Signature Irish Links & The Open Escorted Tour
04 - 21 July 2025
Fáilte go hÉirinn (Welcome to Ireland)
Foreword
The time has come for our signature golf tour to Ireland, a place that holds dear to our hearts. We look forward to welcoming you to the Emeral Aisle in July 2025 for this 18-day adventure. Starting in Dublin, we spend 2 nights in the capital, playing a round of golf on Portrmarnock Links, and discovering the famous Guinness Factory. We then head southwest to the Ring of Kerry for five nights, playing all the best golf courses in Ireland’s southwest. After, we spend two nights in Co. Clare, playing Lahinch with an optional round at Doonbeg. Then we head north to Enniscrone before tracking northeast for two nights in Belfast with a historical Black Cab Tour. Then we head to Derry for 5 Nights, playing two last rounds of golf and attending the 153rd Open Championship.
This is a small group tour of no more than 20 golfers. Non-golfing friends and partners are welcome. Expect other guests on this trip to have a golf handicap between 6 - 36. This is not a test of your golfing ability, but an opportune moment to discover Ireland with a bespoke itinerary, lead by your experienced tour hosts. We blend 18 days with eight rounds of golf, four scheduled sightseeing tours and plenty of free time to ensure you can enjoy time to yourself.
This tour finishes in Belfast on Monday 21 July 2025.
There are handicap limits of 24 for men and 36 for ladies to play these links golf courses.
Tour Inclusions
• 2 Nights at Portmarnock Hotel in Dublin
• 4 Nights at the Randles Hotel in Killarney
• 3 Nights at the Lahinch Coast Hotel in Co. Clare
• 1 Night at Mount Falcon Estate in Co. Sligo
• 2 Nights at the Europa Hotel in Belfast
• 5 Nights at the Everglades Hotel in Derry
• Daily Breakfast
Golf - 8 rounds of golf (Pull-trolleys included)
• Portmarnock Links (Golf Digest’s #4th Best in Ireland)
• Dooks Golf Links (#25th Best in Ireland)
• Tralee Golf Club (Golf Digest’s #11th Best in Ireland
• Ballybunion Golf Club (Golf Digest’s Best in Ireland)
• Lahinch Golf Club (Golf Digest’s #2nd Best in Ireland)
• Enniscrone Golf Links (Golf Digest’s #10th Best in Ireland)
• Ballyliffin Golf Club - Glashedy Links (#13 in Ireland)
• Portsalon Golf Club (#22 in Ireland)
Meals
• Welcome Dinner with drinks
• Farewell Dinner with drinks
• Lunch near Cashel, inclusive of drinks
• Lunch near Adare, inclusive of drinks
• Meals as indicated in itinerary
Sightseeing (Non-golfers will get more alternatives on golf days)
• Cliffs of Moher sightseeing
• Rock of Cashel sightseeing
• Guinness Factory experience
• Black Cab Tour of Belfast
Other
• Group airport, hotel & golf transfers by luxury touring coach
• Quality travel kit and branded apparel
• Two Days at The Open Championship (Friday & Sunday - General Admission)
• Driver gratuities
• All taxes & fees included
• Escorted by your Voyages.golf tour hosts throughout
Portmarnock Hotel
Randles Hotel
Verified Reviews
“This was a first for me! When I first saw there was a possibility to choose a package deal through Voyages, I researched the company; found out they were highly recommended & highly reviewed, so I contacted them. Harry answered me, & I worked with him from start to finish. He was an exceptional tour guide. He made all the transfers, accommodations, golf times, & Open tickets for me & my son. I had to make a few adjustments along the way, & Harry took care of them ease & professionalism. I definitely recommend using Voyages Travel for your next thrilling adventure!
“
Great tour for the The Open Highly recommend Voyages. excellent accommodation, of golf courses played. Glenn, Gayle and Harry, organizer’s super fun family, all the group and always requests were asked. Very any situation so every day as we travelled from Edinburgh then St Andrews over 2 weeks.
Great trip, thanks guys.
Roger TScotland & The Open Golf Susan Ness - Scotland & The Open 2024
“
Open at Royal Troon. Voyages. Well organized, accommodation, very good selection the owners and tour family, very friendly to helpful for whatever Very quick to respond to day was pretty seamless Edinburgh to Troon and weeks.
