Whitehead Golf Club

The fairways at Whitehead roll out across proper dramatic coastline just outside Larne, and it's the kind of course that catches you off guard with its setting. You're playing alongside cliffs and sea views that frankly distract from the golf - which is either brilliant or annoying depending on your temperament.

It's a links course, so expect firm greens, wind that actually means something, and rough that will punish a dodgy shot. The 18 holes demand respect rather than offering a gentle stroll around manicured lawns. Golfers serious about their game will rate this highly; casual hackers might find it humbling.

Allow a full four hours minimum, more if you're the type who plays slowly or loses balls regularly. Summer mornings are your best bet - the light's gorgeous and you'll avoid the worst of the afternoon wind coming in off the Irish Sea. Get there early if you're not a member, as tee times fill up.

If you're staying at Down to Earth Wild Camping nearby, this could slot nicely into a golfing break, though you'll want to book ahead rather than turning up hoping for a game. Golfers will travel specifically for courses like this; non-golfers in your group might prefer a walk along the coast instead. It's not a fun-for-all-ages attraction - it's genuinely for people who play golf and want to do it somewhere with teeth to it.