The Best of Ireland
The Best of Ireland Ireland is famous for it stunning golf courses, many of which are set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The golf is fantastic! However what makes Ireland such a special place to stay and play is the towns and culture. To be sure! Come and mix with the locals in the local establishment for a pint of Guinness or an Irish Whiskey. Tap your feet to an infectious Irish jig! With amazing scenery, golf and culture a golfing tour of Ireland will be grand, indeed. The Courses • Old Head GC • Killarney GC • Waterville GC (optional) • Tralee GC • Ballybunion Cashen Course • Ballybunion Old Course • Lahinch GC • Island GC • Portmarnock GC • Royal County Down • Ardglass GC • Royal Portrush GC
Itinerary County Clare Day 1 Transfer from Shannon airport to the Old Head Golf Resort. (160kms) Accommodation: 2 nights at Old Head Golf Resort Day 2 Golf at Old Head Golf Club Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoilt cliff (rising in places to over 300 feet) frame the course.
Kerry Day 3 Travel 123kms to Killarney. Golf at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club (Killeen Course) There are 3 Championship Courses at Killarney G&F Club. Killeen, the jewel in the crown, re-opened in 2006 offering both spectacular lakeside scenery and also challenging golf to long hitters with water features on nearly every hole and fast greens. Accommodation: 2 nights at Killarney Lodge Day 4 Sightseeing Day Options include: Sightseeing around Killarney – visit Muckross House, go jigging, Walk the gardens, drive to Magillacuddy’s Reeks OR Drive the Ring of Kerry (golf at Waterville can be included 90kms)
County Kerry Day 5 Drive 45kms to Tralee. Golf at Tralee Golf Club Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge this fine links course. Smitten at first sight, Palmer would later go on record with this memorable quote: “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine�. Tralee boasts a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole. After golf, drive 41kms to Ballybunion. Accommodation: 3 nights at Teach de Broc, Ballybunion. The Teach de Broc Guesthouse is located directly across the road from Ballybunion's world-famous golf courses and driving range.
County Kerry Day 6 Golf at Ballybunion (Cashen Course) 'The Cashen' was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and opened in 1982. It is built on similar terrain to the Old Course at Ballybunion, but is considered more brutal and unforgiving, and more difficult to tame than her older, more famous sibling. In a strong wind, it verges on being impossible - the dunes higher, valleys deeper and greens more undulating. The links changes mood unrecognizably from one day to the next. It's a wonderful challenge from start to finish. Day 7 Golf at Ballybunion (Old Course) Ballybunion ‘was put on the map’ in 1982 when Tom Watson made his famous off the cuff eulogy after accepting the Claret Jug at Royal Troon: "Nobody can call himself a golfer until he has played at Ballybunion; you would think the game originated there!" Ever since, the North Kerry links has been one of the most lucrative and recognizable brands in world golf. Knowledgeable golfers realize that if they haven't played golf at Ballybunion their golfing education is gravely incomplete.
County Clare Day 8 Travel Day: Drive north to Lahinch. On the way we cross the Shannon River by ferry and stop at Doonbeg Golf Club for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the famous and spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Accommodation: 2 nights at Lahinch Golf Hotel Day 9 Golf at LAHINCH Golf began at Lahinch in 1892. Originally designed by Old Tom Morris, it has been redesigned by Dr Alastair MacKenzie and Martin Hawtree, amongst others. The Old Course is an absolute gem. Its ‘quirky’ holes, blind shots, postage stamp greens and towering sand dunes will keep you entertained and challenged. I guarantee you’ll love this one
Dublin Day 10 Travel Day: We drive 265kms northeast to Dublin, stopping at Norman Abbeys, Gothic Castles, ancient Celtic sites and medieval Monasteries along the way. Accommodation: 2 nights at Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin. Day 11 Golf at THE ISLAND GOLF CLUB This is a classic championship links course. It is conveniently located in Dublin on a peaceful peninsula set amongst high sand dunes.
