The Very Best of Ireland Golf Tour 2022

DAY 1

Our Tour begins at the wonderful Fota Island Resort in Cork. The closest airport is Cork Airport which has daily flights from London and is a 20-minute taxi ride to the Hotel.

If you wish to arrive early to explore the local area or play a warmup game of golf, extra nights at the start of the Tour can be booked for on request.

Fota Island Resort (2 nights)

The 5* Fota Island Resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a swimming pool and beautifully designed rooms with countryside views and luxury bathrooms. Bedrooms at Fota Island feature flat- screen satellite TV’s, free Wi-Fi, and an interactive video system. They also include mini-bars, seating areas and bathrooms with walk-in showers and bathrobes. Huge windows allow light to flood into the spacious and stylish For a Restaurant.

It serves fine traditional and international cuisine and has a terrace for al fresco dining. Cork is just 12.9 km away.

Evening: 8pm – Tonight Chrissy will host a Welcome Dinner (included) for the group at the Fota Island Resort.

DAY 2

GOLFERS: OLD HEAD

The clifftop links at Old Head sit on a spectacular promontory a few miles from Kinsale in County Cork, Southern Ireland. With 40 acres of un-spoilt cliff framing the course, Old Head is a
memorable experience that is quite unlike anything you will have ever encountered

A large stone wall and a gate keeper at the narrow entrance to the site ensure that this extraordinary location is reserved exclusively for golfers. More than half the holes feature tees and greens at the edge of 250 feet high cliffs and all 18 holes provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes this course provides a stern test to golfers at any level.

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NON-GOLFERS: KINSALE WALKING TOUR & HARBOUR CRUISE

Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann t Saile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of themost picturesque, popular, and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland.

Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its beautiful setting; its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbour, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops, and houses. The impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort guard the narrow

entrance from the sea – giving clues to its rich history.

The combination of a walking tour and a harbor cruise provide a wonderful opportunity to appreciate this unique town which has been the centre of Irish History since the first settlers came to Ireland.

DAY 3

GOLFERS: FOTA ISLAND – DEERPARK COURSE

Fota Island Golf Club is in the heart of a stunning 780- acre island woodland estate. The estate is home to splendid mature woodlands where three challenging championship courses are woven throughout. We will play the Deerpark course which is

generally regarded as the best and most enjoyable of the three.

The Fota Island Deerpark Course, which played host to the Irish Open in 2001, 2002 & 2014, enjoys stunning views across Cork Harbour, as it skirts the coastline. It benefits from an excellent design in a traditional form and features strategically placed pot bunkers and undulating greens. It has a real variety of holes and the outstanding natural landscape never fails to impress.

NON-GOLFERS: DAY AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure to relax & enjoy the facilities available at the Resort or alternatively take a taxi & explore some of the many attractions in Cork.

Overnight: 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney

Evening: Tonight, Chrissy will host a group Dinner at the Great Southern Hotel

DAY 4

GOLFERS & NON-GOLFERS:
SIGHTSEEING KILLARNEY

Thanks to its natural beauty Killarney is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Ireland. The town is best known for its incredible national park as well as many historic landmarks and attractions. Today we will spend the day exploring the best of Killarney.

Killarney Jaunting (Horse & Carriage) Experience

Discover the traditional mode of Transport within Ireland through a unique guided tour. It is an excellent option to explore the hidden aspects of Killarney National Park & the Lakes of Killarney.

Ring of Kerry Tour & Muckross House

The Ring of Kerry is considered one of the finest drives in the world and comprises a 110-mile (180-km) scenic route of narrow roads that wind around the Iveragh Peninsula. Located in a mystical & unspoilt part of Ireland the Ring of Kerry has attracted visitors for centuries.

In addition to spectacular scenery, quaint villages, coastal views & ancient heritage we will also visit Muckross House, where Queen Victoria stayed in 1861. The Queen gave six years notice of her visit – plenty of time for the house to be redecorated – and arrived with her own bed and a 100-strong entourage.

Over 50 years later, the 19th century house & landscaped gardens are a national treasure to explore.

Overnight: 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney
Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 5

GOLFERS: WATERVILLE GOLF LINKS

Golf at Waterville started around 1889 with a modest 9- hole course, laid out on the eastern section of the present course. In the 1950s, the club folded until Jack Mulcahy (an Irish American) bought the links in the late 1960s.

Waterville plays on a promontory surrounded by the sea. It is a stunning, remote location with views to the northeast of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range and to the southwest across the beautiful Ballinskelligs Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The fairways are gently undulating. The front nine plays across relatively flat ground whilst the back nine weaves its ways through avenues of tall dunes. The view from the elevated 17th tee, an excellent Par 3 called “Murphy’s Peak” after the founder Jack Mulcahy, is simply breathtaking. There are few courses that can boast such a fine collection of unique and great golf holes.

