Larne Golf Club

Golf at Larne sits right on the coast, which immediately sets it apart from inland courses. You're playing alongside views of the Irish Sea, and on a clear day that horizon feels properly expansive. The course itself is an 18-hole links-style layout that demands respect - it's not brutally difficult, but the wind coming off the water keeps you honest.

Golfers will get the most from this one, obviously, though it's the sort of place that works equally well for serious club members and casual visitors looking for a decent game without the championship course price tag. The greens are well-maintained and the routing makes good use of the coastal setting. Allow four hours minimum, or three hours thirty if your group moves at pace.

Larne town sits just inland, so you're not far from cafes and the basics. Down to Earth Wild Camping is less than five miles away if you're planning a longer stay - proper job for tents and vans, and it keeps things simple. The course welcomes visitors on weekdays more readily than weekends, so time your trip accordingly.

Worth a round if you're touring Northern Ireland's golf courses. It won't blow your mind with difficulty, but the setting alone makes it worth the visit. Bring a jumper - that sea wind is no joke.