Ardglass Golf Club - Northern Ireland

Ardglass Golf Club in County Down, Northern Ireland, isn't on most British golf-trip agendas, but it's as unique a golf course as you'll find anywhere. For starters, the clubhouse is set in a 13th-century castle thought to be the oldest building used for such a purpose in the world.

The course starts with an incredible uphill coastal hole littered with jagged black rocks. Members tell you, "You've got the sea to the left and the whole of Ireland to the right." The next few holes play above the same coastline, and the Irish Sea is visible from about everywhere on the course. The 11th is another feature hole, a narrow par 5 playing at sea level. About a half hour from Royal County Down, Ardglass is a fine hidden gem in high season.

Ardglass GC

Ardglass Golf Club leads off with a drive from an elevated tee guarded by jagged rocks.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

The highest point at Ardglass looks out over the first hole, the castle/clubhouse and teh Irish Sea.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Ardglass' clubhouse is in a 13th-century castle.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

The narrow par-5 11th is one of the star holes at Ardglass.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Ardglass overlooks the sea at every turn.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

Hidden gem in Northern Ireland - Ardglass Golf Club - Photo Gallery

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com

Ardglass GC

The views inland are pretty good too at Ardglass' closing hole.

Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com