NON-GOLFERS: KILLARNEY SIGHTSEEING

A full day at your leisure to further explore the Killarney town centre and visit more of Killarney’s many activities and attractions.

Overnight: 4* Great Southern Hotel, Killarney

Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 6

Transport: Depart Killarney for Doonbeg via Ballybunion by private transport and ferry.

GOLFERS: BALLYBUNION (OLD COURSE)

Located on the north west coast of County Kerry, on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean are two wonderfully challenging and unique links courses at Ballybunion – the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen course.

The Ballybunion Old Course has been consistently rated among the top golf courses in the world. It features a grave- yard by the first tee, which some say is a warning to golfers who breeze through the first five holes!! Then onto the ever-challenging 6th, the fiendish 8th, the daunting par four 11th and the devilishly tricky 15th. You will find every shot a breath-taking Challenge here!

NON-GOLFERS: BUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK VISIT

Visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (2.5 hours) followed by a private transfer to the Doonbeg Golf Resort Hotel

Bunratty Castle provides a wonderful window into Ireland’s past. It is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425, the spot on which this castle stands have been occupied for over 1000 years. From the Vikings to the Normans, great Irish Earls and noble Lords and Ladies. Graciously restored in the 1960’s and furnished by Lord Gorts magnificent collection of medieval furniture and furnishings, this is your chance to
experience a window on Ireland’s past. Bunratty Castle now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

Trump International, Doonbeg Hotel, Clare
Set against a spectacular backdrop of rugged landscape & shimmering waves, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg offers exceptional 5* old-world luxury and service. In addition to world class golf, you can break away and experience the Spa, award winning dining options and other outdoor activities.

Overnight: 5* Doonbeg Hotel B&B Basis
Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 7

GOLFERS: GOLFERS: LAHINCH – OLD COURSE

Lahinch is a legendary links course overlooking the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean that has often been described as ‘the St Andrews of Ireland’. The Old Course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris before being tweaked by Dr Alister Mackenzie in 1927.

The holes are memorable from start to finish, though many single out the 5th as their favourite. A par-5 that measures 483 yards, the second shot is played over a sand dune wall to a ‘blind’ green and anything better than a par here is a real bonus!

The Championship Links (Par 72, 6,950 yards) is justifiably proud of the reputation it has gathered as a stern challenge to even the most gifted of golfers.

NON-GOLFERS: SIGHTSEEING / BURREN EXPERIENCE

The Burren, (Irish: Boireann, meaning ‘great rock’) in County Clare is a region of outstanding significance in terms of its geology, geomorphology, natural history and archaeology.

VIP Burren Experience

• Hands-on demonstration of the kiln: see the oak shavings, open the kiln, and look inside the visitors centre
• Explanation of the two different techniques: cold and hot smoking
• Exclusive tour through the production facilities
• Meal in the Burren Storehouse including their own smoked salmon and a drink of your choice
• Maximum 6 people: 2 hour visit

Overnight: 5* Doonbeg Golf Resort

Evening: Own arrangements.

DAY 8

GOLFERS: MORNING GOLF AT DOONBEG / AFTERNNON GROUP CLIFFS OF MOHER TOUR

Doonbeg is the course that Greg Norman built but was redesigned over a two-year period after the property was acquired by Donald Trump in 2014. Doonbeg covers an estate of 400 acres but most of the holes are alongside the dunes and stretch for one and a half miles around the magnificent crescent shaped Doughmore Bay.

Offering views of the Atlantic from 16 of the 18 holes, the par-72 layout features a single loop of nine holes out and nine back, playing 6,885 yards from the back tees. The most natural routing within the existing dunes resulted in an uncommon combination of five par 3’s and five par 5’s. Doonbeg is regarded as a priceless jewel between Lahinch and Ballybunion, and one that simply must by played.

NON-GOLFERS: MORNING AT LEISURE / AFTERNNON GROUP CLIFFS OF MOHER TOUR

Morning at leisure to relax & enjoy the wonderful facilities & services available at the Doonbeg Resort. In the afternoon join the golfers for a Cliffs of Moher Tour

Cliffs of Moher Tour

The iconic Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions. Stretching for 8km along the Atlantic coast of Clare, the cliffs reach 214m at their highest point at Knockardakin.

From the main platform, you can see the south cliffs towards Hag’s Head, a natural rocky promontory that resembles a seated woman. From the north platform, you can spot A Branan Mor sea stack, home of guillemots and razorbills, as well as the Aran Islands and, if the conditions are right, the famous surfing wave known as ‘Aileen’s’.