The exceedingly hospitable Hedley Team put together a fabulous itinerary - great courses & accomodation all made the more enjoyable due to being a small group (relative to what is the norm for Golf Tours) of passionate & lovely people. Absolutely first class.
Golf Tour 2024
Looking forward to seeing what trips Harry puts together in the future as he’s inventive & looking to do the unusual!
Nina D - New Zealand Tour 2022
See more reviews on the independent review platform
Itinerary
Day 1: Friday 04 July 2025 – Arrivals
• Arrive & check-in at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links for two nights
• Enjoy our official welcome dinner and drinks on us as we introduce your fellow travellers and tour hosts
• Overnight at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
Day 2: Saturday 05 July
• We jump right into it today with a round of golf onsite at the famous Portmarnock Golf Links, designed by Bernhard Langer. This is one of Ireland’s premier golf courses and is rumoured to be in contention for hosting the first Open Championship outside of the United Kingdom. Golf Digest ranked Portmarnock as #25 Best Course in Ireland.
• Tonight is free to spend at your leisure; we’ll head into Dublin for a tour of the Guinness Factory and a return transfer is included. You can elect to stay in Dublin for dinner after the tour.
• Overnight at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
Day
3: Sunday 06 July
• Today we leave Dublin and head south-west to an area of outstanding natural beauty: Killarney, Co. Kerry, for five nights to use as a base while exploring the Ring of Kerry. Our hotel is the centrally-located Randles Hotel, which a located on the main street, near all the restaurants.
• On the way, we’ll stop for lunch in near historic town of Cashel, and see the famous Rock of Cashel, where the old Irish Kings were crowned in Co. Tipperary.
• Overnight at the Randles Hotel, Killarney
Day 4: Monday 07 July
• The day has arrived for the famous Tralee Golf Club. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this links golf course ranks as Golf Digest’s 11th Best Golf Course in Ireland.
• Palmer famously said of Tralee: “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.”
• Overnight at the Randles Hotel, Killarney
Day 5 : Tuesday 08 July
• Today we head as far south as we’ll get on this golf tour. We head to Irelands’ Dingle Peninsula to Dooks Golf Links. The spectacular views which adorn Dooks make it one of Ireland’s most beautiful spots for playing golf. It is surrounded by bays, sea and endless mountains, and it is a rainbow of colours. Dooks is a wildly natural links set over heaving terrain which drops down to the water’s edge.
• Overnight at the Randles Hotel, Killarney
Day 6: Wednesday 09 July
• For our final round of golf in the Kerry region, we head to the esteemed Ballybunion Golf Club, ranked by Golf Digest as the best golf course in Ireland (excluding Northern Ireland). Designed by James McKenna, Ballybunion’s Old Course is a thrilling, dramatic test of golf.
• This evening is your final night in Killarney, so make your dinner plans count!
• Overnight at the Randles Hotel, Killarney
Day 7: Thursday 10 July
• After breakfast at your leisure, we head to Co Clare for 2 nights at the Lahinch Coast Hotel.
• There is time for an early round of golf at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club for those that want to play. It is an amazing golf course located in the heart of Killarney and surrounded by hills.
• On the way, we’ll stop in the charming town of Adare for a group lunch and a walk around the stunning town.
• Overnight at the Lahinch Coast Hotel
Day 8: Friday 11 July
• Today we’ll play Lahinch’s Old Course, a classic seaside links designed by Old Tom Morris hundreds of years ago. This is ranked as the second best golf course in Ireland by Golf Digest, soak it up!
• After golf, we’ll make some time in town to explore and have a pre-dinner drink. The evening is free to spend at your leisure.
• Overnight at the Lahinch Coast Hotel.
Itinerary
Day 9: Saturday 12 July
• This morning if free to spend at your leisure.
• You will have the option to play golf at Trump Doonbeg which is a fantastic links golf course, or you can relax.
• In the afternoon, we’ll head to the famous Cliffs of Moher, offering amazing views over towering cliffs next to the Atlantic Ocean. Ensure you bring your camera!
Day 10: Sunday 13 July
• After breakfast at your leisure, we check-out and head north to Enniscrone Golf Club. Today is an afternoon round on this famous links course in Co Sligo. Designed by Irishman Eddie Hackett, this course is ranked as the 10th Best Golf Course in Ireland by Golf Digest.
• After golf, we head to Mount Falcon Estate for one night at this countryside estate of outstanding natural beauty.