County Down Day 12 GOLF: Portmarnock Golf Club (Old Course) Established in 1894, Portmarnock is ranked amongst the top golf courses in the world. With a rich history closely aligned to the progression of golf in Ireland, it has hosted the Irish Open Championship on 19 occasions. After golf, travel north to Newcastle in Northern Ireland. Accommodation: 2 nights at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is the perfect spot for some well earned pampering and play. This magnificent 115 year old Victorian building boasts luxurious bedrooms, a world-leading Spa onsite and the globally renowned Royal County Down golf course right on its doorstep. Lie back in lounges with roaring open fires, catch up in cosy bars and dine in delightful surroundings. This Resort is beautiful, romantic and opulent.
County Down Day 13 Play at Royal County Down Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings, against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed path. The ‘bearded’ bunkers are world famous and feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. The greens are fast and many are domed, rejecting any shot lacking conviction. This is a true test of any player’s command of the traditional bump and run, the preferred way to play any links. The finest of all links courses, it offers a stern challenge from the championship tees and provides all standards of golfer the opportunity of playing a truly great course with dramatic panorama of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
County Antrim Day 14 Travel 30 minutes north to Ardglass. Golf at Ardglass Golf Club Ardglass Golf Course is an 18-hole links course with many stunning views and excellent unique golf holes. The course is a true test of golf, particularly on a windy day. The course hugs the coastline, with no fewer than 8 holes where the Irish Sea coastline comes into play. The Irish Sea is visible from all 18 tees and greens and on a clear day it is possible to see across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man.” The view from the elevated 12th tee, with the backdrop of the Irish Sea and Mourne Mountains is to die for." After golf, continue 2 hours north to the village of Bushmill. Accommodation: 3 nights at Bushmills Inn One of Ireland’s most well known, luxurious four-star hotels, The Bushmills Inn is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from a host of attractions including Royal Portrush Golf Club, Old Bushmills Distillery, The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies and a secret library set the tone.
County Antrim Day 15 Sightseeing Day Visit Bushmills Distillery, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Optional Golf Play at Ballycastle, Portstewart or Castlerock. Day 16 Play Royal Portrush Golf Club Royal Portrush has an important place in golf tournament history. The club formed in May 1888 and was named ‘Royal Portrush’ in 1895. Altogether more than fifty national championships, British and Irish, have been decided here. In 1951 ‘The Open Championship’ was played at Royal Portrush, the first club outside of the mainland UK to have hosted the tournament. Day 17 Trip concludes.
Golf Clubs & Course Overview Old Head Old Head, par 72, comprises five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s – stretching to over 7,200 yards from the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The promontory is almost an island with numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course. The links and practice area occupy 180 acres and the remaining 40 acres of unspoilt cliff (rising in places to over 300 feet) frame the course.
Killarney Golf Club (Killeen) is very much the flagship course at the club. The Killarney lakes and surrounding mountain ranges provide an imposing backdrop to this championship course. Re-opened in June 2006 the course is slightly longer now with faster greens. At 6593 metres it will challenge long hitters. But accuracy is vital as there is water on virtually every hole.
Waterville Golf Club (optional) Located along the Atlantic Ocean, on a peninsula of land bordered by an estuary of the Inny River, this Hackett design includes a front side built in less exposed terrain (away from the coastal dunes) and a back nine that occupies rugged sandhills. The course was the longest in Ireland but oozed old-world charm. In 1987 the course was sold to a small group of Irish Americans who embarked on a radical renovation program with architect Tom Fazio.
Tralee Golf Links Although first formed within the town of Tralee in 1896, the Tralee Golf Club now plays on a course built in 1984 and situated along the Kerry coastline at nearby Barrow. Designed by Arnold Palmer and partner Ed Seay, the front nine at Tralee touches an ocean inlet and rocky shore while the back nine is carved from an immense dune ridge overlooking one of the world’s most spectacular beaches.
