THE RUGGED NORTHWEST COAST OF IRELAND & THE CAPITAL CITY OF DUBLIN AWAIT YOU...
Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, The Island Club, County Sligo, Strandhill, Donegal & Enniscrone...
Play seven of Irelands greatest links courses and visit both coasts... the wild & untamed northwest with its classic links courses & the capital city of Dublin with its collection of world-renowned links.
You don't have to look far to find amazing links courses in Ireland, the country has more links courses than any country in the world outside of Scotland. As compiled by The Links Association, of the 58 true links courses in Ireland, you'll be playing 7 of them.
With all courses ranked in the Top 40 Courses in Ireland, and with 4 ranked in the Top 15, your golf experience will rank second to none.
You'll also get to experience Dublin, one of the greatest capital cities in the world. Here you'll find the Guinness Storehouse Factory, the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street & its Buskers, St. Patricks Cathedral, the National Museum of Ireland, the famous Temple Bar (among the city's 750 pubs) and much, much more...
TRIP DETAILS
YOUR GOLF COURSES
You'll play 7 of the Top 40 Golf Courses in Ireland
DAY 1
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.
DAY 2
DONEGAL GOLF CLUB
Ranked #18 in Top 100 Golf Courses 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.
DAY 3
COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB (ROSSES POINT)
Ranked #7 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
County Sligo, designed by Harry Colt, is a traditional links layout. The course utilizes the natural contours of the dune-covered landscape, rather than having moved a large amount of earth during its construction. The end result is a course filled with dramatic undulations, elevated tees and raised plateau greens.
The views are spectacular, from the third tee on a clear day one can see five counties, the lighthouse out to sea, the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal, Lissadell House in the trees across the bay, Queen Maeve’s grave on top of Knocknarea and the imposing back ground of Ireland’s table mountain Benbulben.
County Sligo is a joy to play and has it all, including unusual routing over three distinctly different sections. The individuality of holes and the varied terrain makes the course an absolute must-play.
STRANDHILL GOLF CLUB
Ranked #40 in Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
Strandhill Golf Club was originally designed as a 9-hole course in 1931 before becoming the 18-hole links course we see today in 1973, with the help of architect Eddie Hackett. Wedged in between the Atlantic Ocean and the famous landmark of Knocknarea Mountain, Strandhill provides a stunning round of golf on some interesting dunesland.
The course offers great variety in shotmaking and although less than 6,400 yards from the back tees, is still able to present an excellent challenge and a very fun round of golf. Nature has been of great assistance to Strandhill, as the aspect of the course provides some of the most scenic coastal views in all of Ireland.
The club is also home to a wonderfully modern clubhouse that opened in 2006, offering some of the most picturesque views from the 19th hole in Ireland.
DAY 4
ENNISCRONE GOLF CLUB
Ranked #13 in Ireland & #63 in Top 100 Golf Courses 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.
DAY 5
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.
DAY 6
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.
There are delightful views to the south of Portmarnock, including the Ireland’s Eye (a small island), home to important seabird colonies and the Hill of Howth (once famous for its electric trams).
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”.
YOUR LODGING
3 nights on the rugged west coast & 3 nights in the capital city of Dublin
RADISSON BLU HOTEL SLIGO
4 Star property overlooking Sligo Bay and the surrounding mountains
Surrounded by the gorgeous countryside of Rosses Point, the Radisson Blu Hotel offers majestic views of Sligo Bay and the neighboring mountains.
The hotel offers 132 modern rooms and suites with generous amenities including high-speed WiFi, premium linens, blackout curtains, satellite flatscreen TV, large work desk, minibar, coffee & tea maker, robe and slippers.
You'll also enjoy the top-rated Solas Spa, fully-equipped gym, a heated indoor pool and the AA Rosette-accredited Classiebawn Restaurant.
DYLAN HOTEL DUBLIN
Historic 5 Star boutique hotel located in Irelands capital city
The Dylan Hotel is just off Baggot Street in Dublin’s south city centre. This historic hotel was once home to the nurses of the Royal City of Dublin Hospital and is now Dublins only five star boutique hotel. Located in a quiet and leafy neighborhood The Dylan is only minutes from the main sights and attractions of Dublin.
Each of the 72 guest rooms have been individually styled with a mix of whimsical decor... artistic headboards, intricate mirrors, statement chairs and classic pieces.
In the rooms, there are flat-screen TVs, iPod docks (with iPods loaded with historical Dublin walking tours), stocked minibars, and bathrooms with underfloor heating. Amenities in the hotel include a fitness room, a cozy bar, heated outdoor terrace, excellent restaurant, and 24-hour room service. In addition to its character and sleek style, the Dylan is well known for its excellent service.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
Ireland is much more than just golf, so be sure to spend some time enjoying the sights & sounds
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.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE FACTORY, DUBLIN
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.
THE OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY, DUBLIN
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.
GRAFTON STREET, DUBLIN
A bit like Dublin city itself, Grafton Street presents something of an enigma to visitors. In other major capitals, people gather along grand boulevards to shop, lunch, drink and eat. In Dublin, locals head to Grafton Street, a narrow winding road that’s been at the heart of the city’s social life for more than a century.
Grafton Street is home to all varieties of shops, both locally owned and national brands. It's also home to countless restaurants, cafes and pubs. And, most famously, Grafton Street is home to the many buskers that entertain visitors with a variety of music, magic and street performances.
Entering from Stephen’s Green in the south, Grafton Street meanders by a series of street-level shops, twisting and turning, before sloping down to the broad sweep of College Green and the grand entrance to Trinity College.
On a busy Saturday afternoon it can be hard work negotiating a path from one end of the street to the other, so dense are the crowds strolling about or gathered around the multiple street entertainers.
THE SEASIDE VILLAGE OF MALAHIDE
The town of Malahide is situated just outside of Dublin city proper and is surrounded by countryside, the broad meadow estuary and the Irish Sea. The town has won numerous Irish Tidy Towns Awards and is a modern village with a traditional Irish feel.
This picturesque seaside village enjoys a blend of contemporary chic and old-school Irish charm that is as unique as it is captivating.
Malahide has acquired a reputation as the gourmet capital of the East Coast of Ireland and the village boasts a wide array of retail destinations and services including fashion boutiques, hair and beauty salons, florists, restaurants, cafes and two small shopping centers. Traditional shopfronts and several cobble-lock side streets give the village an intimate and welcoming feel.
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.