Ardglass Golf Club - Northern Ireland

Ardglass Golf Club in County Down, Northern Ireland, isn't on most British golf-trip agendas, but it's as unique a golf course as you'll find anywhere. For starters, the clubhouse is set in a 13th-century castle thought to be the oldest building used for such a purpose in the world.

The course starts with an incredible uphill coastal hole littered with jagged black rocks. Members tell you, "You've got the sea to the left and the whole of Ireland to the right." The next few holes play above the same coastline, and the Irish Sea is visible from about everywhere on the course. The 11th is another feature hole, a narrow par 5 playing at sea level. About a half hour from Royal County Down, Ardglass is a fine hidden gem in high season.