[caption id="attachment_67439" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim. "]
The golf world might be forgiven for thinking there’s something special in the water of Northern Ireland, given the rarified circle of Northern Ireland’s golf greats: U.S. Open winners Rory McIlroy (2011) and Graeme McDowell (2010), as well as British Open winner Darren Clarke (2011). From Dungannon, Co. Tyrone native Clarke’s major European victories and five consecutive appearances on the European Ryder Cup teams, to Portrush, Co. Antrim native McDowell’s emergence as a major figure, to McIlroy’s stunning 16-under par performance at the U.S. Open, Northern Ireland has been able boast a stellar group of athletes who dominate the sport.
Now, having one Major winner emerge from such a geographically small area would be newsworthy. Having three in this category - plus this month’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship winner, Ballymoney-born, Michael Hoey, who scooped the prize with an astonishing 22-under par finish - is a bona fide phenomenon.
The great courses of Northern Ireland, where these exceptional players devloped and honed their skills, combine world-renowned facilities with unmatched Irish hospitality. There are a variety of courses to suit every taste: from challenging coastal links to courses designed by some of the top golfers in the world. And in between games, Northern Ireland offers a treasure trove of historical sites, natural wonders, festivals, museums and activities that guarantee a marvelous time for everyone.
The courses
The 5-star Lough Erne Resort in Eniskillen, Co. Fermanagh (www.lougherneresort.com) is Rory McIlroy’s home turf. Its facilities include the Faldo Course, designed by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo. Loch Erne also houses The Faldo Academy, a state-of-the-art practice and instructional center for those looking to hone their skill on the links.
Situated between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, the resort offers breathtaking views from its 120 luxury rooms and suites. It offers two championship golf courses and world-class amenities that appeal to both dedicated golfers and those who simply appreciate great service.
Last year’s U.S. Open winner, Portrush, Co. Antrim native Graeme McDowell, is proud to make his home base at the Royal Portrush Golf Club (www.royalportrushgolfclub.com), situated on the Causeway coast in Portrush, Co. Antrim. Among its other celebrity members are world champions and Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke. In 1951, it became the only links in Ireland to stage the British Open - a distinction it still holds 50 years later.
The club features the Dunluce Links - considered one of the best and most challenging links in the world - as well as its hidden gem, the Valley Links course. They don’t offer on-site accommodation, but if you’re in the mood for a golf break, they can supply both clubs and tuition under the direction of Head Professional Gary McNeill, former Irish Amateur Champion and International team member.
The Royal County Down Golf Club (www.royalcountydown.org) is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. The course stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. The ‘bearded’ bunkers are world famous and the ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in world golf. Royal County Down offers golfers of all standards the opportunity of playing a truly great course against the scenic backdrop of mountains and coastline. The club offers expert instruction by its staff of golf pros. The clubhouse features the Murlough Bar and Dining Room, where golfers can enjoy light refreshments or full meals, as well as a fully licensed bar.
Things to do
Northern Ireland’s beauty is intertwined with history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people. From boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs, and from ancient castles to elegant country houses, this spectacular part of Ireland is packed with things to do. The six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone and two major cities, the capital Belfast and Derry City are just waiting to be explored.
There’s plenty of buzz around the capital these days, as MTV gears up to broadcast its European Music Awards (Known as the EMAs) from Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on Sunday, Nov. 6. Superstars including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Adele and Bruno Mars will be on hand to rock the house - a fitting finale to Belfast’s second annual Music Week.
“Artists tell us they love playing here, they love staying here,” said Richard Godfrey, the show’s executive producer. “The audiences are brilliant and_the hotels are fantastic. There’s something very different, unique and special about Belfast. And the bid was one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
If the great outdoors is more your scene, the Giants Causeway in Bushmills, Co. Antrim is the only World heritage site in Northern Ireland, (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-giantscauseway). Formed as a result of a volcanic eruption that ocurred 60 million years ago. The Causeway is made up of 40,000 polygonal columns made of basalt. After spending some time at the vistor center, you can explore one or all of the three promontories on your own, or join one of the guided tours and see the sights from a shuttle bus. To book accommodation at one of the hotel or guesthouses in the area, visit www.discoverireland.com.
Derry City’s archaelogical claim to fame is its status as the only completely walled city in Ireland, and the finest example of walled cities in Europe. The Walls form a walkway around the inner city, and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.
The Linen Hall Library is arguably the most famous museum in Northern Ireland. Through the end of the year, it will present a fascinating exhibition, “The Plantation of Ulster,” which asks the question: Was it conquest, civilization or cultivation? The turbulent Plantation of Ulster, during which many Scots and Englishmen moved into Ulster in the 17th century, is the subject of this informative exhibition.
While it’s always a great time to visit Northern Ireland, the exciting “NI2012: Your Time, Our Place” project promises to put Northern Ireland on the map as a major tourist attraction. Organizers have planned a slate of events, clelebrations, commemorations and amazing projects to dazzle visitors and attract global attention. For information, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/ni2012.
One of the most hotly-anticipated events of the coming year is the opening of “Titanic Belfast,” which will take place in April 2012. Housed in an iconic 6-storey building designed to look like a great ship, Titanic Belfast is situated in the heart of the city, beside Harland & Wolff Shipyards, the site of the ship’s construction. Visitors will be guided through nine galleries of this state-of-the-art experience telling the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end. The story is brought up to the present with the discovery of the wreck and into the future with live links to contemporary undersea exploration. For information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com or call +44 (0)28 9076 6300.
