Published Saturday, 31 December 2011
McIlroy - the youngest US Open champion for 88 years - said he was humbled after becoming an MBE aged just 22.
"Very humbled to receive an MBE in the Queen's New Year honours list," Rory said on Twitter.
"What a great way to end an incredible year!
"Thank you to all the people who have helped and supported me so far in my career. Hopefully the best is still yet to come!"
Dungannon man, Darren Clarke, who triumphed at the Open in July, joins McIlroy on the honours list.
The 43-year-old received an OBE.
"I have had a fantastic year and this just caps it off. It is a privilege to be recognised with an OBE," he told UTV.
"It is a great honour and a fantastic way to end a great year. I am very proud for me and my family."
He continued: "I could not have envisaged the year I have had. It reflects everything I have achieved in the game which makes me feel very proud".
A total of 55 people from Northern Ireland were awarded honours.
The youngest was McIlroy, the oldest Robina Parkes at 92, who was awarded an MBE for community fund raising.
Also on the NI honours list were Professor Judith Hill, DBE for services to people receiving palliative care. She is chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice.
Professor Jack Crane, state pathologist for Northern Ireland, was awarded the CBE for services to forensic pathology.
David Best, director of finance at the Police Service of Northern Ireland, was awarded the OBE for services to policing.
Joanne Stuart, former chair of the Institute of Directors, was made an OBE for services to business in the community.
Samuel Burnside was made an MBE for services to the arts.
Jeffrey Dudgeon was made an MBE for services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Retired trade unionist Lily Kerr was awarded an MBE for services to industrial relations.
Agnes Reilly, chair of the Belfast Titanic Society, was made an MBE for services to maritime and industrial heritage.