A Convenient First or Final Round

For travelling golfers, location matters — a course that’s easy to reach after arrival or before departure can turn a travel day into one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Royal Belfast, set at Craigavad on Belfast Lough, combines that convenience with real heritage: Ireland’s oldest golf club, established in 1881, with a Harry S. Colt parkland course dating from 1925 — all within easy reach of Belfast City Airport and the city itself.

Getting Here:

Belfast City Airport: about 5 miles, or 15 minutes by car along the A2 towards Holywood and Bangor.
Belfast International Airport: about 25 miles, or 40 minutes by car via the M2 and A2.
Dublin Airport: about 110 miles, or 1 hour 50 minutes by car via the M1 and A1.

Driving times are for normal traffic, allow longer at weekday peak times, when traffic through Belfast is heavier. The club is on Station Road, Craigavad, Holywood BT18 0BP. After passing under the railway bridge, the entrance is on your right.

Fitting 18 Holes Around Your Flight

A round at Royal Belfast takes around four hours. Allow another 30 minutes to check in and warm up, and time for a meal afterwards if you plan to eat.

On arrival day: book a tee time at least two hours after your scheduled landing. That leaves time for baggage, car hire and the drive.

On departure day: aim to finish your round at least three hours before your flight from Belfast City, or four hours from Belfast International. Check your airline’s recommended arrival time, especially if you’re checking in golf clubs.

Through the year: summer daylight in Northern Ireland allows tee times well into the afternoon. From November to February, daylight ends around 4pm, so book a morning tee time.

Bringing Clubs or Hiring

Bringing your own clubs means playing with equipment you know, but airlines will charge to carry a golf bag, and it adds to what you need to manage on a short visit. If Royal Belfast is your first or last round of the trip, hiring can be simpler.

Club hire is available from the Pro Shop at £40 per round. Please book in advance and mention whether you need right- or left-handed clubs. Pull trolleys, Powakaddy electric trolleys and buggies are also available, and caddies can be arranged with at least 48 hours’ notice. Contact the Pro Shop on +44 28 9042 8586 to reserve.

Where to Leave Your Luggage

The visitors’ locker room in Craigavad House has complimentary lockers for bags and personal items. Larger suitcases be left with the office during a round.

Arriving Prepared

Check in at the Pro Shop, just beyond Craigavad House, where our Club Professional, Andrew Ferguson, and the team can help with final preparations. If travelling without clubs, enquire in advance about hire equipment; caddies can also be arranged with at least 48 hours’ notice.

After Golf

Craigavad House offers a welcoming place to unwind before your onward journey — visit the Herdman Room bar for a relaxed meal and a quiet drink overlooking Belfast Lough.

Plan Your Visit

Explore our visitor information section or book a tee time here – The Royal Belfast Golf Club – Book Tee Times Online – Online Golf Booking. For group reservations, contact the Club Office on +44 28 9042 8165 option 1 to discuss availability.

Let Royal Belfast be part of your Northern Ireland golf story.