HUNT VALLEY IRELAND Golf Tour

JULY/AUGUST 2022 | 6 NIGHTS | 7 ROUNDS | 8 GOLFERS

Epic Golf Travel

August 1, 2021

Gentlemen,

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.


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.


This trip itinerary is a quotation only and therefore remains subject to availability.

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
DATES: July/August 2022
# GOLFERS: 8 Golfers
DAYS/NIGHTS
ROUNDS:
7 Days / 6 Nights / 7 Rounds
GOLF: 7 rounds of golf with prepaid greens fees to include Royal Dublin GC, Portmarnock GC, The Island Club, County Sligo GC, Strandhill GC, Donegal GC & Enniscrone GC
LODGING: 6 nights double or single lodging in 4+ Star accommodations at the Radisson Blu Sligo & The Dylan Hotel in Dublin
TRANSPORT: Fully chauffeured coach & driver for the entirety of the trip
ITINERARY: See below
PRICE: $2,540.00 USD per person
DEPOSIT: $1,000.00 USD per person
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 $1,000.00 USD deposit is required the balance due 60 days prior to travel.

In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip a $1,000.00 USD deposit is required the balance due 60 days prior to travel.

YOUR TRIP INCLUDES
Full use of all practice facilities at all golf courses
Full Irish breakfast each morning
Destination Travel Pack with useful information on traveling to the UK and areas visited on your tour
All Lodging and Golf Course Surcharges & All Taxes
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
Epic Golf Travel 24/7 Golf Concierge
Automatic Membership into our Epic Plus Program
Our Gold Star Service Pledge

Each golf may make their trip payments individually.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare
Caddie fees
Meals other than breakfast
Golf not listed
Incidentals

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

AUGUST 30, 2021: ARRIVAL

Arrive Dublin International Airport

Pick up your rental vehicle for the trip. Specific instructions for pickup will follow.

It's an hour and 45 minutes to the Slieve Donard Hotel

Sightsee along the way, relax at the hotel, or walk into Newcastle from the hotel for a bite or pint

Overnight at The Slieve Donard Hotel

AUGUST 31, 2021: SIGHTSEE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Sightsee around Belfast (Titanic Belfast, Peace Wall, St. George's Market, Botanical Gardens, Belfast Castle), visit the Strangford Lough, hit balls at Holywood Golf Club (home of Rory Mcllroy), visit the coastal town of Ardglass and stop in the worlds oldest golf clubhouse or take a day trip tour from Belfast to Giant's Causeway, Game of Thrones locations and many others

Overnight at The Slieve Donard Hotel

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021: PLAY ROYAL COUNTY DOWN

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at Royal County Down Golf Club (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 1 minute

Overnight at The Slieve Donard Hotel

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: SIGHTSEE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Check-out of the Slieve Donard and head north towards Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort

Sightsee in Belfast along the way, visit Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles or drive along the coast on the Coastal Causeway Route for the day

Overnight at Galgorm Resort

SEPTEMBER 3, 2021: PLAY PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB STRAND COURSE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at Portstewart Golf Club Strand Course (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 40 minutes

Overnight at Galgorm Resort

SEPTEMBER 4, 2021: SIGHTSEE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Take advantage of Galgorm's amazing spa options, sightsee along the northern coast of Ireland, continue on the Coastal Causeway Route or finish your list of other things to see and do

Overnight at Galgorm Resort

SEPTEMBER 5, 2021: PLAY ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB DUNLUCE COURSE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at Royal Portrush Dunluce Course (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 35 minutes

Overnight at Galgorm Resort

SEPTEMBER 6, 2021: SIGHTSEE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Drive 2 hours 30 minutes from Galgorm Resort to Dublin

Sightsee along the way... check out Belfast again or visit smaller towns such as Lisburn, Dromore, Banbridge, Newry and Dundalk

Overnight at The Merrion Hotel

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021: PLAY COUNTY LOUTH GOLF CLUB

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at County Louth Golf Club (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 50 minutes

Overnight at The Merrion Hotel

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021: PLAY PORTMARNOCK GOLF CLUB

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at Portmarnock Golf Club (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 30 minutes

Overnight at The Merrion Hotel

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021: SIGHTSEE

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Sightsee around Dublin today. Take in Dublin Castle, Guiness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, the Kilmainham Gaol Prison, Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Grafton Street, Temple Bar or one of many museums in the city

Overnight at The Merrion Hotel

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021: PLAY DUBLIN GOLF CLUB

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Golf at Royal Dublin Golf Club (AM golf so afternoon is free to sightsee) | 20 minutes

Overnight at The Merrion Hotel

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021: DEPART DUBLIN FOR HOME

Full Irish breakfast at the hotel

Head to the Dublin International Airport for flight home

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GOLF COURSES

GOLF COURSES

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.

