Northern Ireland is made for golf and Tourism NI is ready to ‘putt’ on a show to roll out the red carpet for visitors to the 2024 Amgen Irish Open in Newcastle, County Down.
The hotly contested tournament will play out along the shores of the Irish Sea and against the backdrop of the rugged Mourne Mountains, at Royal County Down Golf Club, one of the world’s most renowned links courses.
Taking place from September 12-15, the Amgen Irish Open will embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit as stars of the sport including Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Billy Horschel, Séamus Power and 21-year-old Tom McKibbin vie for 2023 Champion – Vincent Norrman’s crown.
County Down is of course home to Northern Ireland’s most dramatic mountain range and is the location of the real-life Winterfell Castle from Game of Thrones as well as being St Patrick’s last resting place. The county also has outstanding castles, beaches, forest parks, stately homes, a Royal Palace, all perfectly located for visits before and after the golf.
Following the success of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and in anticipation of the Amgen Irish Open, Discover NI has put together some fun facts about golf in the area and wider County Down, perfect to impress your friends or for a quick quiz at the nineteenth hole. There is also a host of useful information to help your trip to the Irish Open go with a swing.
Did you know
Golf:
- Northern Ireland has hosted the Irish Open four times in the last decade. Royal Portrush is the venue for the 153rd Open in 2025 and it follows the huge success of the 2019 edition, which was won by Shane Lowry.
- Host to the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, Royal County Down has been named Number One Golf Course in the World (by Golf Digest US) four times since 2007. The course has hosted some global superstars such as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson while Rory McIlroy is also a frequent visitor to the revered links.
- For those who appreciate history, head to Ardglass Golf Club, home of the oldest clubhouse in the world. Starting life as a 15th-century warehouse, the castle was added in 1405 to then become a family home in the 18th century. The course hugs the Irish Sea with panoramic views of the coastline.
- Another historical course, St. Patrick’s Golf Club began as an advertisement for a public meeting. It soon became a golf club. Beginning in 1930, they bought an army hut for £30, later converting it to a clubhouse.
- Warrenpoint Golf Club has made history on the world stage in its own right. Distinguished club member, Paddy Gribben won the European Amateur Open in 1999. Not only that, but the fastest round of golf in the world was played here by club member Jim Carvill.
County Down:
- Mourne Gullion Strangford was awarded a designated UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, one of only four in Ireland.
- There are no less than six distilleries in County Down all part of the NI Spirits Trail – from the smallest at Killowen Distillery to stories of secret smugglers and savage battles at Copeland; you are sure to find a tipple and a spirit for you.
- Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland (850m). Within the Mourne mountains you will find the granite dry stone Mourne Wall, which is 1.5m high and extends across 35 kilometers crossing 15 different mountains.
- Castlewellan Peace Maze is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze.
- County Down is a popular filming location for television shows and films. A lot of Game of Thrones® was filmed here (Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest and Castle Ward) while other shows such as Dublin Murders, Frankenstein Chronicles, Bloodlands and the Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves movie.
- Hillsborough Castle is one of the official Royal Palaces set in 100 acres of well-tended parkland and gardens just off the M1 corridor. A guided tour of the castle will trace the history of the palace as you move from one opulent room to another. Outside, you’re able to wander the grounds, discovering the restored Walled Garden, Lost Garden and a myriad of winding avenues, paths and lawns.
- Sit in peace and tranquillity in Downpatrick, said to be the final resting place of Saint Patrick, where, in the grounds of Down Cathedral, his grave is marked by a single slab of Mourne granite. St. Patrick’s legacy is part of the fabric of Northern Ireland – enshrined in churches, cathedrals and the many abbeys, high crosses and round towers that evoke his time and his history.
- Kilbroney Forest Park is a great family stop-off for the C.S. Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail. The author spent boyhood holidays in the area and said this was his inspiration for Narnia.
- In 1921 Charlie Chaplin checked in to the Slieve Donard when he was one of the most famous celebrities in the world. He signed the hotel register giving his address as simply New York City and was taken to the hearts of Newcastle people as their very own link to the wonderful world of the movies.
- The Mourne Coastal Route is a 102-mile driving trail, taking you from Belfast via North Down, The Ards Peninsula, County Down coastline, Mourne Mountains and on to the city of Newry.
- The most famous resident of the village of Killyleagh was Sir Hans Sloane, celebrated in his hometown as the man who brought the recipe for drinking chocolate to Europe from the Caribbean in 1687. More than 60 years later, Cadbury produced ‘Sir Hans Sloane’s Milk Chocolate’. Check out Northern Ireland’s first bean to bar craft chocolate makers and the oldest in Ireland at NearyNógs in Newry.
- Did you know that there are over 30 pieces of public art waiting to be admired in the Mourne region? From sculptures to murals, these pieces are strategically placed both in popular areas and off-the-beaten-track locations, offering a unique way to explore and appreciate the region.
- Harry Ferguson from Growell, County Down invented a hydraulic lifting system which changed how tractors interact with machinery and revolutionised global farming. He was also the first Irishman to build and fly his own aeroplane. The Ferguson Black Tractor, arguably the most important tractor ever made as it brought the innovations all together for the first time, is currently on display at the Ulster Transport Museum at Holywood.
Entertainment
The celebrations in Newcastle begin with the Eats and Beats Festival (7 – 8 September), fringe events including a pop-up food village on Newcastle promenade and Newcastle Restaurant Weekend (11-15 September) which brings together the town’s food and drink scene, with local restaurants, cafes and bars offering exclusive menus and special deals.
Daily and weekly tickets are available now. Children aged 12 and under are eligible for free general admission grounds tickets upon the purchase of an adult ticket, while those between the age of 13 and 17 are entitled to discounted rates.
For more information visit the Amgen Irish Open’s official website or to plan your short break and discover just why Northern Ireland is made for golf visit Irish Open Inspiration