Championship Course & Annesley Links
Royal County Down
Royal County Down Golf Club
Royal County Down Golf Club is one of the world’s most celebrated links courses, set in the Murlough Nature Reserve along the shores of Dundrum Bay with the dramatic Mountains of Mourne rising behind it. Founded in 1889, the club’s Championship Links threads through natural dunes, gorse, and heather, offering players a true test of traditional links golf and breathtaking scenery that changes with the shifting wind and light. The course has hosted many prestigious events, including multiple Irish Opens and international amateur championships, and it is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world.
Royal County Down is cherished not only for its challenge but for its setting. The fairways bend and weave in harmony with the landscape, and views across Dundrum Bay and the Mourne skyline provide one of golf’s most dramatic backdrops. Its famous holes, including the par-four 9th and the demanding par-three 4th, combine natural beauty with tactical play, immersing every golfer in a true links experience.
The club’s rich history, architectural pedigree, and enduring character make Royal County Down a destination many golfers include on their lifetime lists. From first-time visitors to seasoned links enthusiasts, the interplay of course design, coastal winds, and panoramic views leaves a lasting impression long after the round is over.
5 Facts Before You Visit Royal County Down Ireland
- Royal County Down is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland, established in 1889.
- The Championship Links course was originally shaped by Old Tom Morris and later refined by other legendary designers including Harry Vardon and Harry Colt.
- The course lies within the Murlough Nature Reserve, with Dundrum Bay and the Mountains of Mourne as stunning natural backdrops.
- It has hosted major tournaments including the Irish Open, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and multiple British Ladies Amateur Championships.
- Holes like the par-three 4th and the widely photographed 9th are considered among the most iconic in world golf.
“To see Slieve Donard’s crest just emerging from a great sea of early mist is to taste one of the intenser joys of shaving on the morning of a workless day”