Man playing golf in Scotland.Golfing Day Trips from Northern Ireland to Scotland

Can you do a day trip to Scotland from Northern Ireland for a round of golf?

Yes, you can! Catching a morning ferry from Belfast or Larne, you can arrive relaxed in Cairnryan well before lunch and ready for a round. We’ve found 14 excellent golf clubs all within an hour’s drive of the ferry port. You can then take the afternoon or evening sailing back to Northern Ireland.

Where is Cainryan? 

Cairnryan is a small village on the west coast of Scotland, mainly known for its ferry port that connects Scotland to Northern Ireland. If you’re looking to play golf within an hour’s drive of Cairnryan, we have found you have a few options to choose from. 

As always when visiting a new to you golf club it’s a good idea to check with the golf courses in advance to confirm their availability and any booking requirements. Additionally, golf course accessibility and conditions may change, so it’s a good idea to verify the latest information before planning your trip.

Whether you’re travelling by car or as a foot passenger, you can quickly compare ferry prices for both the Stena Line Belfast to Cairnryan and P&O Ferries Larne to Cairnryan routes here.

Turnberry Hotel at the Trump Turnberry Golf Club & Resort in Scotland.

Turnberry Hotel at the Trump Turnberry Golf Club & Resort in Scotland.

Turnberry Golf Club (Ailsa Course and King Robert the Bruce Course):

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Turnberry is one of the most famous golf resorts in the world. It offers two championship courses, the Ailsa Course and the King Robert the Bruce Course, both with stunning views of the coastline. The Ailsa Course has hosted four Open Championships and is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the world. The King Robert the Bruce Course is a more recent addition to the resort and offers a challenging round of golf. It’s a 45 minute drive from the Cairnryan ferry port. 

The cost of playing at Turnberry Golf Club varies depending on the time of year, the course you wish to play, and other factors. Generally, the cost to play a round at Turnberry ranges from £185 to £375 per person. The Ailsa course, which is the most famous course at Turnberry, is typically the most expensive.

To book a tee time at Turnberry Golf Club, you can visit their website and click on the “Visitor Booking” tab. From there, you can select the course you wish to play, the date and time you would like to play, and the number of players in your group. You will then be asked to provide your contact information and payment details to complete your booking.

Alternatively, you can book a tee time by calling the club directly at 01655 331000. The club staff will be happy to assist you with your booking and answer any questions you may have.

The duration of play depends on various factors such as skill level, number of players, weather conditions, etc., so it’s difficult to provide an exact estimate. However, most rounds of golf take between 4-5 hours to complete. Please note that tee times and availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the respective golf courses for booking and current conditions. Additionally, these courses may have different levels of accessibility to the public, so it’s advisable to inquire about visitor policies in advance.

Royal Troon Golf Club:

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This links course is located in Troon, South Ayrshire, and offers two 18-hole greens: the Old Course and the Portland Course. The Old Course has hosted nine Open Championships and is widely regarded as one of the best links courses in the world. The Portland Course is also a great option for those looking for a challenging round of golf.

Royal Troon Golf Club is a prestigious golf club located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland. The club features three courses, including the Old Course, which is regarded as one of the world’s greatest links courses. The course has hosted nine Open Championships, with the most recent one being in 2016.

The Old Course is a traditional out-and-back links course that offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. It features some incredibly famous holes, including the iconic “Postage Stamp” 8th hole. The course is presented in superb condition and is maintained to a very high standard. 

In addition to the Old Course, Royal Troon Golf Club also features two other courses: the Portland Course and the Craigend Course. The Portland Course is currently ranked as one of Scotland’s top 100 courses and offers a unique challenge to golfers of all levels. The Craigend Course is a 9-hole course that offers stunning views of the Firth of Clyde and is perfect for golfers who are looking for a quick round of golf.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable golfing experience, Royal Troon Golf Club is definitely worth a visit!

Stranraer Golf Club: 

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Stranraer Golf Club is one of the nearest golf courses to Cairnryan, just a short drive away. It offers beautiful views of Loch Ryan and the surrounding countryside. The Stranraer Golf Club is located in Creachmore, Stranraer, about a 20-minute drive from Cairnryan.

It offers an 18-hole green and has a state-of-the-art pro shop. Regular competitions are held here for those looking to test their skills. The course is beautifully designed by James Braid, with a prevailing wind from the sea and some real testing holes. The club also has a lounge and bar to relax after your game.

Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club:

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This golf club is also nearby and offers challenging links-style golf with stunning coastline views. It’s located in the picturesque village of Portpatrick. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Cairnryan and offers 27 holes. The club is renowned for its warm welcome to visitors and is popular for day trips, weekend breaks, and golfing holidays. It also has a wide range of accommodations and numerous other activities and attractions locally for those considering longer stays.

Wigtownshire County Golf Club:

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Situated in the town of Newton Stewart, this golf course provides a scenic and challenging golfing experience. Wigtownshire County Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Cairnryan. The club is situated on the shores of Luce Bay and offers a true links course that provides a great test of golf for both high and low handicappers.

The course was designed by Charles Hunter in 1894, with the ‘new’ nine holes designed by W. Gordon Cunningham and officially opened in 1987. The course features subtly sloping greens and changing sea breezes, which add to the challenge of the game.

The club offers a range of facilities, including a lounge, bar, and state-of-the-art pro shop. Visitors are welcome to play the course, with green fees starting at £45 per round for midweek play and £60 per round for weekend play. The club also offers a range of membership options for those looking to play regularly. If you’re looking for a challenging links course with stunning views of Luce Bay, Wigtownshire County Golf Club is definitely worth a visit!

Southerness Golf Club:

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While a bit farther away, Southerness Golf Club is renowned for its championship-level links course. It’s located near the town of Dumfries and offers a unique golfing experience. The course was designed by Mackenzie Ross and built in 1947. It offers a true championship links challenge on the peaceful shores of the beautiful Solway coast. The course features subtly sloping greens and changing sea breezes, which add to the challenge of the game.

The club is renowned for its warm welcome to visitors and is popular for day trips, weekend breaks, and golfing holidays. The club also features a lounge, bar, and state-of-the-art pro shop.

According to Golf Monthly, Southerness Golf Club is a “mid-20th century links” that is “well worth the journey”. The course plays in an anti-clockwise loop, starting out away from the shore in a north-westerly direction before hitting the Firth on the green of the long par-3 7th, guarded by a particularly devilish pot bunker front right. It then stays on or close to the shore for a splendid stretch until the 13th hole before finally looping back for home.

The course features a number of strong par 4s and just two par 5s, making it a challenging par 69 in any sort of breeze.

If you’re looking for a challenging links course with stunning views of the Solway Firth, Southerness Golf Club is definitely worth a visit!

Annanhill Golf Club:

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This public course is located on the outskirts of Kilmarnock and has a par of 71. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Cairnryan.

Ardeer Golf Club:

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This undulating parkland course has matured superbly and offers great views of the Firth of Clyde. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Cairnryan. Ardeer Golf Club is a well-appointed 9-hole, 9-in, par 71 golf course located in Stevenston, North Ayrshire. The club is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The course is situated in a picturesque setting with fantastic views of the Firth of Clyde. It is a tree-lined parkland course that has matured beautifully over the years.

The course was designed by Stutt and opened for play in 1966. It has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1880. It is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ayrshire, with only Prestwick, Prestwick St Nicholas, and Troon being older than the club.

If you are looking for a golfing experience that offers modern facilities, then Ardeer Golf Club is the place to be. The club has a well-stocked bar and offers catering services. It also has locker rooms and showering facilities. If you are new to the area or just visiting, all visitors are welcome at Ardeer Golf Club. The club also offers trolley and buggy hire for those who love the game but don’t want to carry their clubs around.

Auchenharvie Golf Course:

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This nine-hole course is situated between the towns of Stevenson and Saltcoats and can be played as an 18-hole. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Cairnryan. The course is relatively flat and boasts a couple of feature holes where water comes into play. It is a perfect introduction to golf for beginners of all ages or for those looking for a shorter, quicker game. The club has a clubhouse offering catering facilities, a professional shop, 18-bay practice range and putting area. Players can either pay per round or purchase an annual membership season ticket. At just £14.50 for adults and £5.50 for juniors, nine holes at Auchenharvie is a great value way to keep active and enjoy the company of your friends.

Beith Golf Club:

This parkland course is located in Beith, North Ayrshire, and has a par of 69. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Cairnryan. This course is known for its beautiful scenery and challenging holes, making it a great choice for experienced golfers. The club has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1880, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in Ayrshire.

