Custom Ireland Golf Trips with Haversham & Baker
When it comes to golf travel across the pond, the comparisons between Ireland and Scotland are both inevitable and frequent. To be sure, there are many similarities between the two. Scotland may be “The Home of Golf,” but the heritage of the game across the Irish Sea is a rich one. Both countries also feature some of the world’s finest links courses, plus a few of its most storied clubs. And the warm hospitality experienced in Scotland and Ireland is, for many, the most rewarding aspect of any overseas golf trip.
While there are many similarities between the two, perhaps the key point which separates Ireland from Scotland is Ireland itself. The island is home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and the courses are often found in settings which border on the sublime. When combined with an array of spectacular hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities, it’s easy to conclude that the Good Life in Ireland is simply without equal.
As for an Ireland golf trip, again the advice is to divide and conquer. The best courses in Ireland are concentrated in four different regions, spread across every corner of the island. Although each region features enough Golf and the Good Life to occupy the traveler for a week or better, one can visit two of these areas in the typical weeklong itinerary, but certainly no more.
If you’re in the early stages of planning a golf trip to Ireland, visit the Ireland section of the H&B Yardage Book. There you’ll find in-depth guides covering all aspects of the planning process.
We suggest starting with this guide that details how to plan a golf trip to Ireland and the important decisions you’ll make along the way.
Here are the four regions to consider for Ireland golf trips.
Northern Ireland & The North Coast
The current #1 ranked course in the world, plus the recent return of The Open Championship, has placed Northern Ireland and the North Coast on the radar of golf travelers the world over. The rest of the lineup here includes two recent host courses for the Irish Open and another which boasts the finest opening tee shot in Ireland. All of which makes this one the marquee regions for an Ireland golf trip.
Northern Ireland and the North Coast also claim some of the best sightseeing and Good Life opportunities on the island. Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge are some of Ireland’s most popular attractions set against its stunning shores. It’s here that one also finds the oldest distillery in Ireland at Bushmills. Meanwhile, a wave of investment over the last two decades has transformed Belfast into one of the great food and culture centers of Europe. So much so that the golfer could base themselves in Belfast for a week, enjoy an abundance of Golf at its Finest and Life at its Best, and never have to change hotels.
Explore The Courses
Royal Portrush
Dublin & Vicinity
The capital of the Republic of Ireland is not only one of the great cities of Europe, it’s also one of the equally great regions for golf. The area is headlined by a former Ryder Cup venue and four hosts of the Irish Open, one of which has been tapped for the honor some 19 times. Of course, when many think of Dublin they also think of Guinness, and it’s here that “Black Stuff” can be enjoyed straight from the source.
Off the course, Dublin’s pub culture is legendary and could fill an itinerary all on its own. From the former haunts of literary giants, to the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland at the Guinness Storehouse, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the sport of pub hopping in Dublin. Add in the city’s exceptional dining, museums, historic sites, and shops and you’re sure to agree the Good Life in Dublin is truly great.
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Portmarnock Golf Club
The Southwest
Although the north has received much of the fanfare of late, Southwest Ireland has carried the flag of links golf here for over a century. The region features no less than six courses on the Golf Digest World Top 100 list plus a future Ryder Cup venue nicknamed “The Augusta of Ireland.” Toss in the area’s spectacular natural beauty, and you’re left with a combination of Golf and the Good Life that’s difficult to beat.
In addition to the golf, Southwest Ireland is also an ideal destination for couples trips and those traveling with tourists who don’t play golf. Between the stunning scenery, the castles, and the other historic sites, there’s an abundance of the Good Life to be enjoyed here. Say nothing of the exceptional hotels and restaurants, which are among the finest across the pond.
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Old Head Golf Links
The Northwest
The Northwest coast is an underrated and overlooked region for golf travel in Ireland. The courses are rugged, raw, and remote. But for the golfer who has “been there and done that” in Ireland, the journey off the well worn path delivers some of world’s most dramatic seaside courses mixed with a few of its most hospitable clubs.
Explore The Courses
Narin & Portnoo Links
The Complete Guide to Ireland Golf Travel
What’s covered in this free 40+ page guide:
To continue researching your Irish golf tour, have a look through our Ireland golf trip reviews or visit the Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
If you’re ready to experience Golf at its Finest with Haversham & Baker, visit the link below to begin your journey to Ireland.
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