The Complete Guide to Royal Portrush
Explore Ireland's Host of The Open Championship
To say it has been an exciting time for Royal Portrush Golf Club is putting it mildly. The only course in Ireland to host The Open Championship, Royal Portrush rejoined golf’s most exclusive rota with a triumphant return in 2019. That event firmly secured its place in the global golf spotlight and led to The Open’s return in 2025. Other than The Old Course at St. Andrews, it marks the fastest the R&A has returned to the same venue in more than thirty years.
Anyone who has had the privilege of playing the Dunluce Links knows it deserves its place among the world’s best. Not to be outdone, the Good Life found nearby is also quite exceptional, making Royal Portrush a must-visit course on Ireland golf trips.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about visiting Royal Portrush, including its history, layout, notable holes, sightseeing highlights, nearby courses, and answers to the most common questions.
The Members of Ridgemoor Country Club on the 18th tee at Royal Portrush during their 2025 Expedition to Ireland.
Royal Portrush History
Founded in 1888, Royal Portrush was first known as the County Golf Club. The club opened with a 9-hole golf course, which Old Tom Morris soon extended to an 18-hole layout.
In 1895, the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII granted his patronage and the club was renamed the Royal Portrush Golf Club.
After leaving his mark on places like Muirfield and Pine Valley, architect Harry Colt was commissioned to design a pair of new courses for Royal Portrush: the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links.
The Dunluce Links quickly gained notoriety and hosted The Open Championship in 1951—the first time the tournament was held outside of Britain.
It would take 68 years for The Open to return, but it did so in spectacular fashion in 2019, and the championship quickly returned in 2025.
4th Hole – Fred Daly's
The 4th at Royal Portrush is often regarded as one of the finest par-4s in Ireland. With a ditch and OB right – plus the 5-star Duncluce Lodge hotel – this hole requires precision both off the tee and on approach. Named after Fred Daly, the 1947 Open Champion and Portrush native.
5th Hole – White Rocks
Without a single bunker found along the way, the dogleg right 5th at Royal Portrush might be one of the purest golf holes in existence. Given the awe-inspiring vista that’s part of the bargain, the absence of hazards is probably a good thing for the distracted golfer. The view, to say the least, is unforgettable.
The 5th at Royal Portrush courtesy of Gary Lisbon Golf Photography.
The New 7th Hole
In preparation for The Open's 2019 return, the 17th and 18th holes were replaced by two new holes inserted into the heart of the course. The standout is the uphill par-5 7th, guarded off the tee by the enormous "Wee Nellie" bunker, paying homage to the original "Big Nellie." A true test from start to finish that feels as though it was part of the links all along.
The new 7th hole at Royal Portrush and the "Wee Nellie" bunker under moody skies.
15th Hole – Skerries
The 15th is a demanding par-4 playing toward the Skerries Islands in the distance. The tee shot requires accuracy to avoid bunkers up the right, although that side of the fairway gives the best approach into the green. It also yields one of the best views in Irish golf.
The 15th hole courtesy of Royal Portrush Golf Club.
16th Hole – Calamity Corner
Perhaps the most appropriately named hole in golf, the 236-yard 16th will test even the best of nerves. A massive chasm sits short and right of the plateau green. With many wisely missing left to stay out of trouble, par from anywhere but the putting surface is cause for celebration.
The 16th tee at Royal Portrush. It's much scarier looking the other way.
Before or after your round, there are numerous Good Life experiences nearby. For a curated list of sights, read our companion guide: 9 Things to See Near Royal Portrush.
Giant's Causeway
Just a few miles from Royal Portrush lies one of Ireland’s most unique natural wonders. The 40,000 interlocking basalt columns of Giant's Causeway are both geologically fascinating and steeped in Irish legend. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed.
A salute to Sean Palmer, PGA of the Union League of Philadelphia for this outstanding shot from the Giant's Causeway.
Bushmills Distillery
The Old Bushmills Distillery, widely regarded as the world’s oldest licensed distillery, is a short drive away. A guided tour followed by a tasting at the Bushmills Inn is a perfect way to end the day after tackling Calamity Corner.
Dunluce Castle
Perched dramatically on a cliffside less than a mile from Royal Portrush, the ruins of Dunluce Castle date back to the 13th century. Its history includes Spanish Armada shipwrecks and its likely inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
Dave Thompson, PGA with his Aspen Glen Club members at Dunluce Castle.
Royal County Down
Pairing Royal Portrush with Royal County Down is the most natural of combinations. Frequently ranked among the very best in the world, Royal County Down offers a visually stunning, stern test of links golf along the Irish Sea.
Ardglass Golf Club
South of Belfast, Ardglass provides a unique and memorable links experience. With its cliffside setting, historic clubhouse (thought to be the oldest in the world), and warm hospitality, this once overlooked spot belongs on your itinerary.
Portstewart Golf Club
Just minutes from Portrush, Portstewart’s Strand Course features one of the most dramatic opening nines anywhere. Massive dunes, coastal views, and challenging design make it an obvious addition to any Northern Ireland itinerary.
Castlerock Golf Club
A quieter but no less enjoyable option, Castlerock offers a classic links, designed by Harry Colt, with firm fairways and scenic views along the River Bann estuary.
Royal Portrush - Valley Links
Often overshadowed by its big brother, the Valley Links offers an outstanding round with many memorable holes. Recently enhanced under the guidance of Mackenzie & Ebert, the Valley makes an ideal second round while staying in Portrush.
Royal Portrush - Valley Links
A bit further away than the other choices, but with 36-holes of great links golf, this recent Irish Open host is certainly worth a stop.
The NCCAA Expedition ready to start their round at Royal Portrush.
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