After the tour we will be transferred to Mount Falcon Estate

Overnight: 4* Mount Falcon Estate Hotel, Mayo

Evening: Tonight, there will be a Whiskey Tasting. Dinner & Drinks included in your package

Mount Falcon Estate

Mount Falcon Estate is situated in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2500km driving route along the West of Irelands stunningly spectacular and rugged coastline.

Famous for luxurious accommodation and award winning food, Mount Falcon Estate offers rest and relaxation in many forms: Indulge in the fabulous Spa & leisure centre, learn to fish on the Estate lake, catch the elusive wild Atlantic Salmon on a private stretch of the River Moy, take aim with archery or hit a flying target on the Clay Shooting range, fine tune your drive on the 9 bay golf driving range or walk & cycle on 3 km of forest trails.

DAY 9

The group will have a day off from golf to enjoy any of the following optional activities: Clay Pigeon Shooting The Mount Falcon Clay Pigeon Shooting Ground is set within the grounds of the Estate, beside a private stretch of the River Moy. The layout consists of 4 automatic traps, which provide overhead, going away and crossing targets. It is also possible to set the system up to provide a random flush of 25 or 50 birds, to truly test the skill and reflexes of the gun. The layout is suitable for both novice and experienced shots.

Tuition is included and all shooting is carried out under guidance and supervision of one of the facilities experienced staff. 50 clays per person included.

Fishing

The stunning Mount Falcon Estate is situated on the banks of Ireland’s beautiful in Ireland with an annual rod catch of approximately 9,000 Salmon. Over the years, both expert and novice anglers have caught their first fish of the season, or their first ever Salmon, in Mount Falcon waters. With tackle supplied, guides will be on hand to illustrate new techniques or offer advice on improving those you already have.

Ceide Fields visit

A 2 Hour unique experience where you can indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket fog, dramatic cliffs and coastline, and a much-acclaimed building, which has received Ireland’s most prestigious architectural award.

Jackie Clarke Collection Nestled along the banks of the River Moy in County Mayo, the Jackie Clarke Collection is the most important collection of Irish Historical material in public hands. Comprising of over 100,000 items spanning 400 years, it includes items associated with some of the most influential figures of Ireland’s history including Wolfe Tone and Michael Collins.

Foxford Woollen Mills

A guided tour offering a unique experience to visitors, giving them a background to the Mill, why it was set up in Foxford in 1892, the challenges that were faced and how they were overcome. The story of the Mills is a fascinating tale of one woman’s incredible determination and triumph over adversity against all the odds.

The story will make you marvel at the journey this small town took, right up to the present day, where you can see the working mills still producing the best of Irish-made products. Throws, Blankets, Scarves & Accessories Baby Blankets and Rugs Furnishing Fabrics, all woven here.

Overnight: Mount Falcon Estate Hotel (4*)
Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 10

Transfer: Mount Falcon Estate to Bushmills Inn

GOLFERS: BALLYLIFFIN – GLASHEDY COURSE

Home to the 2018 Irish Open, Ballyliffin is the most northerly links in Ireland. It is situated on the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula overlooking Pollan Bay and the small island Glashedy Rock.

Undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown of Irelands Links Courses. It is the most northerly course in Ireland and boasts two superb golf challenges, Glashedy & Old Courses. The Glashedy Links Course is characterized by the incredible dunes and is renowned for its peat riveted bunkers and opening three challenging par 4’s. With the Atlantic Ocean to the North and rolling hills to the South, the incredible views from this Course will not easily be forgotten, it has hosted the 1998 Irish Ladies Open, North West of Ireland European Tour Event in 2002 and more recently, the Men’s Irish Open 2018.

“Ballyliffin’s two courses are a must play on any golf trip to Ireland” – Rory McIlroy

NON-GOLFERS: CITY OF DERRY WALKING TOUR

Derry, Londonderry has 1,500 years of history and culture enclosed within Ireland’s only completely walled city. From the sixth-century monastic settlement to the vibrant European city of the twenty-first century, no visit to Ireland is complete without a visit to Derry.

Here, where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route there over fifty natural and built attractions in the region, such as Derry’s Walls, The Bogside, The Peoples Gallery (Murals) The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions …just to name a few!

Enjoy a two-hour walking tour of in the beautiful city of Derry

The Walls were built between 1613-1618 by The Honorable Irish Society mainly for protection for the early ‘planted’ Protestant settlers from England and Scotland against the Catholic Irish. The Walls are approximately a one mile in circumference and have 7 gates; The 4 originals are Ferryquay Gate, Bishop’s Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate while Magazine Gate, New Gate and Castle Gate were added later.

After golf, we will transfer to our hotel for next 2 nights.

