“One of the things that separates this tournament from some of the others is that we come back to the same course every year, and that’s a very nice, familiar feeling,” defending champion Rory McIlroy told GoTravelDaily of the The Players Championship on the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The occasion was an Under the Lights Experience on the TPC Sawgrass iconic island green, a mere 137-yard shot, but the nemesis of many pros. The champion demonstrated how to hit the perfect shot as flood lights brightened the target on a chilly evening.
McIlroy was busy prepping for the tournament, set to take place March 10-15 at Sawgrass, but he had another familiar place and idyllic golf destination on his mind: his hometown of Holywood in Northern Ireland. Rich in popular tourist sites and historic venues, the area’s best attractions, according to McIlroy, are its friendly, welcoming people. The golf pro, an excellent example of Holywood’s genial citizens, recalled some of his favorite places, including the golf club where he got his start and opened an academy.
Holywood is set on Belfast Lough, a sea inlet on Northern Ireland’s east coast, just a few miles from Belfast. Parks, museums, shoreline views, and natural beauty are among reasons to visit this charming town. Below are several suggestions for travelers to the Holywood and Belfast area; remember to engage with the friendly locals in a shop, pub, or beer garden.
Ulster Folk Museum
Set on 170 acres overlooking Belfast Lough in Holywood, the museum provides insights into how people lived and worked in the past. Experience life as it was over 100 years ago, featuring costumed guides, cottages, farm dwellings, schools, and shops.
Ulster Museum
Explore art, natural science, history, and technology in Belfast’s comprehensive museum. A section on “the Troubles,” the country’s violent political and civil conflicts of the 1970s, recalls the period through artefacts and art, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Holywood Priory Church
This site, dating back to the 7th century, includes ruins of a 12th-century abbey and church. Stroll among the gravestones and delve into the history of the buildings and the tower that remains.
Titanic Belfast
This popular attraction takes you to the very shipyard where Titanic was built, featuring interactive galleries, special effects, rides, reconstructions, artefacts, and the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s original tender ship.
Holywood Golf Club
Set in the picturesque hills of County Down, this golf course is where Rory McIlroy began his journey in the sport. He recently opened a golf academy with state-of-the-art equipment, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you choose to play the course or visit the restaurant named “1904,” the experience promises to be memorable.
Giant’s Causeway
This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a unique geological formation formed by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. Hike or stroll among the stunning 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns and uncover the legend of the mythical giant Finn McCool.
Castle Ward, Dark Hedges
Game of Thrones fans will recognize the 18th-century Castle Ward mansion and estate overlooking Strangford Lough as Winterfell from Season One. Additionally, explore the tunnel of twisted beech trees featured in Season Two as Kings Road, which adds to the allure of this location. Further Game of Thrones filming locations can be explored throughout Northern Ireland.
Ashford Castle
Away from his hometown, a special place for McIlroy is the 800-year-old castle where he celebrated his marriage and enjoyed a vacation with his wife. Located in County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland, the castle sits beside a large lake, offering activities like falconry, fly fishing, horseback riding, and, of course, golf.
