Donaghadee Golf Club sits on the Ards Peninsula with views across the Irish Sea toward Scotland — the Mull of Kintyre is visible on a clear day, and the Copeland Islands sit directly offshore. The course plays as a traditional coastal layout: links character in the terrain, sea wind a constant factor, and the setting genuinely attractive without overselling. The town is worth the stop: a working harbour with a lighthouse, and Grace Neill's pub on High Street, which has been serving customers since 1611 and has a reasonable claim to being one of the oldest pubs in Ireland.
Highlights
- Coastal Down setting
- Affordable links golf
- Near Belfast
Visitor Information
Getting There
Common questions
What is Donaghadee Golf Club like?
Donaghadee is a coastal links on the Ards Peninsula overlooking the Irish Sea, just forty-five minutes from Belfast. It is an accessible, affordable links experience for golfers based in Belfast who want genuine coastal golf without the drive to the north coast or the Down coast. The harbour town of Donaghadee itself has a lighthouse and a good pier walk afterwards.
How does Donaghadee compare to the other Ards Peninsula courses?
Of the Ards courses, Kirkistown Castle is the most notable links and Donaghadee the most accessible. Helen's Bay is slightly closer to Belfast. All three offer genuine links golf at prices considerably below the famous championship venues — useful for golfers who want a full week in Northern Ireland without paying championship rates every day.
Is Donaghadee bookable online?
Yes — Donaghadee books through GolfNow with consistent availability.
What is there to do in Donaghadee besides golf?
Donaghadee has one of the most attractive small harbours in Northern Ireland. Grace Neill's bar in the town claims to be Ireland's oldest pub, dating from 1611. The lighthouse and pier walk is thirty minutes. Bangor, a larger seaside town, is fifteen minutes north. Scrabo Tower overlooks the Strangford Lough entrance and is worth the short hike.
Where to Stay
Books directly via GolfNow — no agent wait
Plan your full Ireland itinerary
Course Facts
Destination guide
Golf in Northern Ireland
Courses, hotels, restaurants and things to do beyond the fairways.
Read the guide →
← All Ireland courses