Set right at the foot of the Mourne Mountains with the Irish Sea just down the road, the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle, County Down is a cracking base for a Northern Ireland golf break. You are in the heart of proper links territory here, with Royal County Down minutes away and the coast delivering some brilliant, lesser-hyped tests as well.
What works especially well is the balance. You can play hard golf in big scenery during the day, then come back to a modern hotel with a country club and spa on site, which is exactly what you want when the wind has had its say. Newcastle itself is handy for a stroll, a coffee or a post-round pint, and Belfast is an easy run if you are flying in or fancy a city evening.
If you are planning a couples trip, a small group tour or a society weekend, the Burrendale gives you comfort without fuss and plenty to do when not everyone is playing every day. Places like this are great for mixed-ability groups, because the golfers get their bucket-list links fix while everyone still has a relaxing hotel to come back to.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want Newcastle as a base, with quick access to Royal County Down and a hotel that has genuine recovery facilities (pool, sauna, steam room and spa) for non-stop golf weekends.
Who is it best for?
Couples and mixed groups where some want serious links golf and others want spa time, scenery and a comfortable hotel, plus small societies looking for a reliable, no-fuss base close to the best of County Down.
