June 24, 2021
Many thanks for your inquiry, we would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs!
Epic Golf Travel was founded over 25 years ago and our company partners are PGA Professionals who have over 75 years of golf industry and travel experience. We are members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the leading international golf tourism organization, as well as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
At Epic Golf Travel, our motto, “The Best Golf Vacations on the Planet”, is our sincere promise to you to deliver an exceptional golf travel experience... every trip you take and every time you take one.
To this end, we spend more hours planning and executing your trip than any other golf tour company in the industry. Because of the time we spend, this sometimes comes at a cost, so working with us may not be for everyone or for every trip. But for those who seek a genuine interest in their golf experience and fanatical attention to detail, we believe you’ll appreciate our absolute commitment to you and your golf travel plans.
The attached schedule is based on 1 golfer accompanied by a non-golfing spouse and includes 12 nights single accommodations, 6 rounds of golf, a self-drive automatic 5-passenger sedan or SUV, a full Irish breakfast each morning and numerous other inclusions listed below.
I would suggest planning this trip for as late in the year as possible. If September was not inconvenient for you, I would certainly suggest it over August, which would give Ireland the opportunity to fully open and lift most, if not all, of their restrictions.
The itinerary I suggest for your initial review has you staying in 3 separate lodging options during your trip. I believe this allows for the best use of your time in Ireland, limits excess driving time and gives you the opportunity to see a great deal of the country and stay in 3 of the finest hotels and resorts in Ireland.
Your first suggested lodging is the 4 Star Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle. The resort overlooks the Irish Sea and is framed by the Slieve Donard mountains, the highest mountains in Northern Ireland. The service, finishes and amenities are outstanding. And, you can walk out the back door of the hotel and be on the first tee of Royal County Down in less than 5 minutes! I've included their top category Resort Rooms in this proposal as your lodging. Here is a link to information on these rooms.
Your second suggested lodging is the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort located near Ballymena in north-central Northern Ireland. This is a fabulous 4 Star resort that not only offers wonderful guest rooms, but cottages and cabins as well. The Spa at Galgorm was awarded the Global Spa of the Year Award in 2019. It is a beautiful and relaxing facility. Here is a link to their one bedroom cottages, which I have quoted in this proposal.
My last suggested lodging for you is the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin. This 5 Star hotel sits directly across from St Stephen's Green, the most famous park and gardens in all of Dublin. The city public transit system runs right in front of the hotel, so you can easily get anywhere in Dublin for sightseeing. I've quoted their most spacious guest room, the One Bedroom Family Suite, which, amazingly, they don't have a section for. It is similar to their Deluxe Premium, but with a separate bedroom and that can be found here. The hotel is also 1 block over from Grafton Street, one of the best shopping streets in the city. You'll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, pubs, bakeries and other eateries. You'll also find the street filled with buskers almost every day. Buskers are famous in the UK and are street performers of all kinds... singers, musicians, story tellers, magicians... it's my favorite street in the world.
If any of these lodging suggestions are not what you had in mind, there are many others for us to choose from, so please let me know your thoughts.
Your suggested golf has you playing 6 outstanding links golf courses; Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, County Louth, Portmarnock and Royal Dublin. More information on both your lodging and golf courses may be found below.
I will build your itinerary in greater detail, and with your full input, but my initial thoughts are as follows:
Fly into Belfast and stay at the Slieve Donard for 3 nights while you sightsee around Belfast and the coast and play Royal County Down. Drive a short distance north and inland and stay at the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. Play Royal Portrush and Portstewart and sightsee along the Coastal Causeway Route. Drive south to Dublin and stay at The Fitzwilliam for your final 5 nights in Ireland. Play Portmarnock, County Louth and Royal Dublin and sightsee in Dublin, Malahide and the coast.
I've included a list of things to see and do below and we can discuss many others once we begin to build your final itinerary.
Should this itinerary suit your needs, I suggest you fly into the Belfast International Airport and fly home from the Dublin International Airport.
Our prices INCLUDE ALL TAXES AND ANY RESORT OR LODGING FEES, there are no hidden costs of any kind.
When we've reached the point where you're ready to book, you can simply click on the "Ready to Book" button contained herein and it will walk you through the process of making your deposit and other payments.
I look forward to your thoughts and please reach out with your questions or comments.