Golf Clubs & Course Overview Ballybunion Cashen Course It's simple really, if the Cashen Course at Ballybunion Golf Club was anywhere else it would attract far more attention and plaudits than it does. It's hard on a girl if her older sister is Sophia Loren! Although built on similar, stirring terrain to The Old Course in the 1980s, in many ways 'The Cashen' is more irascible, more spectacular, more flirtatious, more brutal and more unforgiving and more difficult to tame than her older, more famous sibling.
Ballybunion Golf Club Old Course Blessed with the most formidable dune structure in Ireland, golf was introduced to the small Kerry town of Ballybunion in 1893. The present Ballybunion Golf Club was not formed until 1906, when prominent town folk commissioned local golf writer Lionel Hewson to design them a new nine-hole course on their spectacular coastal links-land. By 1927 the links had been extended to eighteen holes and in 1936 the club employed Tom Simpson to make further revisions and help shape a great piece of land into a great golf course.
Lahinch Golf Club Overlooking the stunning County Clare coastline, the course first plays along the sea toward an estuary that dissects the site, before heading back along the main coastal road into town. After a solid opening the first hint of brilliance comes at the 3rd, an awesome driving hole over a large dune slope that turns seaward and follows a succession of humps and hollows into a clever plateau green. Next are Klondyke and Dell, unmistakably Lahinch! These two Old Tom originals are amongst the most famous holes in Irish golf.
The Island Golf Club The Island Golf Club was among the first twelve Golf Clubs to be founded in Ireland. There were two unusual features about it's origin for that time - one being that it had no military connection as other clubs had – and secondly, that it was initiated as a private club. The ten founder members became the owners of the Club and only allowed members as annual ticket holders.
Golf Clubs & Course Overview Portmarnock Golf Club (Old) Portmarnock is arguably the best Championship Course in Ireland. It has hosted all of Irelands major championships from the Irish Ladies to the Irish Open and also some of the world’s biggest events including the Canada Cup( now the World Cup), and the Walker Cup. Amongst the winners of nineteen Irish Open Championships were Bobby Locke, Sam Torrance, Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ben Crenshaw, Hubert Green, John O’Leary, Mark James, Ken Brown and Michael Campbell.
Royal County Down Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse. Beautiful to look at but oh, so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed path.
Ardglass Golf Club Located 30 miles from Belfast on the beautiful County Down coast, Ardglass GC is links golf as it should be. With views of the rugged coast line from every hole and the majesty of the Mourne Mountains providing the perfect back-drop, Ardglass has a claim to be rated amongst the world’s greatest links courses.
Royal Portrush Golf Club Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world, the Dunluce Links, and the hidden gem, the Valley Links. Portrush is the only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship
Accommodation Overview Old Head Golf & Luxury Accomodation The Old Head of Kinsale is home to a World-Class Golf Course and Luxury Members' Accommodation located in County Cork on the Southwest Coast of Ireland. The brainchild of John and Patrick O’Connor, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in personalized service..
Killarney Lodge Killarney Lodge is a large four star guesthouse superbly located in Killarney, minutes from the town centre. Owned and managed by the Treacy family – you are guaranteed the highest level of personal service. Leisure and business travellers alike will appreciate the superb location, exceptional service and charming ambience, not to mention the finest home baking!
Teach de Broc Everything about Teach de Broc says relax. Settle into your room and appreciate the dramatic views over the golf links. Linger over a lavish breakfast or read a book in the sun. A short stroll from Teach de Broc, Ballybunion beach welcomes the early morning jogger, the all year round swimmer, the optimistic sun worshipper and those with a penchant for photography.
Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel The Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel is situated on the former site of The Aberdeen Arms Hotel and enjoys a prominent location in the famous coastal town on the West coast of Clare. The hotel is a stone's throw away from Lahinch's famous beach and a short walk from the renowned championship links at Lahinch Golf Club. The famous Cliffs of Moher, Burren landscape, Aran Islands, Doolin Cave and many other tourist attractions are all within easy reach of the Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel.
Accommodation Overview Fitzwilliam Dublin Hotel The Fitzwilliam 5 Star Dublin Hotel, Dublin’s most luxurious design hotel is located in the heart of the city. Experience the best of both worlds when staying at this chic haven, to one side the tranquility and calm of St Stephen’s Green and to the other, Grafton Street, Dublin’s finest shopping avenue. From its central location, in amongst this buzzing vibrant city, it is an easy stroll to explore the leading cultural, historical and leisure attractions. Or just step out to the chic shopping, high energy bars, fine dining restaurants and cafes.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa Named Best Irish Hotel at the prestigious Travel Media Awards, 2012 the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is the perfect spot for some well earned pampering and play. This magnificent 115 year old Victorian building boasts 178 luxurious bedrooms, a world-leading ESPA Spa onsite, and the globally renowned Royal County Down golf course right on its doorstep.
The Bushmills Inn The Bushmills Inn was recently awarded the prestigious ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Ireland’ by Golfers Guide to Ireland. One of Ireland’s most well known, luxurious four-star hotels, The Bushmills Inn is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from a host of visitor attractions including Royal Portrush Golf Club, Old Bushmills Distillery, The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies and a secret library set the tone.
Options It is possible to break the Best of Ireland Tour into two separate packages both departing from Dublin: Ireland South
Ireland North
10 Days
7 Days
Golf • Old Head GC • Killarney GC • Waterville (optional) • Tralee GC • Ballybunion (Cashen & Old) • Lahinch GC • The Ireland GC
Golf • The Island GC • Portmarnock GC • Royal County Down • Ardglass GC • Royal Portrush GC
If you have any other golfing or non-golfing destination in mind to complement your vacation, please contact us at The Travelling Golfer – we would be pleased to assist
Flights The Travelling Golfer is a licensed travel agent and can organise flights at an additional cost. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with any questions.
Notes *PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE HANDICAP RESTRICTIONS AT SOME COURSES AND PLAYERS SHOULD ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH PROOF OF HANDICAP AND YOU MAY BE ASKED TO PRODUCE IF YOU DON NOT HAVE A REGISTERED HANDICAP PLEASE ADVISE THE TRAVELLING GOLFER.
Package includes:
Package excludes:
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16 Nights accommodation – 2 Nights at the Old Head Golf Resort – 2 Nights at the Killarney Lodge – 3 Nights at the Teach de Broc – 2 Nights at the Lahinch Golf Hotel – 2 Nights Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin – 2 Nights at the Slieve Donard Resoart & Spa – 3 Nights at the Bushmills Inn 11 Rounds championship golf All local tax and service charges Pricing Fully Guided Group Packages from: • $9,465 AUS per person, twin share Unguided Group Packages from: • $7,518 AUS per person, twin share (self drive) • $8,848 AUS per person, twin share (chauffeured)
Airfares Caddy Fees Gratuities Any items of a personal nature Lunch/Dinners unless otherwise stated in the itinerary and any extras applied to your room
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Bank Transfer: Please deposit funds into “The Travelling Golfer Trust A/C ” BSB: 083269 Account No: 13 066 2440 Please quote your Invoice number.
2.
Credit Card: (2.5% credit card fees apply) VISA or MasterCard. Phone Peter on 0438573271
*All prices are subject to change, availability and currency fluctuations
The balance of payment is due 70 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, The Travelling Golfer will treat the booking as cancelled unless advised to the contrary.
