Photo: ANGIE BAONGOC · Unsplash License
Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Castlerock Golf Club (Mussenden Course)
A Harry Colt links on the Causeway Coast beside the Bann Estuary — with the historic Mussenden Temple visible from several holes.
Course overview
Castlerock Golf Club's Mussenden Course occupies a links site on the Causeway Coast of County Londonderry, with the 18th-century Mussenden Temple — a cliff-top rotunda built by the Earl Bishop of Derry — visible from several holes. Ben Sayers laid out an earlier course; Harry S. Colt redesigned it in 1901 to create the championship routing beside the Bann Estuary. The course offers an atmospheric and less heavily trafficked alternative to Royal Portrush on the Causeway Coast.
The essentials
- Architect
- Ben Sayers; Harry S. Colt (redesign 1901)
- Established
- 1901
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 73
- Length
- 6,139 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–28
- Location
- Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Character & atmosphere
A classic Colt links beside the Bann Estuary where the Mussenden Temple provides a distinctive landmark — tight fairways, coastal wind, and the estuary setting create a traditional links test that rewards accurate ball-striking over power.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Ben Sayers; Harry S. Colt (redesign 1901), opened in 1901.
- Sea views feature throughout the round.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Belfast International Airport is around 55 minutes from Castlerock. Car hire is recommended. The A26 north toward Coleraine, then the A2 coast road, is the direct route.
Where to stay
Portrush is the natural base for a Northern Ireland golf trip, positioned immediately adjacent to Royal Portrush — with both the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links on site — and within easy reach of the full Causeway Coast links corridor. The town has a traditional seaside resort character that suits the golf setting.
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Northern Ireland
Explore Causeway Coast
Northern Ireland's dramatic north Antrim coast, home to Royal Portrush.