Day 11: Monday 14 July
• After breakfast at your leisure, we head east to Belfast to check into the Europa Hotel. This is the most famous Hotel in Belfast due to its history of being the most bombed hotel in the world. This is because journalists used the Hotel during the Troubles and the IRA & other rebel groups.
• The afternoon and evening are free to spend at your leisure.
• Overnight at the Europa Hotel in Belfast
Day 11: Monday 14 July
• After breakfast at your leisure, we head east to Belfast to check into the Europa Hotel. This is the most famous Hotel in Belfast due to its history of being the most bombed hotel in the world. This is because journalists used the Hotel during the Troubles and the IRA & other rebel groups.
• The afternoon and evening are free to spend at your leisure.
• Overnight at the Europa Hotel in Belfast
Day 12: Tuesday 15 July
• It’s time to discover the back streets of Belfast in one of the most captivating stories you’ll ever hear. Do it from the comfort of the famous black cabs as a local will drive you around the storied streets of Belfast and tell you about the Troubles, Ireland’s difficult past and how it has shaped the trendy city that it is today. You’ll drive along the Loyalist Shankill Road, and Republican Falls Road, and the ‘Peace Walls’ that separate them, the taxi tour guides explain the fascinating history of each mural and the stories behind them.
• Overnight at the Europa Hotel in Belfast
Day 13: Wednesday 16 July
• Check-out of the Europa Hotel mid-morning and transfer to Londonderry or ‘Derry’ as the locals call it. We spend the remaining five nights using this centrally-located town as our base to access The Open without traffic, as well as the north-west golf courses to finish off escorted tour in style.
• Overnight at the Everglades Hotel in Derry.
Day 14: Thursday 17 July
• After a few days’ break, it’s time to head back for our second last round of golf. We’ll visit one of the top courses in Ireland: Ballyliffin’s Glashedy Links. It ranks as the #13th Top Course in Ireland.
• After golf, we’ll return to the Hotel for an evening at your leisure. Perhaps head into Derry to a local pub for your evening meal? The Everglades Hotel is also serving fantastic food in the writer’s lounge.
Day 15: Friday 18 July
• Today we head to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Watch your favourite golfers before the weekend cut and purchase any merchandise from the Open’s official shop before weekend crowds. We’ll have a private coach taking our group to The Open so everything is taken care of for you.
• Overnight at the Everglades Hotel in Belfast.
Day 16: Saturday 19 July
• For our final round of golf, we head to Portsalon Golf Club on Ireland’s northern coastline. This fantastic little town is home to one of the most picturesque beaches we’ve ever visited, and the golf course enjoys prime position.
• This evening, we’ve got our final Farewell Dinner at the Hotel to celebrate what an amazing time we’ve had exploring Ireland. We don’t do the welcome dinner tomorrow because we may arrive home quite late from The Open so tonight, let’s celebrate!
• Overnight at the Everglades Hotel in Derry.
Day 17: Sunday 20 July
• The final day of The 153rd Open Championship has arrived and we depart around 9AM to Royal Portrush. This is the last major of the year so let’s soak it up and see who will be crowned Champion Golfer of the Year. Will Xander Schauffele defend his title from Royal Troon, or will local legend Shane Lowry defend his 2019 title?
• After golf, we’ll return for one final night at the Everglades Hotel in Derry.
Day 18: Monday 21 July
• After breakfast at your leisure, we check-out and transfer straight to Belfast Airport for onward departures.
-- End of Services
Accommodation
Portmarnock Hotel, Dublin: Nestled along the scenic coastline of Dublin, Portmarnock Hotel offers a luxurious escape with breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. This historic hotel seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern comfort, providing guests with a tranquil retreat. The championship golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, adds a sporting touch to the experience. The opulent rooms, exquisite dining options, and spa facilities create an ambiance of refined indulgence. Whether exploring Dublin’s cultural treasures or enjoying the hotel’s private beach, Portmarnock Hotel promises an unforgettable Irish getaway.
In the heart of Killarney, The Randles Hotel stands as a beacon of Irish hospitality, and stands as the perfect place to base ourselves from during this golf tour. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary comforts. Located near Killarney National Park, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the stunning landscapes of County Kerry. The hotel’s elegant rooms, warm hospitality, and proximity to local attractions make it a popular choice for visitors. From traditional Irish fare to international cuisine, the dining options reflect the diversity of the region, ensuring a memorable stay in Killarney.
