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The links we played in Northern Ireland, all more than 100 years old, all ruggedly beautiful, all nestled among seaside sand dunes shaped by the ever-present wind, are must-plays for any golfer who takes the game seriously enough to fly overseas in search of its roots and essence. As good and memorable as they are, the courses were merely stops on a road trip that took me along the breath-taking Causeway Coastal Route, beginning outside Belfast and meandering through numerous idyllic villages that dot the shores of the Irish Sea. The trip included a stay at the Bushmills Inn in Carnlough, and a visit to a familiar Game of Thrones scene, Ballintoy Harbour. In this case, the journey was as amazing as the daily golfing destinations.

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Take a detour off the narrow Causeway Coastal Route and the roads get even tighter.The Globe and Mail

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The fishing village of Carnlough is among the many charming spots to stop along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.The Globe and Mail

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If the views of the Northern Ireland coast aren’t fantastic enough from the car as you drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, stop at Rocky Island on the right and walk across its rope bridge for even better looks at the shores and Rathlin Island, Scotland.The Globe and Mail

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Castlerock Golf Club doesn’t get as much attention as the more celebrated Royal County Down and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland but it’s a strong links worth checking out.The Globe and Mail

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The author takes a break and summons is courage before tackling Calamity Corner, the signature par-three 14th hole at Royal Portrush Golf Club. Major champions Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell are among the golfers who call Portrush their home club.The Globe and Mail

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From the higher elevations at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, one gets not only a great view of the links but also the Mountains of Mourne in the distance.The Globe and Mail

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The jewel of Northern Ireland’s golf courses, Royal County Down, is just a short walk from the stunning Slieve Donard hotel. The gate shows the way.The Globe and Mail

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Dundrum Castle, in the Northern Ireland town of the same name, is just one of many Norman castles that can be found while exploring the countryside.The Globe and Mail

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Take a detour off the Causeway Coastal Route for a glimpse of Northern Ireland’s bucolic lifestyle and ancient castles.The Globe and Mail

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The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic seaside roads, but the narrow sliver of ashphalt is not for the faint of heart.The Globe and Mail

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The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland runs from Belfast to Londonderry along the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, here passing through White Rock Beach in Portrush.

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The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland runs from Belfast to Londonderry along the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, here passing through White Rock Beach in Portrush.

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Causeway Coastal Route, at Giant’s Causeway near Bushmills, Northern Ireland

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The Dark Hedges, near Stranocum in County Antrim, are off the beaten path but are a detour worth taking. The row of beech trees has become a location for the Game of Thrones TV series.

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Causeway Coastal Route, at Ballintoy in County Antrim

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The Causeway Coastal Route, in Country Antrim

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Part of Dunluce Castle near Ballintoy, Northern Ireland, fell into the sea centuries ago, but the remnants make for a great photo opportunity.

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Bushmills, in the Northern Ireland town of the same name, is the oldest working whisky distillery in Ireland.The Globe and Mail

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Rickie Fowler of the United States is among the professionals who are competing at the Irish Open at Royal County Down this week.Getty Images

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