It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago.

The biggest sporting event in Northern Ireland’s history brought a major boost to businesses as visitors flocked to Portrush.

Golf's rich history is on full display at the picturesque Royal Portrush — Golfweek's No. 2 rated course in all of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Explore Royal Portrush Golf Club in depth–learn five facts about its historic origins, Dunluce Links, Open legacy, renovations, and more.

When the Royal Portrush Golf Club was founded, it was called simply “the Country Club.” Starting in 1892, the club was renamed “the Royal Country Club,” and in 1895, it became the “Royal Portrush Country Club.” The changing names have to do with the British royal family, and the history of royal golf clubs.

Only the Open Championship can make a small, seaside town in Northern Ireland feel like the centre of the sporting universe.

As we finally catch our breath after a sensational week of golf at the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, the question on everyone's lips is...when can we do it all again? The return of one of the world of sport's most iconic championships to Northern Ireland in 2019 was huge given the 68-year wait to have the great and the good of golf battling it out for the Claret Jug back on these shores once more.

A large band parade that took place during The Open golf tournament on the north coast “positively contributed to a most memorable weekend”, a TUV councillor has said.