Overview
Gracehill Golf Club sits on 210 acres of rolling parkland just seven miles north of Ballymoney, County Antrim. Designed by American architect Frank Ainsworth, the 6,531‑yard (some sources list 6,574 yd) par‑72 layout is celebrated as one of Ulster’s most challenging courses. Golfers navigate a mixture of water‑filled valleys, mature beech and oak stands, and open heathland – a rare variety for Irish courses. The club’s location on the Dark Hedges Estate adds a cinematic backdrop; the iconic beech avenue famously featured in Game of Thrones is a short walk from the clubhouse.
History & Background
The estate’s story begins in the early 1600s when a charter from King James VI/I granted the land to James Stuart, an ambassador to Turin. Gracehill House itself was built in 1775 and later became the focal point of the golf club. After centuries of agricultural use, the Gillan family bought the farm in 1971. Two decades later they retired from farming and commissioned Frank Ainsworth – also responsible for Roe Park and Adminnan – to create an American‑style championship layout. The course opened in 1995, preserving the Georgian Gracehill House as the clubhouse while introducing modern facilities.
Location & Access
Gracehill Golf Club is located at 141 Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 8PX. The B147 runs directly past the entrance, and the club is well sign‑posted from the Dark Hedges. It is about 50 mi (≈1 hour) from Belfast, 150 mi (≈2½ hours) from Dublin and a short drive from the coastal towns of Portrush and Ballycastle. Free on‑site parking is available for golfers and visitors to the Dark Hedges.
Booking & Rates
- Online booking – Tee times can be booked instantly via the club’s visitor portal https://visitors.brsgolf.com/gracehill or through the Golfscape platform, which also handles cancellations.
- Golfscape – A third‑party booking engine that provides instant confirmation and the option to modify or cancel within the club’s policy window.
- Cancellation policy – Most bookings can be cancelled for a full refund up to 48 hours before the tee time; exact terms are shown during the online booking process.
- Phone reservations – Call 028 207 51209.
- Green Fees (as of 2026) – see table below.
| Day | Visitor (non‑member) | Visitor with member | Student | Under‑16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday‑Thursday | £30 | £20 | £15 | £10 |
| Friday‑Sunday & Bank Holidays | £40 | £25 | £25 | £10 |
Fees are payable on the day of play; advanced booking is recommended during peak summer weeks. The club accepts cash and major credit cards.
The Course
Each of the 18 holes carries a distinct personality. The opening Crow’s Nest (Par 4, 344 yd) forces a power‑fade off the back tee to avoid mature trees, while the second shot must clear a lake and river to an elevated green. Iderown (Par 4, 448 yd) is a long, water‑guarded challenge where a mis‑hit can end up in the pond on either side of the green. Knockmore, the signature 13th, is an Index 1, tree‑lined par‑4 that can make or break a card; a precise tee shot is essential before a demanding approach.
Other highlights include:
- McCool’s Quarry (Par 3, 183 yd) – a picturesque par‑3 with wind‑dependent club selection.
- Wing’n a Prayer (Par 3, 211 yd) – a daring carry over water to an undulating green.
- Yew Turn (Par 4, 405 yd) – a gentle dogleg that becomes a monster on windy days.
- Doughery Burn (Par 4, 480 yd) – a tough par‑four with a large pond protecting the left side of the green.
Full Hole Guide
| No | Name | Par | Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crow’s Nest | 4 | 344 |
| 2 | Calhame | 4 | 348 |
| 3 | The Knowe | 4 | 378 |
| 4 | Frank’s | 5 | 492 |
| 5 | Iderown | 4 | 448 |
| 6 | Serenity | 4 | 374 |
| 7 | McCool’s Quarry | 3 | 183 |
| 8 | Keyhole | 4 | 386 |
| 9 | The Willows | 5 | 486 |
| 10 | Doughery Burn | 4 | 480 |
| 11 | Fushia Island | 3 | 161 |
| 12 | Sycamore | 5 | 487 |
| 13 | Knockmore | 4 | 411 |
| 14 | Wing’n a Prayer | 3 | 211 |
| 15 | Amen | 5 | 471 |
| 16 | Gilbert’s Oasis | 3 | 143 |
| 17 | Silver Birch | 4 | 357 |
| 18 | Yew Turn | 4 | 405 |
Drone‑overfly videos for each hole are available on the club’s website, offering a virtual preview of the terrain and water features.
Practice Facilities & Pro Shop
The club provides a modest practice area that includes a short driving range and a putting green. A fully stocked pro shop sells clubs, apparel and accessories, and offers club‑fitting services. Soft‑spike shoes are mandatory on the course and are available for hire.
Golf Lessons & Professional
The resident professional, Ian Blair, offers individual and group lessons for all ability levels. Sessions can be booked by calling the club directly or via the visitor portal. He also arranges custom club‑fitting.
Facilities & Services
The Georgian clubhouse blends historic charm with contemporary comfort. Visitors can relax in the bar with a locally brewed beer or soft drink, or enjoy a full‑course meal featuring regional produce in the restaurant. The adjoining Pantry Coffee Shop serves freshly ground coffee, homemade scones and a selection of tray bakes.
Additional amenities include:
- Locker rooms and showers
- Practice putting green and short driving range
- Golf buggy, trolley and battery‑caddy hire
- Fully stocked pro shop
- Wheelchair‑friendly entrances and accessible restrooms
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the clubhouse
- On‑site defibrillator for safety
- Soft‑spike shoe hire
Nearby Golf Courses & Attractions
Gracehill sits within easy reach of several other notable courses: Ballycastle Golf Club (7 mi), Brown Trout Golf Club (11 mi), Bushfoot Golf Club (8 mi), Galgorm Castle Golf Club (11 mi) and the world‑renowned Royal Portrush (≈11 mi). The Dark Hedges, River Bush and the historic Dunluce Castle are all within a short drive, making the club an ideal base for a day of golf and sightseeing along the Causeway Coast.
Nearby Attractions & Scenic Routes
Beyond the links, the surrounding Antrim Coast and Glens offer dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and charming villages such as Ballintoy and Cushendun. A short drive brings you to the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, perfect for a post‑round adventure.
Accommodation & Nearby Stays
Gracehill does not offer on‑site accommodation. The nearest towns with a range of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are Ballymoney (≈5 mi) and Portrush (≈12 mi). Options include the historic Ballymoney Hotel, The Lodge at Portrush, and several cosy B&Bs along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Public Transport
Public transport to the club is limited. The closest bus stop is in Ballymoney, served by Ulsterbus routes to Belfast and Derry. From there, a taxi or private car is the most convenient way to reach Gracehill.
Practical Information
- Opening hours – not publicly listed; please confirm with the club before visiting.
- Parking – Free on‑site parking for golfers and visitors.
- Accessibility – Wheelchair‑friendly entrances, accessible restrooms and buggy hire for easier navigation of the undulating terrain.
- Contact Details
- Address: 141 Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 8PX, Northern Ireland
- Phone: 028 207 51209
- Email: sales@darkhedgesestate.com (official club contact)
- Website: none confirmed – booking can be made via the visitor portal or Golfscape
How to Get There
From Belfast, take the A26 north to Ballymoney and follow the B147 signs to Gracehill. The route is well sign‑posted from the Dark Hedges and the River Bush. The most convenient way to reach the club is by car.