Eleven Days
Ireland hosts some of the finest courses in the world. Specially designed for experienced golfers, this chauffeur-driven programme combines an introduction to Irish countryside and culture with playing some noted links courses and hidden gems.
Each day has been carefully crafted; the trip is the perfect balance of activity and learning about the local way of life. A chauffeur-guide with local knowledge, expertise and great craic, will explain and expand on the area’s rich history and cultural heritage like no book can. Their stories and company will no doubt make your trip truly unforgettable.
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Day One: Arrival – Shannon Airport
Day Two: The 1st Tee – Connemara
Day Three: Countryside & Coast of County Clare
Day Four: The 2nd Tee – Lahinch
Day Five: The 3rd Tee – Ballybunion
Day Six: The 4th Tee – Tralee
Day Seven: Killarney National Park
Day Eight: The 5th Tee – Dooks
Day Nine: Kinsale
Day Ten: The 6th Tee – Old Head & Colourful Cork
Day Eleven: Homeward Bound
Day One: Arrival to Shannon
From Shannon Airport travel directly to Connemara, a region that reflects ‘the real beauty of Ireland’ and is a place close to the hearts of Irish people and visitors alike.
Continue to your accommodation for the first two evenings. Overlooking the picturesque Cashel Bay, this intimate hotel is housed in a 19th century country house in the Connemara countryside.
Day Two: The 1st Tee - Connemara
Your Irish golfing journey begins in Connemara.
Founded in 1973, Connemara Championship Links is a superb test for any golfer and a “must-play” in the area. As there are no sand dunes around the course and it is relatively flat, the wind plays a significant factor. The upside to this is the uninterrupted views of the white sandy beach at Dunlaughin and the Twelve Bens mountain range in the North East. The wild, rugged landscape surrounding the isolated course very much adds to the feel of playing on the edge of Europe.
Day Three: Countryside & Coast of County Clare
Begin the day with an exploration of the Burren. Ruined forts and castles along with numerous prehistoric sites that dot the landscape; the region has been aptly described as ‘one vast memorial to bygone cultures’. A privately reserved specialist local guide will take you on a walk sharing both his knowledge and passion to bring the Burren to life.
To follow, travel to the Cliffs of Moher; selected as one of the Signature Experiences of the Wild Atlantic Way they are a breath-taking Discovery Point and the crowning glory of the Co. Clare coastline. They provide an unrivalled view across the vast wildness of the Atlantic Ocean, and it will doubtless remain in your heart and mind long after you have returned home to the everyday world.
Day Four: The 2nd Tee - Lahinch
Without a doubt, Lahinch Golf Club is an enchanting place to play.
Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1894, he believed that Lahinch was one of the finest natural courses he had ever seen. In 1999, famous English golf architect Martin Hawtree gave the greens more size and slope, adding bunkers and reshaping fairways, all of which modernised the course to present a new challenge in the modern era. The result is a remade masterpiece with Phil Mickelson calling it his favourite links course.
Day Five: The 3rd Tee - Ballybunion
Play the Old Course, Ballybunion. Today the course requires little introduction, but it wasn’t until the 1980s when it enchanted Tom Watson that the world took notice. Upon playing here for the first time he said, “I am now of the opinion it is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world.” High praise indeed; the 11th hole has been named “Watsons” in his honour.
Day Six: The 4th Tee - Tralee
Play Tralee which opened in 1984. It was the very first European golf course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, who stated “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course”. According to golfing folklore, Palmer created the first nine and Mother Nature did the rest; today, it is still considered one of the finest links courses in the world.
Day Seven: Killarney National Park
Spend the day exploring Killarney National Park with your chauffeur-guide. Covering an area of 26,000 acres is Ireland’s first National Park. It is renowned for its beauty; Ireland’s highest mountains, MacGillycuddy Reeks, raise a jagged edge to the sky while at their feet, rest three still lakes studded with little islands.
