Marine Hotel Ballycastle

The Marine Hotel Ballycastle offers 34 individually designed bedrooms, all refurbished, and they're notably spacious by local coastal hotel standards. It's a practical win for golfers, particularly if you're travelling with a lot of kit, as there's room to spread out without living out of the suitcase. Rooms come with either sea views or a town-facing outlook, with a clean, modern finish that keeps things simple and comfortable.

You'll find the essentials you actually care about on a golf trip: comfortable beds, solid showers, a flat-screen TV and enough plug sockets to keep phones, rangefinders and gadgets charged for the next day. The hotel's 2018 investment also shows in the public areas. The £1 million refurbishment covered the ground floor spaces, including the bar and bistro, coffee shop and lobby, which makes the whole place feel fresh and easy to use, whether you're heading out early or rolling in after a long day on the links.

Marconi's Bar & Bistro is the main hub, open daily until late and overlooking the seafront. Executive Chef Pol Shields and his team focus on locally sourced produce, with a menu that suits golfers well. Think hearty favourites done properly, alongside lighter options if you're saving yourself for tomorrow's 36. Dietary requirements can be catered for, which is helpful for mixed groups. The bar is a relaxed spot for a post-round drink, with a good range of beers, Irish whiskeys and wines. If you land a window seat, the view across the water towards Rathlin Island is hard to beat.

The hotel's location is its biggest asset for golfers. You're a short drive from Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle Golf Club, with the rest of the North Antrim courses within easy reach. Ballycastle town centre is within walking distance for evening entertainment, and the team are used to hosting golf groups, so early starts are straightforward. The Marine works particularly well for societies and groups who want a comfortable base without the formality of a resort. You get quality accommodation, good food, a central location and the kind of straightforward service that lets you focus on the golf rather than the logistics.