Hastings Europa Hotel

Following extensive refurbishment, the Europa's 272 bedrooms are finished with a modern, upmarket feel, designed for switching off after a long day on the links. Expect comfortable beds, well-kept bathrooms and the sort of quiet, easy-to-sleep-in setup golfers appreciate before an early tee time. Each room is designed to offer a genuine retreat after 18 holes, with quality bedding, well-appointed bathrooms and all the amenities you need to relax and recharge.

The hotel is also well geared for groups. You've got plenty of communal space for meeting up before dinner, and the city-centre setting means you can keep the itinerary flexible. Fancy a proper sit-down meal? Stay in. Want to head out? You're already in the right place. The Europa's reputation for quality isn't just marketing talk, it's built into every detail, from the room design through to the service standards.

Dining is a real plus point here. The Piano Bar Restaurant is a great option for a relaxed but polished evening, with a strong menu and a well-chosen wine list. You can work your way through a menu of gastronomic delights, paired with fine wines and accompanied by city views across Belfast. If you're in the mood for something simpler, you can keep it casual and still make a night of it, especially when there's live music in the Piano Bar. It's an easy spot for a pre-dinner pint or a nightcap while you replay the best and worst swings of the day. The Piano Bar itself is a popular spot for a drink before or after dinner, with live music adding to the atmosphere.

As a Belfast base, the Europa puts you within straightforward driving distance of the headline acts. Royal County Down is roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, and Royal Portrush is usually around 75 to 90 minutes up the coast, so both are realistic day trips if you're happy with an early start. I'll admit that the drive times can vary, especially during peak hours, but the routes are straightforward and the payoff is worth it when you're standing on the first tee at either venue.

If you want to stay closer to the city, you've also got strong options nearby. Malone offers a quality parkland test that works well for mixed-ability groups, with tree-lined fairways and a traditional members' club feel that suits golfers looking for a proper round without the wind and elevation of the coast. Belvoir Park is another solid choice when you want a good round without a big travel day, a mature parkland layout that rewards accuracy and gives you a genuine test without the intimidation factor of the championship links.

The best bit is how easy it is to combine serious golf with a proper Belfast evening. You can get back, freshen up and be in a pub or restaurant within minutes, which is exactly what most societies are after. The city's got a strong food and drink scene, from traditional Irish pubs through to modern restaurants, and you're in the middle of it all when you're based at the Europa. For golfers, that means you're perfectly placed to explore the championship courses of County Down and County Antrim, then return to a well-known city-centre hotel where the evening options are on your doorstep.