The Royal Belfast Golf Club – The oldest golf club in Ireland
Where heritage, tradition, and a warm Irish welcome endure. Welcome to The Royal Belfast Golf Club — Ireland’s oldest golf club, founded in 1881. Set on the shores of Belfast Lough at Craigavad, Royal Belfast offers a testing parkland round just 20 minutes from Belfast city centre. We are proud to hold the Royal designation — one of only three clubs in Northern Ireland, and one of only five on the island of Ireland. Shaped by generations of golfing heritage and set amid quiet natural beauty, Royal Belfast continues to offer members, guests and visitors alike a thoroughly memorable game, in good company.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Measuring 6,309 yards, Royal Belfast offers a rewarding challenge for golfers of all skill levels, set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in Ireland.
Royal Belfast rewards accuracy and patience rather than raw length. Carefully placed bunkers, narrow landing areas and subtly contoured greens ask golfers to think their way round — and to enjoy doing so. A putting green and a short iron practice range allow for a proper warm-up before play.
Royal Belfast has been named IGTOA Parkland Golf Course of the Year, and Best Parkland Golf Course in Ulster by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland.
CLUBHOUSE
Royal Belfast’s magnificent Victorian Clubhouse, originally built in 1852, blends timeless elegance with modern comfort.
Craigavad House, built in 1852, has welcomed members, guests and visitors of Royal Belfast for a century, and was named Clubhouse of the Year 2024 by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland. It remains the heart of the Club, where a little tradition and timeless charm go a long way.
Book a Tee off Time
Following the tremendous success of The Open in 2019 and its return in 2025, Northern Ireland (home to three prestigious ‘Royal’ clubs—Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, and Royal Belfast) is firmly on the golf map.
Perfectly situated between Royal Portrush (just 1½ hours away) and Royal County Down (only 1 hour), Royal Belfast is an essential stop on any golfer’s itinerary.
Royal Belfast extends a warm welcome visitors from around the world, though we do request that they are members of recognised golf clubs. Handicap certificates may be required.
Contact Us
The Royal Belfast Golf Club, Station Road, Craigavad, Holywood, BT18 0BP.
Tee time reservations and general enquiries
T: 028 9042 8165 option 1
Hospitality & Marketing
T:+44 28 9042 8165 option 4
Golf Professional
Chief Executive
T: +44 28 9042 8165 option 3