Bentra Golf Course

Eighteen holes laid out across proper rolling terrain just outside Larne, Bentra Golf Course is one of those local tracks that doesn't need a fancy reputation to deliver a decent round. The course winds through typical Ulster countryside - nothing dramatically scenic, but honest greens and fairways that reward straight hitting more than flashy shots.

It's the sort of place where you'll see club members who've been playing the same layout for thirty years, which tells you something about consistency. Walkers and golfers after a straightforward day out will find it worthwhile, though if you're after championship-level challenge you won't find it here. Handicap golfers tend to enjoy it more than complete beginners - the layout demands accuracy rather than raw distance.

The nearest proper accommodation is Down to Earth Wild Camping at 3.7 miles away, which works well if you're combining a round with a camping break in the area. Larne itself sits five minutes' drive north, useful for shops and food if you need it.

You'll want to ring ahead to check green fees and book a tee time - typical clubs won't give you walk-in play during weekends. Allow four to four and a half hours for a full round. Best played on a weekday morning when the course is quieter and you can actually move at pace. It's not a destination course, but as a local option while basing yourself near Larne, it does the job.