heather throughout the course. These natural hazards combine with fast, domed greens to make shot placement critical to scoring well.

Website: http://royalcountydown.org

GPS coordinates: 54.21889,-5.88278

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:32