7 Days
Northern Ireland is perhaps lesser known than its more southerly neighbour, however the eyes of the world will be focussed on Royal Portrush, County Antrim as it plays host to the 148th Open. This historic return will see the worlds’ very best golfers; international and home-grown heroes do battle for the famous Claret Jug.
Specially designed for experienced golfers and their partners, this beautifully created programme seamlessly combines teeing off on two famed links courses with an introduction to the country and culture.
GET IN TOUCHThis seven-day golfing Dream Escape could include the following experiences:
During your week-long adventure, we recommend two different properties:
Stay in a former coaching inn dating back to the 1600s. Today, this award-winning ‘restaurant with rooms’ is much sought after and plays host to live traditional music on weekend evenings.
In Belfast, stay in a property that is a sophisticated blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Déco-inspired modernity.
The Championship Links course is lauded as much for its beautiful scenery as it is for its challenging round. It was laid out in 1889 by “Old Tom Morris” from St Andrews. The unique landscape incorporates both the Dundrum Bay coastline and the neighbouring Mourne Mountains. The 9th hole is one of the most photographed in the golf world. A 486 yard, Par 4 it is played from one side of as huge mound of a fairway 60ft below and 250 yards from the tee
Northern Ireland’s first and currently only World Heritage Site (awarded 1986) is the stunning Giant’s Causeway. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty frequently referred to as the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. Discover the lasting consequences a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, which created an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, not unlike a giant jigsaw puzzle.
This world-class modern museum is housed in a striking aluminium-clad building reminiscent of a ship’s hull. Here, you can walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of RMS Titanic in the city that built her. Don’t forget to step aboard Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic, which carried passengers to the mighty ship.
Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush was founded in 1882, today it is considered to be one of the best in the world.
It is a masterpiece of golf course architecture; unimaginably rough and testing greens, combined with the unpredictable weather of the roaring North Atlantic make this course an admirable test for even the most seasoned golf aficionado.
Delve into the country’s food scene. Without question, this intimate, immersive and interactive day is a must for foodies but it is also a pleasure for those that are looking to meet local people. Travel to County Down, a region that lays claim to having more award-winning food producers and restaurants than anywhere else in the country. This claim will, in part, be tested today as you sample artisan food and drinks products plus get the wonderful opportunity to meet the producers themselves.
On the eastern shores of Stranford Lough is Mount Stewart, a splendid 19th century house that was formed by the Stewart family (later Vane-Tempest-Stewart) holders of the title Marquess of Londonderry. The family played a leading role in both British and Irish social and political life. It is the gardens for which it is renowned and the main attraction. They were only laid out in 1920 but the exotic plants and shrubs have flourished due to the area’s microclimate.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The 19th century was a golden age for the city; it experienced the full force of the Industrial Revolution and in 1888 was granted city status by Queen Victoria. Compact and intimate in size, it boasts a rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the UK and Ireland, home to 2000 species of marine and plant life and Northern Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. On either side of the meandering waters lies the ancient monastic site of Nendrum and the hugely atmospheric ruins of Grey Abbey.