For more information call or e-mail Peter +61 438 573 271 peter@thetravellinggolfer.com.au
Steve +61 402 218 016 steve@thetravellinggolfer.com.au
Travel Insurance It is highly recommended you obtain Travel Insurance at the time you make payment for your travel. Travel insurance should protect you against any medical expenses arising from sickness or injury during your travels and against any loss of or damage to your belongings. It should also provide cover against trip cancellations and flight delays, and offer 24 hour emergency assistance. You can apply for "AIG Travel Insurance" or "QBE Travel Insurance" through The Travelling Golfer website. The benefits each policy offers is slightly different. You must read the Policy documents carefully to ensure they are providing the benefits that best suit your circumstances. In summary, both policies provide*: Unlimited overseas medical expenses Unlimited cancellation costs Unlimited emergency expenses $2,500,000 legal liability *Note: the policy wording differs with each plan AIG also provides up to $3,000 worth of cover for golf clubs automatically on its single or multi trip plans. The excess is $100 per claim. QBE provides automatic cover of $3,000 on golf clubs only on its multi trip plan. You would need to pay an additional premium (3% of items value) if you wish to cover your golf clubs on their single trip plan. QBE's excess is $200 per claim. To obtain a quote from AIG To obtain a quote and read the full PDS/Policy terms and conditions, and apply for cover over the internet, please click on the following AIG link: AIG Insurance- Get a Quote If you have a pre-existing medical condition or health disorder you wish to cover you will need to contact AIG assessors on 1800008473 to establish whether they will provide cover for it. If you have any questions regarding the policy please contact AIG customer service on 1800017682. To obtain a quote from QBE To obtain a quote and read the full PDS/Policy terms and conditions, and apply for cover over the Internet, please click on the following QBE link: QBE Travel Insurance- Get A Quote If you have a pre-existing medical condition or health disorder you wish to cover you must complete a Travelers Medical Appraisal Form. If your application is approved you will be advised of any restrictions, excesses or additional premiums that may apply. If you have any questions regarding the policy please contact QBE Customer service on 1300555017.
Terms and Conditions Tour Rates Tour prices are set as a guide only and may vary due to currency fluctuations and component cost increases. All rates advertised are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change until receipt of payment in full. The Travelling Golfer reserves the right to adjust our tour cost as necessary. Any surcharges will be passed on in respect to currency fluctuations unless full payment has been received and no changes are made to your booking. The tour price is for the package as detailed in the itinerary only. If changes are requested to the itinerary, then an administration fee of $100 plus any additional costs incurred will be charged, on top of the tour price. Deposit A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure a booking. Cancellation Policy The deposit is non refundable The balance is due 65 days before departure and is non refundable at that time. There is no refund for cancellation for unused services on or after the tour commencement date. Note: Airlines have their own cancellation terms and conditions. Trip Availability If this trip seems right for you please contact The Travelling Golfer to check availability as numbers are limited on our small group tours. Many of our trips require us to make bookings on your behalf, such as golf course bookings and internal flights. To ensure you can be part of our trip we ask you to check availability at your earliest. Airfares & Taxes International airfares are not included in the tour itinerary, however we can assist with all of your international travel arrangements. All airfare bookings are subject to individual airline terms and conditions. Airlines have their own luggage restrictions. If you do not adhere to these limitations excess baggage fees may apply and are at your own expense. Changes to Tour The Travelling Golfer endeavours to perform all tours in line with the published itinerary, but reserves the right to change or substitute where necessary for reasons outside of our control including but not limited to: acts of nature, road and or weather conditions, local holidays, strikes, war, civil disturbances, advice by government authorities, breakdowns, medical or custom regulations, cancellations, delays, tender unavailability, we will substitute (at the nearest possible standard) an alternative where possible. Revision Fee Changes to your tour reservation might not be possible. Should you request a change and we are able to accommodate it, you will be subject to any charges imposed by the airline or tour suppliers. In addition, we reserve the right to charge a $50 revision fee for any change made after the deposit is paid. A change in name or departure date may constitute a cancellation, and the corresponding penalties may apply
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