Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa

The Burrendale's bedrooms are modern, spacious and geared towards an easy, comfortable stay. In-room you have satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, radio, hairdryer, trouser press and complimentary tea and coffee, so you can get organised quickly and head out. Décor is contemporary rather than fussy, which suits a golf trip where you are in and out with shoes drying and an early tee time.

The big plus here is the Burrendale Country Club. There's a 12-metre pool for a loosen-up swim, plus a well-equipped gym, steam room, sauna and whirlpool bath. After a long walk on links turf, it's the sort of facility that genuinely earns its keep, especially if you are playing back-to-back days. The pool is ideal for stretching out tired legs, and the steam room and sauna are exactly where you want to be after a windy afternoon battling the elements at Royal County Down or Ardglass.

Food & Drink

Food-wise, the Cottage Kitchen is your go-to for breakfast and relaxed dining. For a smarter evening, book the Vine Restaurant and make a night of it with the à la carte menu. It's a good way to round off the day, whether you've shot a personal best or Royal County Down has reminded you who's boss. The menu leans on local produce and the atmosphere is relaxed but polished, which is the right balance after a day on the course.

Leisure Facilities

Next door, the spa adds another layer, with a dry flotation bed, nail bar, hair salon and five treatment rooms offering a strong range of health and beauty treatments. It's ideal if you are combining golf with a bit of downtime, or if part of the group is more spa than scratch handicap. The treatment menu covers everything from sports massage to full pampering sessions, so whether you need to sort out a stiff back or just fancy switching off for an hour, the options are there.

The location itself is a real asset. Newcastle sits at the southern edge of the Mournes, with the peaks rising dramatically behind the town and the coast stretching north towards Belfast. It's a stunning setting, and even if you are here purely for the golf, the scenery adds something special to the trip. The town has a decent selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants, so you are not stuck on-site every evening, and the promenade is a nice spot for a walk if you fancy some air before dinner.