
Northern Ireland Golf Tours
About This Tour
Northern Ireland's golf courses rank among the world's finest, and getting to them should be as enjoyable as playing them. Belfast Tour Company provides luxury transportation to Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, and other premier golf courses across Northern Ireland, delivering you and your clubs in comfort and style, ready to play your best. Northern Ireland Golf Tourism has exploded since Royal Portrush hosted The Open Championship in 2019, showcasing what local golfers have known for generations – this small corner of the world offers extraordinary golf experiences. Royal Portrush and Royal County Down both rank in the world's top 10 courses. Portstewart, Ardglass, Ballyliffin (just across the border), and numerous other courses provide challenging, scenic golf in traditional links and parkland settings. Accessing these courses from Belfast requires transportation. Renting a car means navigating unfamiliar roads, worrying about parking, and arriving at the course potentially stressed. Taxis are unreliable for golf timing. Bus services don't accommodate golf schedules or equipment. Our golf transportation service solves all these problems – professional drivers, luxury vehicles with secure club storage, flexible timing around tee times, and local knowledge about courses, conditions, and recommendations. We collect you from your Belfast accommodation (or other location) at a time ensuring relaxed arrival 45-60 minutes before your tee time. Your clubs travel securely in the vehicle, with protective measures ensuring they're never damaged. The drive to Royal Portrush takes approximately 90 minutes, to Royal County Down about 60 minutes, with your driver providing commentary about landscapes, local history, and course insights if you're interested. After your round, we're ready when you are – no rushing, no waiting. Want to enjoy the clubhouse, have lunch, review your round with your playing partners? Take your time. When you're ready to leave, we drive you back to Belfast or to another destination (dinner reservations, your accommodation, another course if you're playing 36 holes across two venues). We can arrange multi-day golf itineraries if you're playing several courses during your visit. Day one might be Royal Portrush, day two Royal County Down, day three Ardglass. We coordinate all transportation, work around your tee times, can suggest accommodation near courses, and build in sightseeing opportunities between rounds. Golf transportation is priced per day (full-day typical), with rates depending on course distance and total service hours. Royal Portrush or Royal County Down full-day transport typically costs £250-350, covering pickup, transport to course, waiting during your round, and return journey. Multi-day packages offer better value for golfers playing several courses. Book as far in advance as possible, especially during peak season (May-September) when courses are busy and our schedule fills. We need your tee time details to coordinate pickup timing appropriately. We can offer recommendations about booking tee times, which courses to prioritize, and optimal times to play if you're flexible. Whether you're a serious golfer pursuing a bucket-list round at Royal Portrush, a group on a golf holiday, or a business traveler adding a round to your Belfast visit, professional golf transportation makes the experience seamless, relaxing, and entirely focused on golf – which is exactly how it should be.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Flexible golf day transportation coordinated with tee times **Typical Golf Day:** **Morning Pickup** (Time varies based on tee time) - Collection from Belfast accommodation - Timing ensures relaxed arrival 45-60 minutes before tee time - Clubs loaded securely with protective measures **Drive to Course** (60-120 minutes depending on course) - Royal Portrush: ~90 minutes from Belfast - Royal County Down: ~60 minutes from Belfast - Portstewart: ~90 minutes from Belfast - Ardglass: ~50 minutes from Belfast - Your driver provides commentary if desired **Course Arrival** - Drop-off at clubhouse - Assistance with clubs if needed - Driver waits or returns based on your preference **During Your Round** (4-5 hours typical) - You play your round at your own pace - Enjoy the course, the challenge, the scenery - Driver available when you're ready (no rushing) **Post-Round** - Clubhouse time - lunch, drinks, reviewing your round - Take as long as you need - No pressure to hurry **Return Journey** - Comfortable drive back to Belfast or alternative destination - Discussion of your round, course recommendations - Relaxed conclusion to your golf day **Multi-Day Golf Itineraries:** **Day 1**: Royal Portrush - Morning pickup from Belfast - Play Royal Portrush (Open Championship venue) - Optional overnight near Portrush or return to Belfast **Day 2**: Royal County Down - Transport to Royal County Down - Play this spectacular links course - Return to Belfast or overnight nearby **Day 3**: Ardglass or Portstewart - Third round at another premier course - Complete your Northern Ireland golf experience **We Coordinate:** - All transportation between Belfast and courses - Timing around your tee times - Accommodation recommendations if staying near courses - Sightseeing opportunities between rounds - Restaurant reservations **Booking Requirements:** - Tee time confirmation (date, time, course) - Number of golfers - Pickup location - Any special requests (club protection, multiple stops, etc.) **Best Time for Northern Ireland Golf:** - Peak Season: May-September (longer days, better weather) - Shoulder Season: April, October (less crowded, still playable) - Winter: November-March (challenging weather, but courses open) **Course Booking Advice:** - Royal Portrush: Book months in advance, especially summer - Royal County Down: Similar advance booking needed - Weekday rounds often easier to secure than weekends - We can advise on booking strategies **Why Golfers Choose Our Service:** - Stress-free travel to remote courses - Secure club transportation - Flexibility around tee times and post-round plans - Local knowledge about courses and conditions - No worries about navigation or parking - Professional, golf-knowledgeable drivers Contact us with your golf dates and preferred courses. We'll coordinate transportation that lets you focus entirely on your game.
