The World Number Two teed off in the penultimate group on Sunday at Royal Portrush, just an hour from his hometown of Holywood.
But it was Scottie Scheffler who underlined his status as the world's top-ranked player, cruising to a four-shot victory and his first Open title.
McIlroy's faint hopes of mounting a challenge faded with a double bogey at the 10th, as he carded a closing 69 to finish in a tie for seventh at ten under par.
Still, the Masters champion was able to enjoy what he described as an "awesome week" in front of his home fans.
"I tried as best as I could to keep my emotions in check, especially walking up the last there and that reception," McIlroy said.
"It's been an awesome week. I've gotten everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug and that's just because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us.
"I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of this crowd.
"Hopefully I'll have one or two Opens left here, if the R&A decide to keep coming back, probably one while I'm still competitive and another one while I'm more grey than I already am.
"It's just been incredible to come back here and to play and at least feel like I had a chance today going out there. Just an awesome week.
"Honestly, I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to.
"I'm not sure Portrush is going to have The Open every six years, that would be nice, but I would obviously love it to keep coming back."
Looking ahead, McIlroy remains optimistic about the rest of his season, with one major team goal firmly in sight.
"I feel like I'm getting back to where I want to be and we've still got a lot of golf left this year, with obviously Ryder Cup being the big one in there in September," he added.
"I don't want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh. So I'm looking forward to a few weeks off here.
"I'll reflect on what's already been a good year and start to get myself ready for that run up to the Ryder Cup."
After securing his fourth major title with a commanding win at the 2025 Open Championship, Scottie Scheffler was once again faced with comparisons to Tiger Woods - but the World No 1 was quick to play down any parallels.
Scottie Scheffler's rivals could do nothing but marvel at his incredible performance after the American soared to a four-shot victory at the Open Championship.
World Number One Scottie Scheffler strolled to a four-shot victory to secure the 153rd Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy's eagle on 12 - which he described as one of the "coolest moments" of his career - gives him a chance heading into the final round of The Open Championship.
