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Destination guide · Co. Down

Royal County Down and Ardglass

Royal County Down under the Mourne Mountains, and Ardglass on the cliffs 30 min away. How to get a visitor time, and how to plan the two from Newcastle.

By the golftripbuilder.com team

Last checked

Royal County Down with the Mourne Mountains behind, in early-morning mist

Is Co. Down right for you?

If Royal County Down is on your list, yes, but plan around its rules. Visitors play only on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, between mid-April and mid-October. The club says visitor times are exceptionally limited, and you pay in full when you book, with no refund. Ardglass takes visitors every day and makes the second round.

Fly into
Belfast City (BHD) · 55 min
Base
Newcastle
Season
Mid-April to mid-OctoberRoyal County Down's visitor season, 19 Apr–15 Oct 2027
Rounds
2 courses, 30 min apart

Getting on Royal County Down

There's no online tee sheet. You send the club an enquiry, its reservations team checks what's left and replies, and you pay in full to confirm.

How
Enquiry form, email or phone · the club replies
Visitor days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun · not Wed or Sat
Green fee
$665£495 · 2027 rate
Payment
In full at booking · non-refundable
Caddies
Every group takes at least one · £75 single, £110 forecaddie
Handicap
Not published · ask when booking

Our tipFix your Royal County Down day first, then fit Ardglass around it. Ardglass takes visitors every day, but weekend mornings are for members.

The courses

Drive times from Newcastle. Fees per player in US$, lowest to highest season. Checked 11 Oct 2026.

A suggested four days

Two rounds from one base, around each club's visitor days.

  1. DAY 1

    Arrive Belfast City, drive to Newcastle

    About 55 min to Newcastle. Dublin is 1 h 40 min.

  2. DAY 2

    Royal County Down

    Must be a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Sunday. A caddie per group.

  3. Drive 30 min · Newcastle → Ardglass

  4. DAY 3

    Ardglass

    Not Saturday before 2pm or Sunday before 11.30am (2026 times).

  5. DAY 4

    Fly home, or drive on to the north coast

    Royal Portrush is about 1 h 55 min from Newcastle.

Where to stay

  • Newcastle, Co. Down

    Marine & Lawn Slieve Donard

    The Victorian resort steps from Royal County Down, with a golf concierge, an ESPA spa and a 20 m pool.

    View hotel →

  • Newcastle, Co. Down

    The Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa

    A 4-star country hotel with a spa and pool, all 68 rooms refurbished in 2025, a few minutes' drive from Royal County Down.

    View hotel →

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