Kind regards,
| YOUR TRIP SUMMARY | |
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| DATES: | August 30, 2021 - September 11, 2021 |
| # GOLFERS: | 1 Golfer / 1 Non-Golfer |
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DAYS/NIGHTS ROUNDS: |
13 Days / 12 Nights / 6 Rounds |
| GOLF: | 6 rounds of golf with prepaid greens fees. See courses below. |
| LODGING: | 12 nights lodging in deluxe accommodations at the lodgings listed below |
| TRANSPORT: | 5-passenger self-drive automatic vehicle (Volkswagen Passat Estate or similar. Mercedes C Class Estate add $300.00 USD) |
| ITINERARY: | We will begin to build a final day by day tour itinerary after we've had the opportunity to discuss and fully understand your trip wishes and expectations. |
| PRICE: | $14,440.00 USD TOTAL (PER COUPLE) |
| DEPOSIT: | $2,815.00 USD TOTAL (PER COUPLE) |
| TERMS: | Your monies are 100% protected from any Coronavirus related issues. Your trip can be rescheduled with no penalty should there be any governmental closures, delays or travel bans specific to COVID-19 |
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip a 25% deposit reflected above is required, with an additional 25% payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip a 25% deposit reflected above is required, with an additional 25% payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
| YOUR TRIP INCLUDES | |
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Full use of all practice facilities at all golf courses |
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Full Irish breakfast each morning |
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Destination Travel Pack with useful information on traveling to the UK and areas visited on your tour |
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All Lodging and Golf Course Surcharges & All Taxes |
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Full Services of Epic Golf Travel Personnel before, during and after your trip including a web portal for individual online deposit and balance payments, arranging all golf, room, caddie and dinner reservations, rental car requests & airport transfer requests |
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Epic Golf Travel 24/7 Golf Concierge |
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Automatic Membership into our Epic Plus Program |
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Our Gold Star Service Pledge |
Once you've decided on lodging, this link will take you to your online invoice and our credit card system.
Each golf may make their trip payments individually.
OUR ITINERARY
OUR ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: SIGHTSEE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2021: SIGHTSEE
SEPTEMBER 5, 2021: PLAY ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB DUNLUCE COURSE
SEPTEMBER 6, 2021: SIGHTSEE
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021: PLAY COUNTY LOUTH GOLF CLUB
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021: PLAY PORTMARNOCK GOLF CLUB
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021: SIGHTSEE
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021: PLAY DUBLIN GOLF CLUB
SEPTEMBER 11, 2021: DEPART DUBLIN FOR HOME
JULY 25, 2022: DEPART USA FOR IRELAND
JULY 26, 2022: ARRIVE IN DUBLIN
AUGUST 31, 2021: SIGHTSEE
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021: PLAY ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
SEPTEMBER 3, 2021: PLAY PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB STRAND COURSE
GOLF COURSES
GOLF COURSES
PORTMARNOCK GOLF CLUB
Ranked #3 in Ireland and #47 in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World
Portmarnock Golf Club is situated on its own sandy peninsula, approximately two miles long and covering some 500 acres. The land belonged to the famous distiller, John Jameson, and from around 1850, the links was used as the Jameson’s private golf course. Nine “proper” holes opened for play in October 1894 and, two years later, the course was extended to eighteen holes.
There is nothing man-made about Portmarnock; it’s a natural links, and considered to be a very fair golf course. With water on three sides, the course is at the mercy of the wind. Laid out broadly in two loops of nine holes, you are invariably playing in different directions. Measuring just less than 7,500 yards from the back tees, it is a formidable test of golf.
Portmarnock has hosted a number of important tournaments, including 19 Irish Opens, the Canada Cup and the Walker Cup. The closing five holes are especially brutal. Bernard Darwin once commented: ”I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock”.
ROYAL DUBLIN GOLF CLUB
Ranked #27 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
The Dublin Golf Club, as it was originally called, was founded in 1885. The club moved twice before the course finally came to rest on Bull Island in 1889. Two years later, Queen Victoria granted the club royal patronage. The course was severely damaged during the First World War and was rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920.
This is a classic traditional out and back links, relatively unusual for an Irish links. The course is fairly flat and narrow with long stretches of out of bounds, and the wind tends to swirl around Dublin Bay, generally making the course play tougher than the yardage would indicate. The greens are outstanding and there are some brutally deep greenside bunkers as well.
Martin Hawtree was engaged in course redevelopment work between 2004-2006 and Royal Dublin has improved as a consequence. Today's championship layout stretches to an impressive 7,269 yards from the tips and has hosted numerous Irish Open Championships, with Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer among the winners here at Royal Dublin.
LODGING
LODGING
THE SLIEVE DONARD RESORT & SPA
Located in the heart of the Mournes, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is located on six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The Irish Sea borders one side of the property while the world renowned Royal County Down Golf Links frames the other.
The hotel was originally built by the Belfast and County Down Railway, as a luxury holiday destination. it opened in June of 1898 and was one of the most majestic hotels of its time.
