This July the spotlight will again be on Ireland’s spectacular golf courses as Royal PortrushOpens in new window on the famous Causeway CoastOpens in new window swings into action to host The 153rd OpenOpens in new window. The links course is considered to be one of the world’s best and is among many first-class golfing destinations on the island.
For those seeking the ultimate golfing experience, on and off the course, Ireland offers five-star itineraries that provide access to the most exclusive courses, luxury wraparounds and cultural immersion.
Avid golfers visiting Ireland will want to play as many of the island’s superb courses as possible and that’s made easy with a heli-golf tour from Executive HelicoptersOpens in new window or Concierge Golf IrelandOpens in new window. Curate your own adventure and move effortlessly up and down the island to play a round at stunning locations such as Royal County DownOpens in new window in the north and Adare ManorOpens in new window on the Wild Atlantic Way. On the airborne journeys you can relax and drink in panoramic views of Ireland’s spectacular landscapes.
To get guaranteed access to some of Ireland’s most prestigious golf courses and member-only clubs, it’s best to book through a luxury operator. PerryGolfOpens in new window offers a choice of five custom tours to different regions of the island which include luxury accommodation and transport as well as six rounds on top courses. Tailored golf packages from Luxury Irish ToursOpens in new window deliver unforgettable golf-focused stays in Ireland in first-class accommodation and include the opportunity to spend a day exploring local natural and heritage attractions.
Several golf clubs in Ireland offer exclusive private lessons or rounds with PGA professionals offering a fantastic opportunity to elevate your golfing skills by learning from the very best. At magnificent Dromoland CastleOpens in new window in County Clare, coaching takes place at the state-of-the-art, on-site golf academy and is personalised to your level of expertise. The castle hotel has its own parkland championship course and, combined with its opulent accommodation and fine dining, delivers a superlative golfing vacation.
At Glasson LakehouseOpens in new window Golf Club in County Westmeath, tuition from PGA professionals will help you hone your skills and make the most of this scenic lakeside championship course.
Of course, a golfing vacation in Ireland is as much about the experience off the course as it is about what unfolds on the fairways.
Combining two of the island’s great passions – golf and whiskey – you can take the traditional nineteenth hole experience to new heights. The island’s golf courses are often within easy reach of excellent distilleries and with private transport you can quickly follow a round of golf with a bespoke distillery visit.
From Royal Portrush, for example, it’s a short trip Bushmills DistilleryOpens in new window, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, where you can enjoy a private cask tasting and behind-the-scenes tour and end the day with a candlelit dinner in the distillery’s private dining room.
Golfing in Ireland is also a way to connect with the Irish and their culture. As the island is famous as a land of storytellers, it should come as no surprise that storytelling caddies are a thing. These knowledgeable and entertaining golf experts supplement the usual golfing advice with humorous stories, historical facts and local folklore. You can find them at several of the top courses including Lahinch and Adare Manor.
A luxury golfing vacation in Ireland is an unforgettable experience. The island’s dramatic landscape fashions its challenging courses, historic castles provide opulent accommodation, and its compact size means that playing all the top courses and fitting in some off-course fun is par for the course.
