Sample Itinerary – Golf, Castles & Stately Homes

Day 1:

After landing in Dublin Airport & clearing customs meet with your Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide who will be your personal chauffeur and guide for the duration of your trip.

First stop will be Portmarnock Golf Club for 18 holes of breath-taking golf which protrudes into the Irish Sea. It sits majestically on a narrow tongue of shallow duneland. And as a measure of its enduring quality, it remains one of the most respected venues in world golf.

After golf your Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide will take you to the Merrion Hotel to check in.

Overnight at the Merrion Hotel.

The Merrion Hotel is a beautiful restoration of four Georgian townhouses, and is a marriage of exquisite comfort, relaxed elegance and advanced guest facilities, including free Wi-Fi, an 18m pool, spa and gym. The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Bar and Restaurant, and the intimate No. 23 Cocktail Bar.

Day 2:

Meet with your Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide and head West for Doonbeg Golf Links.

Designed by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman, the world renowned 18-hole championship, Doonbeg golf links course at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel™ Ireland (formerly the Doonbeg Golf Club), spans 1.5 miles of crescent shaped beach and century old sand dunes along Doughmore Bay.

The County Clare, Ireland golf course was officially opened in 2002 and immediately earned the prestigious title of Golf Digest’s Best New International Course.

In February 2014 Donald Trump purchased Doonbeg and has since been named renamed, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland.

Overnight in Dromoland Castle.

Dromoland is a majestic castle and was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland who were the Kings of Thomond and whose lineage goes back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, the only High King of Ireland.

Glimpse up at the antique chandeliers, descend the grand staircases and meander through the elegant hallways. Luxuriate in plush, sink-in sofas in front of large, ornate fireplaces with blazing log fires. Experience comfort in the beautifully furnished bedrooms and enjoy fine dining at the Earl of Thomond Restaurant.

Day 3:

After breakfast  Meet with your Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide head down to the stunning South West  where you will play 2 rounds at the world famous Ballybunion Golf Club on the Old Course & The Cashen Course

Ballybunion Golf Club has a secluded location on the southwest coast of Ireland. The course is situated right along the shoreline, providing sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and you will be awoken by the fresh breeze that blows off the ocean. The natural terraine has been well preserved which allows the long grass to grow across the dunes.

In 2015 Golfing Magazine voted The Old Course at Ballybunion the number 1 links course in Ireland and just recently in 2016 was rated number 20 in the top 100 Golf Courses of the world.

President Clinton paid a visit to Ballybunion in 1998 and the very famous “Golden Bear” Jack Nicholas played  Ballybunion in 1989.

After your double round at Ballybunion make your way back to Killarney for dinner in the evening.

Overnight in the Killarney Park Hotel.

Perfectly located in the heart of Killarney town centre, the Killarney Park Hotel is set in mature grounds and framed by the legendary surroundings of Killarney National Park; this is a family owned Five Star Hotel really like no other.

Day 4:

After a leisurely breakfast meet with your Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide & aim for Waterville Golf Links.

Waterville House & Golf Links overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from its location along the Ring of Kerry. The 40-acre estate includes the 18th-century manor house and a renowned championship links course. Golf on the club’s sand dune-covered landscape where gorse and native grasses blanket the golf course. In 2015 Waterville was voted number 3 in the top 100 courses by golf world.

Tom Fazio, a noted international golf architect, was commissioned to update Waterville. Fazio has assisted many of the world’s leading clubs including Winged Foot, Pine Valley and Augusta National.

The course has been played by the professionals like Henry Cotton, Ray Floyd, Mark O’ Meara and Tiger Woods

Overnight in the Killarney Park Hotel.

Day 5:

After breakfast meet with your driver/guide and head towards Kinsale for 18 holes at Old Head of Kinsale.
Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoilt cliff (rising in places to over 300 feet) frame the course.

Designed & constructed by a unique team, including Ron Kirby – former designer at Jack Nicklaus’s Golf Design Services, Paddy Merrigan – Australian course architect and agronomist, Liam Higgins – one of Ireland’s best known golf professionals currently on the Seniors Tour, the late Eddie Hackett – former Irish golf professional and golf course designer, the late Dr. Joe Carr – Ireland’s most successful international amateur golfer and finally, Haulie O’Shea a well know building contractor.

After your round of golf you shall make your way with your driver to Hayfield Manor.

Overnight in Hayfield Manor.

The 5 Star Hayfield Manor Hotel is a family owned, boutique luxury hotel located in a tranquil oasis in the vibrant city of Cork. Situated minutes from Cork city centre and directly beside UCC, Hayfield Manor is discreetly nestled within beautiful walled gardens and is the perfect location to recharge the batteries.

Day 6:

After Breakfast you meet with you Experience Ireland Golf and Travel driver/guide for the last day and transfer to Cork Airport.

Bid farewell to your driver and board your plane with new friendships, Irish memories, and memorable score cards!