DONEGAL GOLF CLUB

Ranked #18 in Ireland

Donegal Golf Club is built on a rugged and crumpled piece of linksland that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. It's an enchanting and isolated setting for golf, with views across the bay to the Bluestack Mountains.

The course opened in 1973 and stretches to over 7400 yards from the tips. The outside loop plays along the dunes and the ocean, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. The inner loop is more protected, however the constantly changing sea breeze provides a formidable test for both pro and amateur alike.

Originally designed by the legendary Irish golf course architect, Eddie Hackett, the course is continually being molded and enhanced by the master of links design, Pat Ruddy.

Facilities include a driving range, warm up area, and putting, chipping and bunker practice areas.

ENNISCRONE GOLF CLUB

Ranked #13 in Ireland & Top 100 in the UK

Enniscrone is among the finest and most challenging of traditional Irish links courses and offers 27 holes on 400 acres of magnificent links land.

The Dunes Championship Course is one of Ireland’s top-ranked championship links courses and is regularly a Top 15 Links Course in Golf Digest’s review of Irish golf courses.

First opened in 1918, the great Irish architect Eddie Hackett put the course on the map when he extended the course to 18 holes in 1974. An additional 9 was added shortly thereafter and work was also done to route some holes through the magnificent dunes.

The fairways pitch and roll through towering shaggy dunes while the greens are raised on plateaus and protected by deep valleys and revenues.

Enniscrone is a breathtaking golf course set in a ravishing location. It is natural, perfectly complements its surroundings and you have an ever-present sense of freedom while playing.

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”.

THE ISLAND CLUB

Ranked #8 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland

The Island Club in Ireland was once on an island. It’s now attached to the mainland but it’s still an isolated peninsula-like spur of links land, sandwiched between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow estuary.

Few people know about The Island Golf Club, despite the fact that the course is over 100 years old and has featured in numerous ranking tables over the years. One leading golf magazine once commented: “The best course in Ireland you have never heard of. Play it and tell no-one.”

This is a no-frills golf course. There is nothing artificial, it’s simply harmonious and in tune with its surroundings. Some of the most shaggy, rugged and looming sand dunes imaginable provide natural and distinct amphitheaters for many of the holes. In the summer, if you are unfortunate and wayward enough to find the dunes, be careful to avoid trampling on the wild dune flowers.

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.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

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

We offer the finest resorts and golf courses in the world and customize each and every trip.

OUR SERVICE PROMISE

Our partners have been providing the highest level of service to their golf clientele for decades.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

You deserve a trip that is planned and executed perfectly, providing you with memories that last a lifetime.

CLUB SHIPPING WITH SHIP STICKS

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To get started, click on Ship Now and fill out the online form. Once you've placed your order you will receive detailed instructions on how to package up your clubs for shipping, including a link to track your clubs in real-time.

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BOOKING PROCESS

In order to secure all aspects of your golf trip a $1,000.00 USD deposit is required the balance due 60 days prior to travel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Lodging & Tee Time Reservations
All lodging, tee time, car rental and food and beverage reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking. We cannot book reservations until all travelers have submitted a deposit.

Travel Insurance
Epic Golf Travel strongly recommends that all parties traveling on trips purchase travel insurance. 

Ship Sticks
Epic Golf Travel has partnered with Ship Sticks to bring you a simpler way to take your golf clubs on vacation with you. For more information check out the Ship Sticks link on our website.

Flights
Flights are not included in this quote.

Ground Transportation
Ground transportation may be included in this quote. Please review the trip inclusions above.

Package Prices
Please note that the package prices include all local taxes and obligatory service/resort fees (unless specified). Quotes are valid for 30 days. If you return back to us after 30 days then any quote you have received will need to be updated.

Exchange Rate

Your trip was quoted at the exchange rate that was in place at the time the proposal was presented to you. If, at the time of our non-deposit payments (any payments to our suppliers made after our initial deposit payments to them) to the suppliers (golf, lodging, transportation, etc.), the exchange rate increases more than 2% in favor of the non-United States currency, Epic Golf Travel will adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the exchange rate in place at that time. The maximum we can increase your trip cost is 7% of the trip total.

Reservations
Usually within a suggested trip, there are one or two golf courses or lodging choices that have limited inventory during your requested dates and ideal times. Please keep that in mind as you progress through your decision making process.

Confirming Your Custom Tour
Your final itinerary will be confirmed after deposits are received from each member of the group. Our staff will then make reservations with each of your golf, hotel, transportation and/or side trip selections to match your selected dates and times.

Deposits
A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your lodging, golf and transportation. Your deposit may be used for future trips if your trip is cancelled. The deposit percentage varies depending on the location, dates of travel and requirements of your destination supplier. The balance is due 60 days out from trip departure date. Please see our Terms & Conditions for complete details.

Cancellations & Refunds
If you have made a deposit or final payment with us for a trip and you ask us to then cancel your reservation, the current cancellation policies in our Terms & Conditions will be applicable.