Photo: David Luebbert · Pexels License
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Galgorm Castle Golf Club
Simon Gidman's 1997 parkland on the Galgorm Castle estate — Northern Ireland's premier tournament venue and four-time host of the Irish Open.
Course overview
Galgorm Castle Golf Club was designed by Simon Gidman and opened in 1997 on the grounds of Galgorm Castle estate beside the River Maine in County Antrim. The course hosted the Irish Open on the European Tour in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, establishing it as Northern Ireland's leading tournament venue. The River Maine runs through the property and comes into play on several holes, introducing risk-reward decisions on approach shots throughout the round.
The essentials
- Architect
- Simon Gidman
- Established
- 1997
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,676 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–28
- Location
- County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Character & atmosphere
A modern parkland course built around the River Maine — the river defines several risk-reward holes, and the course's championship conditioning and tournament infrastructure make it the most high-profile competitive venue in Northern Ireland.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Simon Gidman, opened in 1997.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
Signature Hole
18
A closing hole played to an island green entirely surrounded by the River Maine — the approach requires a full carry over water with no bail-out option. During the 2020 and 2021 Irish Open, the 18th green became the most-televised hole in Northern Irish golf and established Galgorm's reputation for dramatic finish conditions.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Belfast International Airport is around 30 minutes from Ballymena via the M2. Car hire is the most practical option. George Best Belfast City Airport is a similar distance via the M2 and A26.
Where to stay
Ballycastle is a quiet alternative to Portrush for golfers touring the full Antrim coast, with a more local character and easy access to both the Causeway Coast courses and the Antrim Glens. The view from the town across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre is one of the north of Ireland's finest.
Nearby courses
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Northern Ireland
Explore County Antrim
Golf along County Antrim's coast and glens, including Royal Portrush.