Bushmills Inn Boutique Hotel (4*)

The 4 star Bushmills Inn blends stunning architecture, beautiful grounds, unique rooms and modern facilities. Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, the 4* boutique Hotel and has been lovingly restored to pay homage to its rich Irish history. The welcome is warm, and the fire is always lit.

Located in the village that is home to the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery, between the famous Giant’s Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Bushmills Inn offers the perfect base to explore a host of visitor attractions such as Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and many of the Game of Thrones filming locations.

Overnight: Bushmills Inn Boutique Hotel (4*)

Evening: Own arrangements.

DAY 11

GOLFERS: ROYAL PORTRUSH – DUNLUCE COURSE

The only Club in Ireland to have hosted the Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a masterpiece of golf course architecture.

Unimaginable rough, testing greens and rugged links land, combined with the unpredictable weather of the North Atlantic makes this course an admirable test for even the most seasoned golfer. Many golfers portray the Dunluce Course as one of the most challenging courses in the World.

The Club was founded in 1888 and has hosted many Championships, such as the first Open Championship ever held in Ireland in 1951. In 2019 the 148TH Open Championship will be played at Royal Portrush, marking a historic return to Northern Ireland for golf’s oldest and most international Championship after nearly 70 years.

NON-GOLFERS: SIGHTSEEING – GAME OF THRONES, INCLUDING
DUNLUCE CASTLE & CARRICK-A-REDE-ROPE BRIDGE (Optional)

Experience the real-life magic of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland on a film site tour from Belfast. Relive the stories of Lannister, Targaryen, and Baratheon at the castles, forests, and ruins seen in the HBO TV show.

Full Day Game of Thrones Sightseeing Tour by public sightseeing bus. Main stops include Ballycastle, the home to Lady Catelyn Stark and Varys, Cushenden where you visit the cave that featured Melisandre giving birth to the shadow assassin, Ballintoy Harbour where Theon Greyjoy comes back to Pyke Harbour, Larrybane where Renly swears to Lady Stark that he will avenge Ned’s death and the Dark Hedges where Arya Stark makes her escape down the Kings Road.

Overnight: Bushmills Inn Boutique Hotel (4*)

Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 12

Coach Transfer: Bushmills Inn to Portstewart and on to Belfast mid afternoon

GOLFER: PORTSTEWART

Founded in 1894 this championship links course received its greatest makeover with the purchase of land known as “Thistly Hollow” in 1986. This enabled the club to build a stunning new seven holes through towering dunes and fabulous and natural links land. The Strand Course is the jewel in the Portstewart portfolio.

The course is set in classic links country amid towering sand dunes with views at every turn of the Donegal hills, the Atlantic and the River Bann. The opening hole with its elevated tee, dogleg right to the green and sandy strip on the right, is a particularly memorable opening hole.

Portstewart has played host to many major Amateur and Professional Championships over the years including most recently the 2017 Irish Open.

NON-GOLFERS: MORNING AT LEISURE & LUNCH AT PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB

After golf & lunch in the Clubhouse we will transfer to Belfast.

Overnight at the 4* Grand Central Hotel, Belfast This brand new, upscale hotel in a restored Victorian building is conveniently located in the heart of Belfast City. The Grand Central is a great base to explore attractions such as the Ulster Museum, botanical gardens, St Georges Market or the Titanic Belfast and there are plenty of good bars, restaurants & shopping all within easy walking distance.

The Observatory on the 23rd floor is home to the highest bar in Ireland & offers unparalleled high-definition views of Belfast and beyond, while the decadent décor creates an intimate setting.

Overnight: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast (4*)
Evening: Own arrangements

DAY 13

GOLFERS: ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
No. 1 course in the World (Golf Digest 2016)

Royal County Down is an enchanting golf course of the highest order. Located at Newcastle in Northern Ireland it is almost at the foothills of the majestic 3000 feet high Sliefe Donard amongst the mountains of Mourne. To add to the beauty of the setting, the first three holes run alongside Dundrum Bay.

The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, beautiful to look at but unforgiving to any who may stray from the prescribed path.

This is Links golf at its finest and one of the sternest challenges!!

NON-GOLFERS: TITANIC VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Titanic Visitor Experience & Black Cab Tour

Located in the heart of Belfast right beside the historic site where this world-famous ship was constructed, the Titanic Belfast is the World’s Largest Titanic Visitor Experience. Housed in an iconic six- floor building, this experience will tell you the story of the Titanic from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s through to her construction, launch and to her famous maiden voyage, and subsequent place in history.

Overnight: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast (4*)

Evening: Tonight, Chrissy will host a Farewell Dinner(included)

DAY 14

Full Irish Breakfast at your Hotel

9am Transfer to Dublin Airport (one transfer for whole group) – Book flights after 2pm.

Departure – slán le hÉirinn