Clandeboye Dufferin Course
The Dufferin is the championship course at Clandeboye, set in 330 acres of woodland and heath near Bangor in County Down. A par 71 of about 6,560 yards reshaped by Baron von Limburger, it is rated among the finest inland courses on the island of Ireland, a heathland flavoured test a short drive from Belfast.
Photo: Alastair Kerr via Google.
The verdict
Golf began at Clandeboye in 1933, the creation of local linen merchant William Renwick Robinson, and the Dufferin, the longer of the club's two courses, was later extended and reshaped by the German architect Baron von Limburger across additional ground. A par 71 of about 6,560 yards, it runs through 330 acres of woodland and gorse near Bangor in County Down.
It is one of Ireland's best inland courses, a heathland flavoured layout with sweeping views and a genuine test from the back tees, yet only a short drive from Belfast and from the great links of the Antrim and Down coasts. A top 100 course on the island that welcomes visitors, it is an excellent inland counterpoint on a Northern Ireland trip built around Royal County Down and Royal Portrush.
Clandeboye Dufferin Course at a glance
- Origins
- 1933
- Designer
- Baron von Limburger
- Type
- Parkland and heath
- Par
- 71
- Yardage
- About 6,560 yds
- Green fee
- On request, indicative
Origins, designer, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Clandeboye Golf Club and leading course databases. Golf began at Clandeboye in 1933 and the Dufferin was reshaped by Baron von Limburger, a par 71 of about 6,560 yards. Visitor green fees are available on request and vary by season. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Dufferin plays through woodland and over heathy, rolling ground, with gorse and trees framing tee shots that demand a chosen line. The greens are well defended and the setting peaceful, with views out over Belfast Lough and the Down countryside from the higher holes.
At about 6,560 yards off a par of 71 it is a fair but searching test, particularly from the back tees, and the variety of the terrain keeps the round interesting from first to last. It is widely rated among the best inland courses in Ireland for good reason.
The club runs a strong visitor operation as one of the island's top 100 courses, and the Dufferin is the round to play. It makes an ideal inland contrast to the famous links a short drive away on the Antrim and Down coasts.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Visitors welcome; book a tee time in advance, particularly at weekends |
| Green fee | Available on request and varying by season (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book online or through the club; the Dufferin is the championship course to play |
| On the day | A walkable parkland and heath course; buggies usually available |
| Getting there | Conlig, near Bangor in County Down, about 30 minutes from Belfast |
| Best months | May to September for the firmest, driest conditions and longest days |
Visitor green fees verified as available on request June 2026; figures are indicative and change by season and year, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base in Bangor, Belfast or along the County Down coast, all within easy reach of Clandeboye and packed with hotels and restaurants. A Down base keeps Royal County Down and the Ards Peninsula close as well.
Clandeboye is the perfect inland round on a Northern Ireland links trip, an easy drive from both Royal County Down at Newcastle and Royal Portrush on the north coast. The long days of summer give the most golf for your trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Clandeboye Dufferin Course.
Plan a Northern Ireland golf trip
We pair Clandeboye with Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and the best of the coast, and sort the lodging and logistics around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Clandeboye Dufferin Course questions
Who designed the Clandeboye Dufferin Course?
Golf began at Clandeboye in 1933, and the Dufferin, the championship course, was later extended and reshaped by the German architect Baron von Limburger, a par 71 of about 6,560 yards.
Can visitors play the Clandeboye Dufferin Course?
Yes. Clandeboye welcomes visitors as one of the island's top 100 courses. Book a tee time in advance, particularly at weekends and in summer.
How much does it cost to play Clandeboye?
Visitor green fees are available on request and vary by season. Pricing changes, so always confirm directly with the club before booking.
Where is Clandeboye Golf Club?
Clandeboye is at Conlig, near Bangor in County Down, about 30 minutes from Belfast and a short drive from Royal County Down and the coast.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.