In our 30+ years of custom planning Ireland golf trips, we’ve heard every question in the book. Whether you’re in search of the best pubs in Dublin or are curious where the Game of Thrones was filmed, our Expedition Planning Managers are sure to have the answer. One question they receive on a daily basis also happens to be one of the most important…
How far in advance should you plan Ireland golf trips?
If you’ve traveled with us before or read some of our other guides, you already know the answer.
It depends.
Like its counterpart across the Irish Sea, the timeline for planning an Irish golf tour depends largely on where you intend to play. What follows are the recommended timelines for planning in each of the most popular regions for golf in Ireland.
Northern Ireland and North Coast
When we opened for business, the number of Americans willing to embark on a golf trip to Northern Ireland were few and far between. Today, a lasting peace and two of the greatest courses in the world have made this corner of the Emerald Isle its biggest draw.
Of course, we’re speaking of Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. The former is the current #1 ranked course in the world by Golf Digest. The latter isn’t far behind on the list and is fresh off hosting the 2019 Open Championship with another on the way in 2025.
Both courses traditionally open their tee sheets for booking in May, but we’d advise having your ducks in a row long before that.
Begin planning in March of the year prior to your trip.
Southwest Ireland
The Southwest coast of Ireland is home to two of the top 100 golf courses in Ireland and a future Ryder Cup venue. Combine this with some of the best sightseeing opportunities in the country, and it’s little wonder why golfers and tourists alike have flocked here for decades.
Although the timeline for planning a Southwest Ireland golf trip is slightly more relaxed than the North Coast, you’ll still want to get the ball rolling early to secure all of your desired courses. This is especially true if that list includes Old Head Golf Links, whose standing as one of the most spectacular experiences in golf also means that its tee sheet fills rather early.
Begin planning 1 year in advance of your trip.
Dublin
Although a mention of Dublin may first conjure images of Bono or the Guinness Storehouse, the capital of Ireland is home to a wealth of great links and parkland golf.
The headliner here is Portmarnock Golf Club, a 19-time host of the Irish Open. The rest of the links lineup, from Royal Dublin and County Louth to The Island and The European Club, could form a weeklong golf trip all on their own.
The primary thing to consider when planning the Dublin leg of your golf trip is that you’re likely pairing it with the Royals in Northern Ireland. If that’s the case, this may limit some of your flexibility, so put your Dublin plans in place as soon as the tee times at Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are in the bag.
Begin planning in May of the year prior to your trip.
Northwest Ireland
If you’ve missed the deadlines above or just aren’t much of an advance planner, Northwest Ireland may offer a solution.
The rugged and remote nature of this region has long made it the odd region out in Ireland. Those who make the journey here, however, are rewarded with some of the most eye-popping links courses on the globe. That collection includes the first world Top 100 golf course in the region at St Patrick’s Links, plus another showstopper at nearby Narin & Portnoo Links.
And then there’s the warm Irish hospitality extended by hotels, restaurants, and golf courses who are delighted that you’ve made the journey. If it’s solitude and seclusion that you’re after, you’ll find an abundance of both in Northwest Ireland. Everything is more relaxed here, including the amount of advance planning required for your trip.
Begin planning 6-9 months in advance your trip.
Now that you have an idea of when to begin planning your golf trip to Ireland, you can move on to the other pressing questions at hand. But if you’ve enlisted the expertise of Haversham & Baker, there’s very little to worry about. Your Expedition Planning Manager has your back.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Ireland.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Ireland, visit the pages below, read our Ireland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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