The course is a 9-hole fast draining parkland course with small undulating greens and rolling fairways, mixed with various degrees of rough and numerous bunkers, making it a tough but rewarding test of your golfing ability. The course also offers stunning views of the town of Beith and the Garnock Valley, with Ben Lomond, Arran, and the Ailsa Craig visible from the elevated 6th tee.

The club offers modern facilities such as a well-stocked bar, catering services, locker rooms, showering facilities, and buggy hire for those who prefer not to carry their clubs around. Visitors are always welcome at Beith Golf Club, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer. The club also has a practice driving area to the front of the clubhouse and a practice putting green at the rear of the clubhouse.

If you’re looking for a golfing experience that offers history, stunning views, and modern facilities, then Beith Golf Club is an excellent choice. Tee times are generally available throughout the week, but bookings are required in advance. Please note that a standard dress code is in operation.

Belleisle Golf Club:

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This parkland course is located in Ayr and has been quoted as the best public course in Scotland. It has wide and long fairways, making it suitable for both high and low handicappers. It’s about a 50-minute drive from Cairnryan.

The course was founded in 1927 and is the work of James Braid. It is situated within the Belleisle Estate with spectacular views over Arran. The course is a classic and a parkland golf course set in Belleisle Park, where beech tree-lined and extra-long fairways are interlaced by the Curtecan Burn. The course opens with two relatively short par fives and finishes with a par five that is anything but. There are only two par fours under 400 yards and a cracker of a par three at the 17th.

The club offers modern facilities such as a well-stocked bar, catering services, locker rooms, showering facilities, and buggy hire for those who prefer not to carry their clubs around. Visitors are always welcome at Belleisle Golf Club, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned golfer. The club also has a practice driving area to the front of the clubhouse and a practice putting green at the rear of the clubhouse ³.

Dalmilling Golf Course:

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This parkland course is located in Ayr and is set between Ayr’s famous racecourse and the A77. It offers an 18-hole green and has a par of 69. The course is known for its gently rolling landscape and honest, open layout. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick round of golf, as rounds here will rarely take longer than three and a half hours. The course is also very affordable.

Girvan Golf Course:

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This links course is located in Girvan, South Ayrshire, and offers an 18-hole green. It’s situated on the coast, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Firth of Clyde while you play. The course is known for its challenging holes, which will test your skills. The course was designed by James Braid and has remained largely unchanged since its inception. The course is divided into two distinct parts, with the first eight holes being pure links, immediately adjacent to the coastline, and the second ten holes being parkland. The course measures just over 5,000 yards long and is not the longest, but it provides a golfing test of considerable charm and aesthetic pleasure.

Good club selection and clever course management are key to scoring well around this memorable course.

The club offers modern facilities such as a well-stocked bar, catering services, locker rooms, showering facilities, and buggy hire for those who prefer not to carry their clubs around. Visitors are always welcome at Girvan Golf Course, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned golfer. 

Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club:

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This links course is located in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, and offers an 18-hole green. It’s situated on the coast, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Firth of Clyde while you play. It’s just over an hour’s drive from the port.

The course is known for its challenging holes, which will test your skills. It was designed in 1963 by J.R. Stutt and offers a challenging layout that will test golfers of all skill levels. The course has a standard scratch of 71, and visitors play the yellow course, which has a par of 70 and a standard scratch of 70. With no fewer than nine doglegs, accuracy in positioning from the tee is as important as length. The greens are cunningly sloped, and players would do well to watch out for features like the little upslopes designed to stop the ball at the front of at least six of the putting surfaces.

The club is renowned for the warm welcome shown to all visitors and members alike along with the quality of its fantastic parkland golf course. On the day of your visit, you’ll be welcomed and shown around the clubhouse, and they will ensure you have everything you need for your round. Although they do not have a pro shop, tees, ball markers, and a small selection of golf balls are available from the Secretary’s Office. There are also a number of caddy carts and two-seater buggies available for hire.

If you’re looking for a golfing experience that offers modern facilities, a challenging layout, and a warm welcome, then Prestwick St Cuthbert Golf Club is an excellent choice. The club also features a modern clubhouse where you can relax and enjoy a drink or a meal after your round. They have a fully stocked pro shop, as well as a practice range and putting green to help you improve your game. If you’re looking to join a club that offers a challenging course, excellent facilities, and a welcoming community, then Prestwick St Cuthbert is the perfect choice for you. Their membership options provide access to exclusive benefits, including discounted rates, priority tee times, and members-only events.