Northern Ireland

[minteq]

Just got back from my N Ireland trip. Absolutely amazing trip, played Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. I have been talking about doing it for years, finally made it happen. Very hard courses, especially with the wind.

 

Here are a few pics:

 

[Carl Spackler3]

Thanks for sharing, ha ent made it to the North yet

[minteq]

Thanks for sharing, ha ent made it to the North yet

 

It’s definitely worth it.

[DoubleorQuits]

So good!

[nyrican52884]

Nice. Real authentic links. How was it adjusting to that style? Lots of wind when you were there?

[minteq]

Nice. Real authentic links. How was it adjusting to that style? Lots of wind when you were there?

 

Yes quite windy, the first round had 40mph wind gusts. I thought the golf over there was fantastic. The ground was much firmer which I liked, could really compress the ball. I cannot wait to go back.

[TBD203]

Portrush still in my top 3 played in my short lifetime. Even after hitting the first green and watching my ball spin back and about 95 yards off the green.

[minteq]

Portrush still in my top 3 played in my short lifetime. Even after hitting the first green and watching my ball spin back and about 95 yards off the green.

 

I can agree with that, Portrush was so amazing especially hitting out towards the N Atlantic. Very hard course and we played it as the pros will with the 2 new holes built.

[davep043]

I haven't been to Northern Ireland (yet) but a couple of years ago I spend 2 weeks in the Republic, starting with 3 nights in Ballyliffin, just 30 miles west of Portrush. Lovely town, great golf, brilliant people. Photos like yours bring back those great memories, thanks!

[landolakes]

Looks great!

[2bGood]

Very cool, about a week until I am there!

[minteq]

Very cool, about a week until I am there!

 

Great! Enjoy the trip

 

I haven't been to Northern Ireland (yet) but a couple of years ago I spend 2 weeks in the Republic, starting with 3 nights in Ballyliffin, just 30 miles west of Portrush. Lovely town, great golf, brilliant people. Photos like yours bring back those great memories, thanks!

 

You’re welcome, glad I could share. Trip of a lifetime.

[JNewsted]

Which did you prefer? I played RCD this spring and timing didn't allow me to play Portrush. I did get a chance to visit and walk a few holes at Portrush and it was the most incredible course I'd ever seen...

[minteq]

Which did you prefer? I played RCD this spring and timing didn't allow me to play Portrush. I did get a chance to visit and walk a few holes at Portrush and it was the most incredible course I'd ever seen...

 

I can’t say I preferred one over the other, I was looking forward to playing RCD more than Portrush, but after playing both, I honestly could not choose.

 

They were both fantastic, and cannot wait to get back there.

[Chigolfer2]

Any advice on where to stay when playing around Portrush?

[pureroll]

Bushmills Inn great place and good food.

[minteq]

Bushmills Inn great place and good food.

 

I will second this, great place!

[Sfarrenkopf]

Any advice on where to stay when playing around Portrush?

 

Wife and I stayed in Portstewart which is a 10 minute drive from Royal Portrush. We stayed here two nights: https://www.bandbire.../cul-erg-house. Nicest couple, parking on site, unreal views, best breakfast we had on our trip. Marie, the owner put hot pads under the bed covers to warm the bed before we got back every night - talk about hospitality.

 

Edit: link doesnt work here - it's the Cul-Erg house. Easily found on any B&B site.

[Jackhammer993]

Amazing. I can’t think of 2 courses I would rather play than Portrush and RCD. When we went to RCD we got there early and walked the entire front nine before even playing. Than we played 2 rounds in one day. In early June it stays light until late. At Portrush we played in the morning and got soaked, went back to our bed and breakfast and the proprietor washed and dried our cloths and than went back for another round the same day. It was magical and mystical. My memories of those two courses are priceless. So happy you enjoyed your trip.

[Malvern]

Any advice on where to stay when playing around Portrush?

 

I can't comment on Bushmills but its 10kms out of Portrush town. I like the town and prefer to stay there, plenty of pubs (most punters go to the Harbour Bar at some stage) and places to eat.

 

We stayed at The Port Hotel (standard room with breakfast, walkable to everything) but most of the hotels seem pretty similar.

[minteq]

Amazing. I can't think of 2 courses I would rather play than Portrush and RCD. When we went to RCD we got there early and walked the entire front nine before even playing. Than we played 2 rounds in one day. In early June it stays light until late. At Portrush we played in the morning and got soaked, went back to our bed and breakfast and the proprietor washed and dried our cloths and than went back for another round the same day. It was magical and mystical. My memories of those two courses are priceless. So happy you enjoyed your trip.

 

Thanks. It was an amazing trip, I still cannot believe I played those 2, I have wanted to all my life. I have to admit, I was a little teary eyed when i teed off at RCD, just was overwhelmed wth emotions.

[Chigolfer2]

Any advice on where to stay when playing around Portrush?

 

I can't comment on Bushmills but its 10kms out of Portrush town. I like the town and prefer to stay there, plenty of pubs (most punters go to the Harbour Bar at some stage) and places to eat.

 

We stayed at The Port Hotel (standard room with breakfast, walkable to everything) but most of the hotels seem pretty similar.

 

Bushmill was recommended in another post. Staying in Portrush has its advantages too. I've heard good things about the town. I now have one hotel if we stay in town.

[Chanceman]

Bushmills is great. The Inn has top food and the Guinness is always good. Also you have the old whisky distillery in town which makes it special. And its not that far to the Giants Causeway and Rope bridge. If you go to the Causeway (recommended) go very early around 7 or 8am before all the tourist buses arrive.