Clifftop courses

Natural beauty, bracing air and panoramic views define these five lofty layouts

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Situated on the east Antrim coastline an hour to the north of Belfast, Cairndhu dates back to 1928, but relocated to its spectacular clifftop location 30 years later. John Morrison, an associate of Harry Colt, designed the course, which he expanded from nine to 18 five years later.

It may only just reach 6,000 yards from the back tees, but it can play substantially longer due to the slopes and doglegs. The glittering highlight comes early on at the 2nd, a picture-perfect short hole with outstanding 360-degree panoramas, worthy of inclusion in any list of beautiful par 3s. Elsewhere, there are plenty of very enjoyable holes, such as the dogleg 8th and the sweeping par-5 17th.

Freshwater Bay

GF: £48 day rate