Whats Included
- Luxury Mercedes sedan or minivan
- Professional driver
- Secure club storage with protection
- Pickup from Belfast accommodation
- Transport to/from golf course
- Waiting service during your round
- Flexible return timing
- Complimentary bottled water
- All tolls and parking fees
Whats Not Included
- Green fees (book directly with courses)
- Club rental (if needed)
- Meals and refreshments
- Golf course services and amenities
- Gratuities (optional)
Meeting Point
Pickup from your Belfast accommodation or specified location
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this tour answered by our expert guides
What is the best time of year for this tour?
This tour is spectacular year-round! Summer (June-August) offers the longest days and warmest weather, perfect for outdoor exploration. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide beautiful landscapes with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Winter (November-March) offers dramatic seascapes and a moody, atmospheric experience. Each season has its unique charm, and we provide weather-appropriate recommendations for all conditions.
How flexible is the itinerary?
Very flexible! One of the biggest advantages of a private tour is that you set the pace. If you want to spend extra time at a particular location for photos or exploration, we can adjust. If something doesn't interest you, we can skip it or substitute another attraction. Want to stop for coffee or a restroom break? Just let us know. This is your personal tour, designed around your interests and energy levels.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes! We welcome families and children of all ages. Our guides are experienced at engaging young travelers with age-appropriate stories and activities. We can adjust the pace to accommodate children's attention spans and energy levels. Child seats are available upon request. For families with teens, we find they particularly enjoy the dramatic landscapes and pop culture connections (like Game of Thrones locations).
Do we need to buy attraction tickets in advance?
For most attractions, advance booking isn't required. However, during peak season (July-August) or on weekends, some popular sites like the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre can be busy. We'll advise you on whether pre-booking is recommended based on your tour date. Entry fees are typically paid on arrival and are not included in the tour price unless specifically stated.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress in layers as Northern Ireland weather can change throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for coastal paths and uneven terrain. Bring a waterproof jacket (even if it looks sunny!), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. We provide bottled water and umbrellas. For longer tours, you may want to bring snacks, though we'll stop at cafes and restaurants.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements for meal stops?
Absolutely! Northern Ireland has excellent options for all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and other requirements. Just let us know your needs when booking, and we'll recommend appropriate restaurants and cafes along the route. Many traditional Irish dishes can be adapted to accommodate various diets.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Our Mercedes vehicles can accommodate folding wheelchairs, and many attractions have accessible facilities. However, some coastal locations involve uneven terrain, steps, or gravel paths that may be challenging for wheelchairs. Let us know about mobility requirements when booking, and we'll design an itinerary that maximizes accessibility while still capturing the best of Northern Ireland. We can also recommend viewpoints that don't require extensive walking.
Can we combine this tour with other activities?
Yes! Many guests combine tours or add extra activities like distillery tastings at Bushmills, rope bridge crossings at Carrick-a-Rede, or lunch at a specific restaurant. We can also incorporate stops at golf courses, genealogy centers, or craft shops. Just share your interests when booking, and we'll create a comprehensive itinerary that makes the most of your day.
Do you provide pickup from cruise ships?
Yes! We specialize in cruise ship excursions and know how to maximize your limited port time. We'll meet you at the cruise terminal at your specified time and ensure you return with plenty of buffer time before your ship departs (we guarantee you won't miss your ship!). Our tours are perfectly timed for typical Belfast port calls, whether you have 6, 8, or 10 hours ashore.
What makes your tours different from large group bus tours?
Everything! While bus tours follow rigid schedules with 50+ people, our private tours are just your group. You travel in a luxury Mercedes (not a crowded coach), set your own pace, stop whenever you want for photos, skip what doesn't interest you, and receive personalized attention from your guide. You'll hear local stories and insider tips not included in standard tours, and you can ask questions freely. It's like exploring with a knowledgeable friend rather than being part of a tourist herd.
Can we book a multi-day version of this tour?
Absolutely! Many guests extend this tour into a 2-3 day comprehensive Northern Ireland experience. We can arrange overnight accommodations and create an expanded itinerary that includes additional destinations without the rush. Multi-day tours allow for a more relaxed pace, evening activities, and the opportunity to explore places that are too far for a day trip. Contact us for custom multi-day itinerary planning and pricing.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee, and no-shows are non-refundable. For weather-related concerns, we handle each situation individually to ensure your safety and satisfaction. If we must cancel due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule. We understand travel plans change and work to be as accommodating as possible.
Still have questions about this tour?
Get in TouchPlan Your Visit with Our Location Guides
Get insider tips, practical advice, and detailed information for the destinations on this tour

Giant's Causeway from Belfast
Complete visitor guide with insider tips, best times to visit, and how to make the most of your UNESCO World Heritage Site experience.

The Dark Hedges Complete Guide
Photography tips, best times to visit, parking information, and how to avoid crowds at the iconic Kingsroad location.
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