Galgorm Castle Golf Club

The fairways at Galgorm roll out across what used to be castle grounds near Ballymena, and you can still sense the history in the way the course sits in the landscape. It's a proper championship-standard layout - 18 holes that demand respect, especially when the wind picks up across the open stretches. The clubhouse has that old-money feel without being stuffy, and the staff know what they're doing.

This is absolutely for golfers. If you can't break 90, you might find it frustrating; if you're mid-range or better, it's genuinely compelling. Non-golfers won't find much to occupy them for more than half an hour. The views are pleasant rather than dramatic - you're looking at Northern Irish countryside, which is nice enough but won't make you gasp.

It's worth checking their website or ringing ahead for membership requirements and green fees, as these can vary. Allow four to five hours for a full round, more if you're playing in a group. The best time to play is late spring through early autumn when the course dries out properly.

If you're based at Sunset Glamping just down the road - and it's only 5 miles away - this makes for a natural morning or afternoon outing. Ballymena itself is close enough for lunch beforehand. It's not a destination in itself, but paired with other activities in the Mid and East Antrim area, it's a solid addition to a week away.