Castle Hopping Across the Pond

Golf courses and castles… Two things found in unmatched abundance throughout Great Britain & Ireland. No matter where your golf adventures may take you, there’s a good chance that a fortress of historical significance is situated nearby. For those looking to soak up some history and culture in-between rounds, a little castle-hopping may be in order.

Here are some of our favorite castles to explore during golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England.

Castles in Scotland

Urquhart Castle

Although the shores of Loch Ness are cluttered with stunning panoramas, none is more inspiring than the view from Urquhart Castle. The 13th century fortress played an important role in the wars for Scottish Independence, before being sacked in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces. Today it gives the endless views at nearby Castle Stuart a run for their money.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched high above the city center, Edinburgh Castle has stood guard over Scotland’s capital since 1085. One of the city’s most distinctive landmarks, the castle is seated on the remains of an extinct volcano. Among its many attractions is the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots – herself an avid golfer – gave birth to James VI of Scotland. He would go on to become James I of England, uniting the crowns of both kingdoms.

Glamis Castle

Just a short drive from Carnoustie Golf Links, Glamis Castle is perhaps best known for its role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Glamis has served as the home of the Earl of Strathmore since the 14th century. It was also the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. A stroll through the garden at Glamis is certain to help clear your head after battling the links at Carnoustie.

Stirling Castle

Few places symbolize the rich heritage of Scotland more than Stirling Castle. The fortress was an important defensive position for centuries, and served as the royal residence for numerous Scottish monarchs. Nearby, the towering monument to William Wallace is also not to be missed. Both sites are easily explored on a day trip from nearby Gleneagles.

Tantallon Castle

Just around the corner from the West Links at North Berwick, Tantallon was constructed in the 15th century by the 1st Earl of Douglas. The last curtain wall castle constructed in Scotland, the fortress was largely destroyed in the 15th century by forces led by King James IV, whose grandfather - James II - ironically banned the game of golf in 1457. The second oldest golf club in town happens to share its name.

Dunrobin Castle

A castle has stood on this ground just north of Royal Dornoch since 1235 as the seat for Clan Sutherland. War and conquest saw the house change hands many times over, yet it is still owned by the current Earl of Sutherland. The castle gardens are modeled after those found at Versailles and are by themselves worthy of a post-round visit to Dunrobin. And while you’re at it, venture a little further north for a second loop around the links of Brora Golf Club.

Castles in Ireland

Dunluce Castle

Just a stone’s throw from the links of Royal Portrush, the original Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by the Earl of Ulster. The fortress changed hands several times through the centuries, and was restored in the 16th century thanks to the booty from a shipwreck involving members of the Spanish Armada. The ruins should not be missed following a round on the championship links which shares its name.

Ardglass Castle

Nowhere does the line between golf and castle-hopping become more blurred than at Ardglass. Nestled along the rocky shores of Northern Ireland, the 15th century building was built by the Fitzgerald family and provides an incredible backdrop to one of the finest opening tee shots in golf. It also provides the club with a rather unique claim: the oldest clubhouse in the world.

Dromoland Castle

When it comes to Golf and the Good Life, few places in Ireland can match that found at Dromoland Castle. Although the current structure only dates to 1835, a castle has stood on this ground since the 16th century when Henry VIII granted it to the 1st Earl of Thomond. The castle was eventually converted to a five-star boutique hotel, whose exquisite accommodations and sumptuous dining form a “Perfect Pairing” with the historic links of Southwest Ireland.

Blarney Castle

Arguably the most famous castle in Ireland, Blarney Castle dates to the 15th century and is home to a rather famous stone. Visitors who kiss the Blarney Stone – while dangling upside down, mind you – are said to gain “the gift of eloquence.” It may be a little touristy, but we’d be remiss to not at least mention one of the most popular attractions in Ireland.

Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a 15th century tower on the shores of Lough Leane. The home served as the seat of Clan O’Donoghue and was among the last to surrender to the forces led by Oliver Cromwell during the Irish Confederate Wars. Today, the castle is one of the most photographed landmarks in Killarney National Park.

Castles in England

Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle dates to the 13th century and is found near Sunningdale in the heart of the London heathland. The castle was restored to its current glory by New York businessman William Waldorf Astor, who later became a subject of The Crown and assumed the title of Baron Astor. The gardens at Hever are perhaps the finest in England and are a wonderful choice for a post-round stroll. They’ve even given rise to their own breed of flower - the famed Hever Castle Rose.

Dover Castle

Just a short drive from Royal St. George’s, Dover Castle is one of the most important fortifications in English history. Perched high atop the start of the famous White Cliffs, the castle offers stunning views toward France in addition to its rich history. The tunnels beneath the castle are worthy of a visit, and served as both an air-raid shelter and strategic headquarters during the Second World War.

Windsor Castle

If you’re playing the spectacular golf courses in the London heathland, Windsor Castle is a must-visit piece of your itinerary. A castle has stood on this site since the 11th century, and it has served as the residence of choice for numerous monarchs. The adjacent St. George’s Cathedral has been the site of numerous royal weddings, and is the final resting place for Henry VIII, George III, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Highclere Castle

If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, the Crawley’s would be happy to welcome you for a visit to their estate. Of course, the real “Downton” is known as Highclere Castle, and is the present day home of the Earl of Carnarvon. We should note, however, that Highclere is a bit removed from the courses near London, so you’ll want to take it in as an excursion on your day off the golf course.

Additional Castles to See

Hampton Court

It may not have "castle" in its name, but Hampton Court belongs on any list of the best castles (or in this case, Palace) in England. A favorite residence of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is another "perfect pairing" with the great golf courses in the London heathland.

Slain's Castle

Looming in the distance near Cruden Bay, Slain’s Castle is thought to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The castle forms an eerie backdrop to the obligatory group photo from the 9th tee.

Castle Stuart

And speaking of backdrops, the grandest of them all is found on the 4th hole at Castle Stuart. Its namesake dates to the 16th century and stands majestically behind the green. If the spire at the top looks familiar, that’s because it forms part of the logo at Castle Stuart.