Kirkistown Castle

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club was established on September 3rd, 1902, following a meeting in the Market House, Portaferry, with Major General W E Montgomery offering the lease of Sandgrass Farm at Cloughey for the golf links. The club's first President was Major General Montgomery and Dr. M McDonald was the secretary.

In 1934, James Braid contributed to the re-design of the course, with changes to tees, greens, and bunkers completed by March 1935. The course's clubhouse replaced a wooden hut in 1936 and served various community functions during World War II.

Notable developments on the golf course occurred when sand and gravel were excavated in 1941 for nearby airfield construction, creating noticeable depressions, and in 1949 when Sunday golf was first allowed. The future of the club was secured in 1956 through a 999-year lease with Montgomery Estates.

Throughout its history, the club has experienced further enhancements, including irrigation system installation in 1981 and several green reconstructions, most recently in 1989. A significant clubhouse renovation was completed in 2001 in anticipation of the club's centenary celebrations the following year.

Kirkistown Castle Golf Club is recognized for its value and has been a key feature in the Ards Peninsula, County Down, Northern Ireland. The links course presents challenges such as specialized bunker placement and varying green elevations.