Play Ireland’s Oldest Golf Club
Founded in 1881 and set on the shores of Belfast Lough, The Royal Belfast Golf Club is one of only three Royal-designated golf clubs in Northern Ireland — a rare and rewarding stop on any serious links golf itinerary through Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. 2026 marks 100 years since the Club made its home at Craigavad House.
Discover the oldest golf club in Ireland – celebrating 100 years at our Craigavad home in 2026.
From the moment you arrive at Craigavad House, Royal Belfast offers a sense of place that is quiet, traditional and warmly welcoming.
The Perfect golfing holiday
One of five Royal courses in Ireland
18 challenging HOLEs
Why Singapore Golfers Choose Royal Belfast
A Rare Royal Heritage
One of only three Royal-designated clubs in Northern Ireland, with an unbroken history since 1881.
A Harry Colt Design
A classic parkland course by one of golf’s most celebrated architects, with much of the original 1926 layout unchanged — a genuine test of course management, not distance.
A Setting on Belfast Lough
Every hole plays within sight of the water, including the demanding par-4 9th, running 408 yards along the Lough.
Entering a New Century
Having celebrated 100 years at Craigavad House in 2026, Royal Belfast enters its second century in 2027 — a meaningful year to be among the first to play its next chapter
Part of a Wider British Isles Golf Trip
Easily combined with Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, or a stop at St Andrews for a complete links golf itinerary across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
One Simple Journey from Singapore
Singapore Airlines flies direct from Singapore to London, with Belfast easily reached by short connecting flight, or via Dublin as part of a wider Ireland itinerary. Royal Belfast is just 20 minutes from Belfast city centre — close enough to add to any UK or Ireland golf trip without adding unnecessary travel days.
For Groups and Corporate Visits
Royal Belfast welcomes corporate groups, golf societies and client hospitality days. Whether arranging a private outing for colleagues, a golf society trip, or client entertainment as part of a wider UK visit, our team can arrange group tee times and bespoke hospitality.
Common Questions
Do visitors need a handicap certificate to play?
Yes — visitors should be members of a recognised golf club and may be asked to provide proof of handicap.
How do visitors book a tee time?
Tee times can be booked in advance online or through the Pro Shop or arranged via enquiry for groups visits.
Is Royal Belfast a links course?
Royal Belfast is a classic Harry Colt parkland course on the shores of Belfast Lough — a different but equally rewarding test alongside the true links of Royal County Down and Royal Portrush.
Make Belfast Part of Your Trip
Belfast hosts Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann — the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture — in August 2026, and it returns to the city again in August 2027. It’s only the second time in the festival’s history that it has come to Northern Ireland, and a rare chance to time a golf trip around one of Ireland’s great cultural events. If you’re planning ahead, 2027 is the year to build a Belfast visit — and a round at Royal Belfast — around it.
Beyond the Fleadh, the city rewards visitors year-round: from Titanic Belfast to a slow morning browsing the city’s shops and cafés, there is history and culture at every turn — historic attractions, traditional pubs, acclaimed restaurants, museums, guided tours and walks through the maritime and cultural quarters, all within easy reach of the course.
Whether you’re planning a short golf break, a longer trip through Northern Ireland, or working Royal Belfast into a wider Irish itinerary, Belfast is close enough to add without adding days, and rich enough to justify staying longer.
For dates, events and visitor information.
Make It More Than A Round
Enjoy lunch in our historic clubhouse, a drink on the terrace overlooking the course, and a look through vintage photographs, trophies and memorabilia spanning our history since 1881 — including our centenary year at Craigavad in 2026. Beyond the course, Belfast rewards a longer stay: from Titanic Belfast to the city’s Cathedral Quarter, there is history and culture within easy reach of the Club
