Royal Portrush Golf Course

The Royal Portrush Golf Club started life as The County Club in 1888, and back then, it was a nine-hole course. Just a year later, another nine holes were added alongside Causeway Road to extend it to an 18-hole course. Eventually, in 1895 it was renamed The Royal County Club under the patronage of the Prince of Wales.

As you can see, this club has a long and impressive history, and over the years, it has played host to more than sixty national championships, including The Open and the British Ladies Championship.

Well, in 2025, a staggering 68 years since it was last hosted at Royal Portrush Golf Course, The Open will return to Northern Ireland for The 153rd Open.

The location of this incredible course, coupled with this monumental event, makes this a wonderful road trip location. Of course, you don’t have to wait until 2025 to visit Portrush; there is so much to see and do around this area, so why wait? You could always book a campervan and get in an earlier trip.

Planning your road trip

Whether you intend to wait for the return of The Open or visit before then, every good road trip starts with a solid plan. This is particularly true when you’ve got to book tickets to the club or secure yourself a pitch on a nearby campsite.

So, if you intend to head over to the Royal Portrush Golf Course for a game or to watch The Open, the best thing you can do is plan your itinerary ahead of time.

Of course, the first big decision is going to be which campervan to hire. You want it to be comfortable, spacious and practical, as well as enjoyable. Check out our range of campers to find the ideal van for you.

Once you’ve booked your home on wheels, you can begin to look into nearby campsites, as well as other interesting things to do and see in and around Portrush. The good news is we’ve made a start for you; check out our tips below.

Things to do near the golf club

Whether you intend to play golf yourself or watch others play at The Open, you shouldn’t spend every minute of your trip inside the golf course. Portrush is a popular seaside resort that offers good old-fashioned family fun. It is also a top surf spot, home to great bars and restaurants and an all-round great place to visit.

As well as the town of Portrush, there are also lots of great places to get out and about and explore in your campervan, including:

  • Dunluce Castle
  • The Giant’s Causeway
  • Portrush Whiterocks Beach
  • Carrick-a-Rede – A National Trust spot
  • The Dark Hedges
  • Portrush Harbour
  • Rinnagree Coastal Park

Of course, this is just a very top-line overview of this incredible location. Many of these spots are magical in their own right, but some have famously appeared in Game of Thrones and fantasy films, making them even more popular to visit.

Plus, the Giant’s Causeway and many of the nearby beaches make up the unique jewels in the crown of the North Antrim coast. In such a beautiful and varied area, you’d be crazy not to explore further afield and see what this county has to offer.

Best places to stay nearby

Many visitors to Royal Portrush Golf Course will choose to stay in the local hotels. However, we know that a road trip is far more fun. You can get out and explore and take your home with you wherever you go!

Not only this, but there are loads of great spots where you can camp for the weekend, week, night, or however long you intend to stick around. This gives you more flexibility, and you’re likely to meet lots of fellow campers along the way. Some of the top sites located near Royal Portrush Golf Course include:

  • Skerries Holiday Park, Portrush
  • Craigahuliar Holiday Park, Portrush
  • Juniper Hill Holiday Park, Portstewart
  • Sandhill Drive Motorhome Parking, Portrush
  • Carrick Dhu Caravan Park, Portrush
  • Golf Links Holiday Homes, Portrush

Most of the campsites on our list are located in Portrush as this is the most logical location for being close to the golf course. However, there are lots of other wonderful campsites around the county that you can try out if you want to go further afield.

There are also a couple of good wild camping spots you can stop at overnight if you’re making a long drive or fancy getting back in touch with nature. Just be sure to leave without a trace the next day.