Lahinch Coast Hotel: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Lahinch Coast Hotel offers a spectacular setting on the Wild Atlantic Way. Known for its warm hospitality and contemporary design, the hotel provides a gateway to the rugged beauty of County Clare. The spacious rooms, many with ocean views, invite guests to unwind in comfort. The on-site spa, dining options showcasing local flavors, and proximity to Lahinch’s renowned golf courses make it a sought-after destination. Whether seeking adventure along th e coast or a relaxing retreat, Lahinch Coast Hotel promises a perfect blend of seaside charm and modern luxury.
Mount Falcon Estate, Sligo: Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Sligo, Mount Falcon Estate is a 19th-century manor house exuding timeless elegance. Surrounded by woodlands and the River Moy, the estate offers a tranquil escape in a picturesque setting. The individually designed rooms, adorned with antique furnishings, provide a luxurious retreat. With activities ranging from falconry to fishing, guests can immerse themselves in the estate’s natural beauty. The award-winning restaurant showcases locally sourced ingredients, offering a true taste of the region. Mount Falcon Estate stands as a testament to Sligo’s charm, providing a blend of history, nature, and hospitality for an enchanting Irish experience.
Lahinch Coast Hotel
Randles Hotel Killarney
Lahinch Coast Hotel
“I may have designed surely God designed - Arnold
designed the first nine, but designed the second.”
Arnold Palmer
The Golf You’ll Play
Portmarnock Golf Links: Situated on the rugged coastline near Dublin, Portmarnock Golf Links offers a world-class links golf experience. Designed by Bernhard Langer, this challenging course features undulating fairways and strategic bunkering, providing golfers with a true test of skill. The stunning sea views and the backdrop of the Irish Sea add to the allure, making Portmarnock Golf Links a must-play destination for enthusiasts seeking a blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence.
Dooks Golf Links: A stunning, rolling piece of natural dunesland can be found at Dooks Golf Club, 35 minutes from Killarney. The club was founded in 1889, making it one of the country’s oldest—but Martin Hawtree came in and renovated the course in 2006, securing it as being a must-add to your trip to the area. This is a true links course that is described as ‘one of the best kept secrets in Irish Golf.’ There is water on three sides offering spectacular views of the highest mountain ranges in Ireland. It is quirky, challenging, tight, and beautiful.
Tralee Golf Club: Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club is a masterpiece on the southwest coast of Ireland. Carved through towering dunes and overlooking the rugged coastline, the course offers a unique and challenging layout. The stunning scenery, with views of the Atlantic and the Brandon Mountains, enhances the golfing experience. Tralee’s design incorporates natural contours, providing golfers with an unforgettable journey through Irish links terrain. A harmonious blend of beauty and challenge, Tralee Golf Club stands as a testament to Palmer’s genius and the natural splendor of County Kerry.
Ballybunion Golf Club: Ballybunion Golf Club, located in County Kerry, is synonymous with world-class links golf. With two courses, the Old Course and the Cashen Course, the club offers golfers a challenging and memorable experience. The Old Course, ranked among the finest in the world, winds through towering dunes and along the Atlantic shoreline. Its undulating fairways and challenging bunkers demand precision and skill. The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., provides a formidable test with its strategic layout. Ballybunion’s rich history and formidable challenges make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
Lahinch Old Course: Perched on the shores of the Atlantic, Lahinch Old Course is a historic and revered links course in County Clare. Dating back to 1892, it boasts a traditional layout shaped by the natural terrain. The undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and unpredictable winds present a true links challenge. The course’s proximity to Lahinch’s charming village and its stunning views of the Cliffs of Moher make it a golfing destination of unparalleled beauty and character. Lahinch Old Course is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic links golf in Ireland.
Enniscrone Golf Club: Situated along the shores of Killala Bay in County Sligo, Enniscrone Golf Club is a hidden gem with a spectacular links layout. Known for its challenging dunes and stunning sea views, the course provides an exhilarating golfing experience. The challenging holes, including the famous par-5 “Dunes” hole, showcase the natural beauty of the landscape. Enniscrone’s welcoming atmosphere and links challenges make it a favorite among golfers seeking an authentic Irish golf adventure.
Ballyliffin - Glashedy Links: Discover the breathtaking beauty and challenge of Ballyliffin’s Glashedy Links, Ireland’s most northerly championship course. Renowned for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged terrain, this world-class links offers an unforgettable golfing experience. Play on meticulously maintained fairways and fast greens, where every hole presents a new adventure in the heart of Donegal.
