Royal County Down (Championship)

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Royal County Down Golf Club is at Newcastle, a little holiday town nestling at the feet of the majestic Mountains of Mourne. It’s an exhilarating location for a classic links golf course...

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Royal County Down (Championship)

Northern Ireland BT33 0AN, United Kingdom

royalcountydown.org +44 (0) 28 4372 3314

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Royal County Down (Championship)

Reviews

164 reviews

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Aug. 15, 2026

Erich Meyer

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I’ve been fortunate enough to play Royal County Down several times over the years with the highlight being playing the course twice on the same day last year and three years ago.

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It definitely deserves the praise it consistently receives. The setting is phenomenal, the layout and the variety if holes is unmatched. Best course I’ve ever played!

Best holes: 9, 13, 15

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Aug. 8, 2026

5.5

Michael Shortis

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Spectacular setting with some of the most incredible holes in golf.

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The Championship Links at Royal County Down is situated in the most magical setting at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Playing on a day with low, grey cloud and minimal wind gave an ethereal feel to the course, with the opening four holes along the sea (concluding in one of the world's best par 3s...

Best holes: 3, 4, 9

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Jun. 24, 2026

5.5

Hendrik Wilken

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Boasting what can confidently be described as the best front nine holes of any golf course ever played, the Championship course at Royal County Down is an absolute visual masterpiece.

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The sweeping, dramatic views framing the opening half of the round create an unparalleled atmosphere that perfectly captures the raw, majestic essence of elite world-class links golf.When it comes to the turf, the conditioning here is second to none. The greens are meticulously maintained, rolling i...

Best holes: 4, 9, 3

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Jun. 2, 2026

Neil White

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From the moment I first began the quest to play great golf courses, certain names sent a tingle of anticipation through me.

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I may never reach Cypress Point or Augusta, but I have now played the Old Course at St Andrews and the magnificent Royal County Down.This is the highest-rated course I have ever played, so unsurprisingly, I was giddy with excitement to be driving through its gates.And, for once, I can say that my go...

Best holes: 4, 11, 13

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May. 7, 2026

Cal O'Connor

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Ranked #1 in GB&I and #3 globally, RCD needs no introduction to those who crave the opportunity to play it…

Two major highlights stood out:

Firstly, approaching the elevated walk towards the 4th tee, a famous 229-yard Par 3 awaits, littered with 7 bunkers guarding the green.

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The iconic heather everywhere. The majestic Mourne Mountains unmistakably perched in the distance making it all feel a touch surreal. How good is your long iron game? A bogey is a good result.A little later comes the signature 9th hole. A 486-yard Par 4 is daunting at the best of times. The blind te...

Best holes: 4, 9, 18

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Mar. 20, 2026

Anonymous

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Royal County Down — designed by Old Tom Morris with later touches from Harry Colt and others is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 golf courses.

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Set beneath the Mourne Mountains, it’s a round with a view you won’t forget.Don’t be fooled by the beauty, though County Down is a brute. We played it off the blue tees, brought out only once or twice a year, and it was every bit the test. The opening par five tempts you into thinking you might star...

Best holes: 1

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Feb. 25, 2026

Rory

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Perfection.

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Can’t imagine golf gets any better than this. I found it surprisingly playable, just play smart. There’s nothing tricked up or obnoxious about the golf course. It’s just a rigorous examination of every element of the game. It has character and charm in abundance. And a sheer intimidation and adrenal...

Golf Trip

Overcast

Sunny

Best holes: 3, 7, 13

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Jan. 6, 2026

MAD PRO

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I was fortunate to travel with a group of members to Northern Ireland in August 2025.

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We played a number of great courses on this trip, however, hands down Royal County Down was the favorite of the group! We stayed at the Slieve Donard Hotel which is adjacent to RCD. I would HIGHLY recommend staying here if you are able to make it work. Walking through the gates from the hotel to the...

Golf Trip

Weekday

Overcast

Best holes: 4, 9, 18

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Oct. 15, 2025

Anonymous

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A day to remember

I was fortunate enough to get a round of golf at RCD this year.

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Let's just say the months of excitement was almost unbearable.On arrival to the course and bag drop (which was a novelty as an Irish golfer) I received the warmest welcome from the staff.Everything was just easy, but felt special the whole time I was there. Hitting balls at the range from the food b...

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Sep. 25, 2025

5.5

MWP

Michael Wharton- Palmer

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Simply stunning , especially the front nine.

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Masterful routing by Colt with his customary bunkering and wonderfully contoured putting surfaces.Scenic beyond words

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Royal County Down (Championship)

Getting there

Royal County Down (Championship)

Getting there

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