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The Annesley Links at Royal County Down shares the same stunning setting as the Championship Links and is full of character making it an excellent option for golfers looking for a longer stay in the area. Much shorter than the Championship course but still a challenging test keeping the ball in play off the tee is tougher than a lot of courses and the secret to a good score here.

Very much an often overlooked hidden gem of a course don’t miss it if you are in the area, playing 36 holes in this setting is better than playing 18. At just over 4500 yards it’s a perfect to play along with the lengthy Championship course.

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Distance From Course: 0 miles

The Championship Links at Royal County Down is quite simply one of the best links courses in the world and should be on every links loving golfers bucket list. Located in one of the most naturally beautiful settings 45 minutes south of Belfast the course enjoys stunning views of the Mountains of Mourne and stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay.

The narrowest stretches of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed path.

The ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in world golf. A 486 yard par 4, it is played from one side of a huge mound down to a fairway some 80 ft below and 260 yards from the tee. From the bottom of the slope the second shot is played over two bunkers to a raised green.

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Distance From Course: 0 miles

Just 30 minutes from Royal County Down and 45 minutes from Belfast, Ardglass Golf Club is another hidden gem and home to the world’s oldest clubhouse. Parts of the clubhouse structure date all the way back to the 12th century, an ancient castle that thankfully still stands as one of the most imposing presences in all of golf.

The first tee shot at Ardglass Golf Club can be very intimidating as you look up the rocky coastline, with the castle/clubhouse behind you. The first six holes are played along the rocky coastline and will take your breath away. Recent course improvements have seen more holes placed along the coastline making Ardglass one of the top links courses in Northern Ireland.

When you finish your round at a wonderful welcome awaits back in the clubhouse bar, one of the friendliest 19th holes in Northern Ireland. A perfect complement to Royal County Down, no one will regret a round at Ardglass, a great addition to your golf tour.

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Distance From Course: 12 miles