Day Eight: The 5th Tee - Dooks
Founded in 1889, Dooks claims to be one of the 10 oldest golf clubs in Ireland. This ‘hidden gem’ is situated in a panoramic setting in a corner of Dingle Bay with views of Carrantuohill, the Macgillycuddy Reeks, Rossbeigh and Inch Peninsulas. Former European Golfer of the Year and Sky Sports presenter Ronan Rafferty puts it simply, “one of the best kept secrets in Irish golf”. A real gem.
A noted highlight is the charming Dooks Links Course. It delivers breath-taking views and the chance to play on a course that has challenged golfers since 1889. The Club is genuinely renowned for its friendliness. ‘The warmth of the greeting you will receive in unrivalled; from the moment, you walk through their doors, you will feel immediately at home’.
Day Nine: Kinsale
Visit Kinsale; with its crooked streets, slate hung houses and bow-fronted shops, it is one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland.
Join a foodie walking tour – a unique and delicious way to explore the town. Your guide will take you to different eateries where you will meet owners and producers, allowing you to discover their stories and the history of this unique part of Ireland. At each stop, you will have the chance to sample a specially prepared treat. Fresh seafood, gourmet cheese and hand-made chocolates feature amongst other delectable delights.
Day Ten: The 6th Tee - Old Head & Colourful Cork
The Old Head Golf Links has been ranked #1 in Links Magazine’s listing of the most spectacular golf courses on the planet. It’s built on a diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a must-play for any golf fan at least once in their life.
Spend your final afternoon in Cork, Ireland’s second largest and southernmost city. It has a history dating back to the 6th century when it was founded on islands in an estuary where the River Lee joins the world’s second largest natural harbour.
It has a rich musical traditional and you’ll see numerous snug pubs and bars with live-music sessions. Drawing on the rich resources of the surrounding countryside and superb Atlantic seafood, the city also offers visitors a wonderful culinary experience.
Day Eleven: Homeward Bound
Your chauffeur-guide will transfer you to Cork Airport where you will board your flight for onward travel.
As you travel on horse-back, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Started by Old Tom Morris in 1894, he believed that Lahinch was one of the finest natural courses he had ever seen.
This is links golf in its purest, most natural form which just happens to play over stunning dunes.
has been serving the people of Cork for more than a century. A myriad of artisan and speciality producers have helped develop Cork County into Ireland’s flagship food region. It has a gourmet reputation among the finest in Europe.
Has been ranked #1 in Links Magazine’s listing of the most spectacular golf courses on the planet.
Opened in 1984. It was the very first European golf course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.
Selected as one of the Signature Experiences of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher are a breath-taking Discovery Point. They are the crowning glory of the Co. Clare coastline. Like a viewing platform for prehistoric giants who wish to peer over the edge of Europe, they provide an unrivalled view across the vast boiling wildness of the Atlantic Ocean
Cork is Ireland’s second largest and southernmost city with a history dating back to the 6th century; Founded on islands in an estuary, waterways circle the city centre crossed by over 20 bridges. Hilly neighbourhoods climb the river banks, stacked with colourful houses. These along with the Georgian architecture give the city a Continental feel. It is a creative and exciting city, renowned for learning, with a world class university and specialist colleges. It has a rich musical traditional and is home to no less than 24 festivals running throughout the year.
One of the prettiest small towns in Ireland, with its crooked streets, slate hung houses and bow-fronted shops.It has a long and chequered history. The Battle of Kinsale in 1601 was the ultimate battle in England’s conquest of Gaelic Ireland. The Irish forces and their Spanish allies were defeated which signified the end of the old Gaelic order, Irish resistance and marked a turning point in the history books. For over 300 years it was a garrison town and port of consequence, which left a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture.
The Burren is truly is a special place full of wonder, beauty and discovery. It is a karst landscape made up of an extraordinarily rich geological, botanical and archaeological heritage with parts of the region classed as a National Park. This limestone plateau resembles a lunar landscape; in the spring and summer months, great colour abounds against the stark landscape. Ruined forts and castles and numerous prehistoric sites dot the landscape; the region has been aptly described as ‘one vast memorial to bygone cultures’.
