Carnalea Golf Club Co Down

Golf has been played at Carnalea for over 100 years. It was in 1892 that the oldest golf club in Ireland, Royal Belfast Golf Club, moved from its original site at Kinnegar to the beautiful seaside setting of Carnalea, west of Bangor, resplendent with its picturesque views over Belfast Lough, the County Antrim hills that lie beyond and, on a clear day, Ayrshire and Ailsa Craig in Scotland.

With the subsequent move of Royal Belfast to Craigavad in 1926 and with the acquisition of the land by the local District Council, Carnalea Golf Club was founded and became Ireland’s first municipal golf club in 1927. On 27th May of that year the then members leased the course and clubhouse from the District Council and took over the control and running of the golf club.

Today, Carnalea Golf Club has an 18 hole course, PAR 69, measuring 5716 yards. It is divided into two separate nine holes by the Belfast to Bangor railway line and covers an area of approximately 88 acres. In spite of its limitation in length, there are more problems here than on many courses of far greater yardage and Carnalea is a course for the thoughtful and accurate golfer. It is a very popular course with both its members and visitors and it would be difficult to improve upon its magnificent setting. It is by no means tiring and with its undoubted charms, can be enjoyed even by golfers not performing as well as they should. We are very proud of our facilities and friendly staff.

The clubhouse boasts a well appointed bar and lounge, with a new conservatory overlooking our signature par three 9th hole and the Belfast Lough, a downstairs function room and conservatory and a spendid upstairs dining room and bar with its verandah offering stunning views of the County Antrim hills, Belfast Lough and the course. We have always been fortunate to be well serviced by excellent caterers. 

Carnalea Golf Club always gives a big welcome to both corporate groups and golfing societies and we are more than happy to assist and advise with any requirements you may need. Details of the facilities, green fees, contact names, telephone and facsimile numbers and email address are contained in the fact sheet within the attached folder. You will always be made welcome at Carnalea Golf Club.