Overview
Royal Belfast Golf Club sits on a 140‑acre estate at Craigavad, just seven miles south of Belfast city centre. Founded in 1881, it is Ireland’s oldest golf club and one of only four Irish clubs to carry the Royal prefix – the others being Royal Portrush, Royal County Down and Royal Dublin. The course, a seamless blend of parkland and links, winds over gently rolling fairways, mature woodlands and a shoreline that offers uninterrupted vistas of Belfast Lough and the Antrim hills. The Victorian clubhouse, originally built in 1852, houses two putting greens, a short‑iron practice range and a well‑stocked pro shop run by PGA professional Andrew Ferguson.
History
The club’s origins trace back to Kinnegar, Holywood, where members first played on an 18‑hole layout in 1882. Within a decade the course moved to Carnalea, then in 1925 it settled at its present Craigavad site. The present layout was conceived by the legendary architect Harry Colt, assisted by W.A. Murray, and has changed very little since its inception – a rarity that gives the club a palpable sense of continuity. In 1885 the club was granted a Royal Charter by the Prince of Wales, cementing its prestigious status. The bunkers were refreshed in 2017 by the architectural firm Mackenzie & Ebert, preserving Colt’s strategic intent while modernising the course’s defensive features. The clubhouse displays historic memorabilia, including an Old Tom Morris driver and a scarlet coat worn by a founding member.
Club Highlights
- Course statistics – 18 holes, par 70, 6,309 yd (6,306 yd on some listings), 5 580 m.
- Awards – IGTOA Parkland Golf Course of the Year; Best Parkland Golf Course in Ulster (Golfer’s Guide to Ireland); Clubhouse of the Year 2024 (Golfer’s Guide to Ireland).
- Signature hole – The 174‑yard 11th, a blind uphill par‑3 over gorse, is a favourite for its challenge and shoreline backdrop.
- Strategic bunkering – The 2017 renovation sharpened Colt‑style sand traps, making the short game a true test.
Sustainability
In 2023 the club partnered with Belfast‑based solar specialist Next‑Gen Power to install 27 discreet solar panels on the clubhouse roof. The system is expected to cut electricity costs by up to 70 % and significantly reduce the club’s carbon footprint, demonstrating Royal Belfast’s commitment to a greener future while preserving the historic character of its buildings.
Championship Events
Royal Belfast has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments, including the Ulster Professional Championship, the Irish Cup Finals, the Irish Close Championship, the Ulster Ladies Championship and the Irish Ladies Championship. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for golfers touring the renowned “Royal” courses of Northern Ireland – just 1½ hours from Royal Portrush and 1 hour from Royal County Down.
Facilities & Services
The clubhouse blends timeless elegance with modern comforts. Visitors can relax in the lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining room, or browse the pro shop for premium apparel and equipment. Facilities include:
- Two dedicated putting greens and a short‑iron practice range.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the clubhouse.
- A defibrillator located on the premises for safety.
- Equipment hire (clubs, carts, battery‑powered caddies) and motorised buggy hire – arrange via the pro shop (tel: +44 28 9042 8586).
- Professional instruction from PGA professional Andrew Ferguson (appointments via phone or email).
- Dress code: smart, collared attire; metal spikes are prohibited – soft‑spike shoes required.
Golf Services
Andrew Ferguson offers equipment rental, custom club fitting and a team of experienced caddies. While the club is private, visitors are welcomed provided they belong to a recognised golf club and can present a valid handicap certificate.
Practical Information
- Booking – Tee‑times can be booked online through the club’s website or by calling the main line (+44 28 9042 8165). Visitors should confirm current green‑fee rates directly with the club.
- Visitor access – By appointment only; a valid handicap certificate is required.
- Contact – Main line: +44 28 9042 8165 (option 1). Golf professional: +44 28 9042 8586 (option 4). General enquiries: admin@royalbelfast.com. Hospitality: house@royalbelfast.com. Pro shop: proshop@royalbelfast.com.
- Accessibility – The adjacent North Down Coastal Path provides accessible toilet facilities and a mix of smooth and natural surfaces, making the surrounding area reasonably wheelchair‑friendly.
- Parking – Ample on‑site parking is available for players and guests.
Notable Members & Nearby Golf
Rory McIlroy, the world‑famous Northern Irish golfer, is a member of nearby Holywood Golf Club and often plays at Royal Belfast during practice rounds. Golfers can also explore other historic courses in the area such as Ardglass Golf Club, Bangor Golf Club, Cliftonville Golf Club and Bangor Abbey.
Nearby Attractions
The club’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area:
- A short walk along the Ards and North Down district coastal path leads to the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, the historic Royal North Yacht Club, and the charming village of Holywood.
- Belfast city, with its vibrant nightlife, Titanic Belfast museum and culinary scene, is only a 20‑minute drive away.
- Other nearby golf venues include Bangor Golf Club, Cliftonville Golf Club, and Ardglass Golf Club for those looking to play multiple courses.
How to Get There
- By car – Approximately 15 minutes from Belfast Harbour, 10 minutes from George Best Belfast City Airport, 40 minutes from Belfast International Airport, and about two hours from Dublin Airport.
- Public transport – The nearest railway station is Belfast Great Victoria Street; from there, a taxi or local bus (e.g., Ulsterbus 7) reaches Craigavad in about 20 minutes.
- Parking – On‑site car park for members and guests.
Where to Stay
While the club does not provide on‑site accommodation, a range of hotels and guest houses are available in Holywood, Bangor and Belfast. Popular choices include the Europa Hotel in Belfast, the Slieve Donard hotel near the Mournes, and several boutique B&Bs in Holywood.
All information is based on the club’s official website, recent golf publications and news reports.