- July 27, 2022 // The Consummate Pro
Every year, Northern Ireland is a top performer in Golf Digest’s Greatest Golf Courses rankings. In 2022, this outstanding golfing destination boasts two courses in the top ten, with Royal County Down taking the top spot. There’s more to Northern Ireland than golf, though. This beautiful country has a rich culture, fascinating historic sites, and excellent cuisine, too. If you’re planning an international golfing vacation soon, this makes Ireland a top choice for you. Start planning your next great golfing getaway with this guide to some of the best hotels in Northern Ireland.
Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen
Lough Erne Resort ranks as one of the most luxurious places to stay during a golf vacation in Ireland. It features two championship golf courses, a Golf Academy, and a driving range on site.
The renowned Faldo Course is a challenging 18-hole experience, and the gorgeously manicured Castle Hume course has hosted 10 Ulster PGA championships.
Located just outside Enniskillen, Lough Erne is just six miles from the highly-rated Enniskillen Golf Club. This testing 18-hole course is ideal for avid golfers who want to enjoy an extra challenge. 
The Thai-inspired luxury spa at Lough Erne is a treat for non-golfing family members or soothing tired muscles after a round of golf. Likewise, the infinity pool and Thermal Suite offer boundless opportunities to unwind.
At dinner time, you can look forward to meals prepared by the award-winning executive chef, Noel McNeel, who specializes in showcasing local produce at its best.
Spectacular views of Lough Erne and plush furnishings are in store for those who book deluxe suites or lodges at this gem among golf hotels in Ireland.
The Grand Central Hotel, Belfast
Set in the Linen Quarter, the Grand Central Hotel is right in the heart of the city action.
It’s close to many of the city’s top attractions, like the Grand Opera House, the Ulster Museum, Titanic Belfast, and the Waterfront Hall.
Nearby golf courses include:
- Royal Belfast Golf Course (7.5 miles)
- Hilton Templepatrick Golf & Country Club (13.3 miles)
- Holywood Golf Club (5.6 miles)
- Malone Golf Club (5.1 miles)
This superb 5-star establishment boasts 300 beautifully outfitted rooms and two exceptional restaurants. It’s home to Ireland’s tallest cocktail lounge, The Observatory, showcasing stunning views over the city from its 23rd-floor location.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Merchant Hotel is another top pick for easy access to Northern Ireland’s excellent golf courses, and a favorite among our guests.
It holds pride of place in the historic Cathedral Quarter, with easy access to the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), St. Anne’s Cathedral, and St. George’s Market.
The hotel has just 62 spacious air-conditioned rooms, decorated in either Art Deco or Victorian style. Each room features every convenience you might desire, plush furnishings, LED TV’s with international channels, free Wi-Fi, and in-room safes. 
There are three acclaimed restaurants on-site, plus a swish cocktail lounge, the perfect place to people watch.
A tranquil spa offers utter indulgence in 5 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a rooftop hot tub, and a relaxation room.
The state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suite features a range of training equipment and free weights for guests’ convenience.
The Merchant Hotel offers a range of services to make a golfing trip more enjoyable, such as:
- Golf bag cleaning, storage, and handling
- Golf shoe cleaning
- Flexible dining times to suit golfers tee off times
- Transfers to your chosen course (upon request)
These conveniences add up to one of the best experiences for golfers in all of Ireland.
Slieve Donard Hotel, County Down
This magnificent hotel has it all, including one of the world’s best golf courses, Royal County Down, on its doorstep.
Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, and Ardglass Golf Links are all nearby. A 90-minute drive takes you to the famous Royal Portrush golf courses.
In 2025, the Royal Portrush Golf Club will once again host The Open, one of the world’s most prestigious championships. With a helicopter landing pad on site, it is the perfect base to explore the rest of Northern Ireland’s fine links golf courses.
If you’re planning to play on this superb 36-hole layout, or get your hands on tickets to watch the action at The Open in 2025, the Slieve Donard Hotel will tick all your boxes for accommodation. 
The hotel boasts six acres of manicured grounds, flanked by the ocean and the Royal County Down golf course. The Mountains of Mourne form the backdrop to this spectacular location.
Three restaurants present fine dining to suit refined tastes. An on-site spa offers a wealth of world-class treatments and opportunities to relax.
The rooms have an eclectic modern style, with hints of the hotel’s Victorian vintage.
Yet, they offer all the conveniences one would expect of a hotel of this caliber. These include plasma TVs, tea and coffee stations, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and beautiful spa products in the bathrooms.
Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
Rated as a leader among Ireland golf hotels, Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort occupies 163 acres of pristine parkland along the River Maine, about 30 minutes from Belfast.
The championship Castle Course is a major feature of the Galgorm property, making it a top choice for golfers wanting to test their skills. The Resort is only a short 40-minute hop from Royal Portrush Golf Course.
Here, surrounded by the lovely scenery of the Antrim Coast, you’ll enjoy sublime luxury in one of 125 exceptional guest rooms and signature suites.
The multi-award winning Thermal Village and Spa offer unique opportunities to unwind alongside the water, courtesy of riverside hot tubs.
Other amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and an assortment of top-notch restaurants and bars. 
Plan Your Stay at the Best Hotels in Northern Ireland
When you book a golf tour with us, you get access to the top golf courses and best hotels in Northern Ireland. Each customizable itinerary gives you access to the best of Ireland’s golfing destinations and top attractions.
Browse our selection of golf experiences in Scotland and Ireland, sign up for our newsletter for updates, and get in touch to start planning your ideal golfing getaway.
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