There are 5 categories of guest rooms, with each level offering King Koil Cloud beds, flatscreen TV's, WiFi, in-room tea/coffee facilities, bathrobes, slippers, upscale toiletries and mineral waters.
The Spa at Slieve Donard offers more than 40 specialized treatments to promote relaxation and wellbeing. These include a salt and oil exfoliation, ESPA hot stone massage, personalized facial, scalp massage, manicure or pedicure, an Irish tea ritual, a sea salt foot bath, an ocean body wrap, a tailored back massage and a scalp massage.
GALGORM SPA & GOLF RESORT
Galgorm Resort is Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa and is just 30 minutes from Belfast. Set within 163 acres of lush parkland with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, Galgorm Resort has a wonderful and relaxing setting.
The resort is home to 125 luxurious guest rooms and the unique Thermal Village & Spa, the first of its kind in the entire country.
Your room options include Deluxe and Superior guest rooms, 5 levels of suites, one, two and three bedroom cottages and even log cabins for larger groups.
You will experience pure relaxation in the Spa and Thermal Village, which offers an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. The Resort also features a selection of restaurants & bars as well as conference facilities.
CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE
Scenic, dramatic and inspiring, the Causeway Coastal Route is a constant feature of global top tens and top fives when it comes to visitor experiences and bucket lists. Around every corner of this spectacular winding route you’ll find thrills and adventure, as well as peaceful retreats. The variety along the coastal route means there’s something for everyone and a multitude of ways you can see it.
The route runs north along the coast from Belfast and includes sweeping views of the sea, multiple castles, lighthouses, waterfalls, cliff walks, Game of Thrones locations, suspension bridges, tunnels, river gorges and the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
You'll head north along the east coast of Northern Ireland and then past Royal Portrush Golf Club and across the top northern coast of the country. This is perhaps one of the most inspiring and beautiful drives in the world.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it.
The location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the Top 5 Greatest Natural Wonders of the UK. It is located in Northern Ireland close to Bushmills and Portrush.
Climb the Shepherd's Steps and hike along the clifftop trail to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful causeway coast. Or enjoy the road less travelled capturing the World Heritage Site on an active five-mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path with the guided Clifftop Experience.
You can also unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape in the exhibition area of the Visitor Center.
ST. PATRICKS CATHEDRAL
Ireland's largest church and the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, St Patrick's stands on the spot where St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. Fiction or not, it's a sacred bit of turf upon which this cathedral was built between 1191 and 1270.
As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patricks Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the largest church in Ireland. The adjacent park is a nice respite in the city if you fancy a coffee or picnic break.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE FACTORY
Located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Ireland. In fact, the interior is designed to look exactly like a pint of Guinness itself and is known to be the largest pint in the world.
A ticket to the Guinness factory (roughly €18) will take you on a tour through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you will learn all about the Guinness family, as well as how the beloved stout beer is meticulously crafted to perfection. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, where you can enjoy a refreshing pint of Guinness with a 360 degree view of the Dublin skyline.
DUBLIN CASTLE
Erected in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.
With over 800 years of Irish memories encapsulated within its walls, this incredible structure has borne witness to some of the most pivotal events in all of the country’s history.
Spanning an area of over 11 acres, the Castle stands proudly on the highest ridge in the locality and offers self-guided and guided tours of the grounds, including the Castle’s many rooms, gardens and museums such as the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.
THE OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY
Another historical gem is the Old Jameson Distillery, located just off Smithfield Square. This location previously used to be the original site where Jameson whiskey was manufactured and distilled until it stopped production in the early 1970s.
Learn the story of John Jameson and his adventures in whiskey making on a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery. Since his brave first steps into the brewery building in 1780, the Jameson brand has been focused on its founder's ambition to create unforgettable experiences.
A tour of the old distillery will take you through the history and process of creating the refined whiskey, along with the unique opportunity to take part in a comparative whiskey-tasting experience. At the end of the tour, you will be given an exclusive Whiskey Taster Certificate to officially certify your knowledge in traditional Irish whiskey.
COMMITTED TO THE PERFECT TRIP
A COMPANY OF GOLFERS
We've traveled the world playing golf. We think just like you do, making us the perfect golf planning partner.
BESPOKE GOLF EXPERIENCES
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OUR SERVICE PROMISE
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OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
You deserve a trip that is planned and executed perfectly, providing you with memories that last a lifetime.
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BOOKING PROCESS
In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip a one third deposit reflected above is required, with an additional one third payment due 120 days prior to travel. The balance is due 60 days prior to travel.