Royal Belfast Golf Club

Founded on November 9th 1881, the Royal Belfast Golf Club is the oldest club in Ireland and has a delightful, parkland setting on the shores of Belfast Lough. Its formation proved to be the inspiration for the growth of the game in Ireland.
The Royal Belfast Golf Club is one of only four golf clubs in Ireland that have been honoured with the title "Royal", having been visited in 1885 by the Prince of Wales who became the club's first patron. This patronage has continued through the history of the club, the position currently being held by Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
In 1925 the club decided to move (for the second time), primarily due to over-crowding, and purchased the mansion and surrounding 140 acres of land at Craigavad which soon became the clubhouse and 18 hole course. These fine surroundings is where The Royal Belfast Golf Club is located to this day.
The course design and layout was awarded to H.C. Colt the eminent English course architect, who also designed the County Sligo and Royal Portrush courses. With the assistance of Walker Cup player W.A. Murray, Colt produced a course of great charm which provides a true test of golfing skill combined with a lovely setting, having views over Belfast Lough to the Antrim plateau beyond.
Distance and driving times (traffic dependent):
Royal County Down Golf Club 63km (39m), 57 mins
Galgorm Castle Golf Club 60km (37m), 48 mins
Other distances, times and route planning