The Good Life in Ireland
Must-See Experiences Between Rounds of Golf
When it comes to Ireland golf travel, it's natural to focus on the remarkable links courses scattered across the stunning landscape. But as anyone who’s made the journey will tell you, it’s the moments between rounds that leave you craving more.
The Good Life in Ireland isn’t about the overused idea of “luxury.” It’s about warmth, connection, and the joy of discovery. A perfectly poured pint. A lively conversation with a local. A simple drive that leads to an unexpected panorama.
In that spirit, here are 25 experiences—five in each corner of Ireland, plus 5 personal favorites—that only begin to scratch the surface of the Good Life awaiting across the Emerald Isle.
Dublin
Guinness Storehouse
Yes, it’s on every list — but for good reason. The interactive tour offers a fascinating look at all things Guinness, but the highlight comes at the Gravity Bar, where a perfectly poured pint is paired with sweeping views over Dublin.
FX Buckley
A stalwart of Dublin’s dining scene, FX Buckley serves some of the finest Irish beef you'll find anywhere. Both the atmosphere and menu are tailor-made for a bit of the Good Life after a round.
Walking Tour of Dublin
There's simply no better way to connect with a destination than in the company of a local. Whether you choose history, literature, or pub culture, a guided walk provides an easy way to connect with the city’s layered past — and a few places you might not have found on your own.
Teeling Distillery
Dublin’s distilling heritage was dormant for decades, but Teeling is overseeing its revival. The small-batch whiskey is excellent, and the tour delivers a modern take on Ireland’s long whiskey tradition. The perfect choice after your round of golf at nearby Portrmarnock or Royal Dublin.
Trinty College & The Book of Kells
The Long Room’s vaulted shelves never fail to impress, and the intricate artistry of the Book of Kells remains one of Ireland’s true cultural treasures.
The Trinity College Library is one of the most visited rooms in Ireland. Get there early to beat the crowd.
Northern Ireland
The Harbour Bar, Portrush
When it comes to things to do near Royal Portrush, the Harbour Bar should be at the top of your list. One of the finest 19th holes in golf, and easily the best in Ireland. The gent who runs the place, Willie Gregg, is a legend, and has covered the walls and ceiling with golf memorabilia. But it's the atmosphere that you're sure to remember. Whether you're visiting Royal Portrush for The Open or a tee time, the Harbour Bar is a must-visit.
Belfast Black Cab Tour
Belfast’s complicated and compelling history is best understood through the stories of those who lived it. The cab tours bring that history to life in a way no guidebook can.
Bushmills Distillery
The oldest licensed distillery on the island still produces some of its finest whiskey. As one of the most popular things to do in this corner of Ireland, you'll want to book your tour and tasting in advance.
Belfast Cathedral Quarter Pubs
An evening in the Cathedral Quarter has a way of stretching on. The craic flows in abundance, much like the Guinness from the taps at these legendary pubs.
Giant's Causeway
It's a little cliche to note that "photos can't do it justice," but it's accurate. The natural geometry of the stones, set against the Atlantic, makes for one of the most memorable stops on the aptly named Causeway coast.
Nick Haudek, PGA with his Evansville Country Club members at the Giant's Causeway.
Northwest Ireland
Crolly Distillery
A newcomer to the Irish distilling scene, the Crolly Distillery is worth the journey off the beaten path. From the historic building to the story behind it's gorgeous bar, you'll be glad you made the trip.
Rosapenna Resort
Only at the Rosapenna Resort can you check-in and enjoy three outstanding Irish links courses just steps from your hotel room. Not to mention, one is a member of the world top 100 and another was designed by Old Tom Morris.
Donegal Town
There’s no itinerary required here. Shops, pubs, and the waterfront combine for a few easy hours of wandering and enjoying the pace of a Donegal afternoon. If you have some extra time, the Donegal waterbus is a fun detour.
Lough Eske Castle
A fine example of how Ireland does castle accommodations: polished, 5-star service that's still comfortable and welcoming. After a day on the nearby links, the fireside seats here are hard to leave.
The Harbour Bar, Downings
Yes, another Harbour Bar. But the contrast between the two is striking. This one easily ranks among the best pubs in all of Ireland.
The Expedition led by Steven Zodtner from Aronimink Golf Club at Lough Eske Castle.
Southwest Ireland
Ring of Kerry
It’s famous for a reason. The drive winds through postcard-worthy scenery at every turn, with no shortage of photo stops along the way. If your itinerary has you staying in Killarney, it pairs perfectly with your round of golf at Waterville. Though we think it warrants a day of exploration all on its own.
Dingle
A little out of the way, but always worth the time. Dingle’s pubs, shops, and restaurants offer an authentic taste of small-town Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
Just a few miles from Lahinch Golf Club, the Cliffs of Moher is one of the signature sites to see on a Southwest Ireland golf trip. Aim for an early or late visit to avoid the crowds — and to catch the light at its best.
Kinsale
Often called Ireland’s gourmet capital, Kinsale charms with its colorful shopfronts, excellent restaurants, and a harbor that invites you to linger.
Killarney
The town strikes a perfect balance — lively but still intimate. Stop into Reidy’s for a pint, and let Killarney Park provide a five-star stay that feels both refined and personal.
5 Personal Favorites
John Kavanagh, The Gravediggers - Dublin
Something Anthony Bourdain and I have in common is we both love The Gravediggers. If you're looking for the best pint of Guinness in Dublin, you'll have to get out of the Storehouse and head here. 7 generations of the Kavanagh family have run the pub, and the atmosphere is as incredible as the food.
Foxy Johns - Dingle
A pub that doubles as a hardware store? Only in Ireland. And, more specifically, only in Dingle.
Slea Head Drive
Speaking of Dingle, if you've made the drive out to town, invest a little extra time to take in the Slea Head Drive. I enjoyed it so much, it required an entire blog post of its own. If it's a clear day, the views are out of this world.
The Burren
And speaking of out of this world, a drive through The Burren feels like you've left the earth and landed on the surface of the moon. Go early to beat the tour busses and do it as a counterclockwise circle. The coastal drive at the end is gorgeous and will lead you straight to the Cliffs of Moher.
Doolin
There is too much to love about this town to fill just a single paragraph. So I made a video about it instead. McGann's and McDermott's belong on your list if you love Irish pubs.
In the end, that’s what makes Ireland special. The golf may bring you across the Atlantic, but it’s these experiences—big and small—that make the journey unforgettable. The Good Life here isn’t something you check off a list. It’s something you feel, one pint, one conversation, and one stunning view at a time.
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