Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s golf history extends well over a century, when Royal Belfast became the first golf club on this island in 1881.The passion quickly caught on and continues today. Northern Ireland has dozens of courses created in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many designed by some of the leading and most innovative course architects of the day, these include our grandest Royal Portrush and Royal County Down, still just as challenging and invigorating today. In 1951 Royal Portrush became the first course on the island to host the British Open and continues to be a venue for some of the national amateur competitions.Northern Ireland’s rich cultural heritage means you’ll find 10,000 years of history as you explore many of our courses. Ruins of medieval castles, stone farmhouses, ancient walls and bridges are all part of the terrain here. Many of our finest courses have been carved out in the grounds of country estates and our challenging golf courses continue to make history. Our most recent, designed by Nick Faldo, is the Lough Erne Golf Resort, Enniskillen.

Northern Ireland is awash with wonderful gardens. There are grand gardens, walled gardens, woodland gardens to name a few. Magical, restful and historical places to amble about and pass the time. The National Trust Northern Ireland plays an important role in providing access to Historic House & Garden experiences.Places worth a visit; Mount Stewart on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down, Rowallane Garden in Saintfield, County Down, Castle Ward Estate, The Argory, County Armagh.

Find out more about the culture and heritage of Northern Ireland. From Saint Patrick to the birthplace of the Titanic, from the Giant’s Causeway to the Mountains of Mourne and the Walled City of Derry, there are unique stories to tell. Take a journey through time from the Neolithic stones of the first settlers to the present day events and festivals of a modern, thriving region. Visit the Parliament Buildings, in Belfast which is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body for Northern Ireland established under the Belfast Agreement 1998 (Good Friday Agreement).

Northern Ireland is a land of endless adventure. From the gentle to the extreme there is something here for you to discover! The dramatic coastline is among the most breath-taking in the world. With scenic lakes that are stunning, spectacular mountains and miles of beaches. Add in the exciting rivers, extensive country parks and vast forests and you will be spoiled for choice of outdoor activities to experience! So visit Northern Ireland and try surfing the North Coast’s waves, Zorbing in the Sperrins Mountains, or canoe in Fermanagh’s lakes.

The Causeway Coastal Route has been rated one of the top five road trips in the world and when you drive it you'll see why. Taken in famous attractions such as the Bushmills Distillery, the stunning Glens of Antrim and the world-famous Giant's Causeway, home to an exciting new Visitor Centre.