Portsalon Golf Club: Tee off at Portsalon Golf Club, one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Nestled along the stunning shores of Lough Swilly, this traditional links course offers breathtaking coastal views and a challenging yet rewarding round of golf. With its undulating fairways and pristine greens, Portsalon promises an authentic Irish golfing experience in a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Portmarnock
Lahinch
Format & Pairings
This golf tour is open to anyone. You do not have to have a certain handicap to play any of the golf courses on tour. For maximum enjoyment, on the tour, we recommend you have at least basic knowledge of golf courses, etiquette and scoring.
By joining the tour as a golfer or a non-golfer, you must stay in your category. This means you cannot join the tour as a non-golfer and play a few rounds. The aspect of playing golf is central to this trip, but it is not the only component that makes a trip like this so memorable and worthwhile for everyone. It is also about meeting new friends, sharing lifelong memories with likeminded people, and discovering the culture, history and people of a different country than one calls home. Yes, golf is the catalyst and focus of the trip, but there is a lot more to it than just the golf.
Golf pairings will be structured so that everyone plays with one another at least once. Where possible, we will group similar handicaps together, and some rounds will be played with ‘friends and travel companions’, but the rest will be mixed. We operate as a small tour group & by the end, everyone leaves as friends.
There will be token prizes for our regular competition that recognised who played the best each day, as well as NTP’s, the occasional longest drives and some other fun categories yet-to-be revealed.
Our tee-times are usually mid-morning. After all, this is your holiday and you deserve a sleep in! If by chance there is an earlier tee-time, we will ensure there are no activities scheduled the night before.
Prices are listed in GBP. The tour is priced in GBP; any currencies quoted will be converted at time of booking subject to daily exchange rates
All prices are per person
Prices are inclusive of driver gratuities
Terms
We have a flexible payment plan that is actioned with three payments called a deposit, stage and balance. These are designed to help spread the payment schedule from larger payments to three smaller payments.
The payment plan for this tour:
25% Deposit to confirm your place
25% Stage payment due 30 November 2024
Balance due 31 January 2025
Full terms as per standard terms and conditions.
In need of travel insurance? We issue policies to Australian residents. Enjoy 15% off travel insurance for this tour with our insurance provider Covermore.
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
• We welcome Agents and Golf Operator bookings
The Open 2025
Will Xander Schauffele defend his title, or Shane Lowry defend his 2019 title on home soil?
How to Book
1. Contact us via one of the methods below:
Website: www.voyages.golf/contact-us
Email: res@voyages.golf
Phone: +61 03 5923 0666
2. After speaking to our friendly team, we will request the following details:
• Names as per passport for each traveller
• Emails and phone numbers for each traveller
• Mailing address of the person paying. If multiple payees, an addres per payee
2. Once we have your contact information. We will produce your booking confirmation and three invoices (deposit, stage and balance).
3. Payment can be made in one of the following ways:
A) Bank transfer
B) Credit Card Merchant surcharges apply
4. All our banking and payment information will be supplied with your documents
5. That’s it! Your booking is confirmed once the deposit invoice is paid.
How long does this process take?
Once we have your contact details, your booking documents will be produced in 24 - 48 hours.
FAQ’s
What are your Payment methods?
We accept payments via credit card or bank transfer. For bank transfers, we accept transfers into our AUD account . For transfers within Australia, this is free. For other currencies paying into AUD, a $20 transaction fee must be added to the transfer.
Why do you split payment into three?
We require a deposit to confirm your place. There is a stage payment usually 6 months prior to the date of travel, and the balance is due 3-4 months prior to travel. We spread the payments into three because there is usually a longer time-frame between booking a trip and the date of travel, so we spread out the higher payments into three smaller payments to ease the burden on you.
Is there a handicap limit to participate?
Yes, Gentlement need to have a handicap below 24, and ladies need to have a handicap below 36.
Are golf carts included?
No, all courses include a pull-buggie. All golf courses on this tour are walking-only because that is the norm in Ireland. Carts may be requested with a medical certificate, but not guaranteed.
Do I need a certain handicap to join this tour?
There is no restriction on handicaps to join this tour, but we recommend you have a handicap below 36 to get the most enjoyment out of the golf experience.
Do single travellers join your trips
Absolutely, for a tour of 21 people, we usually have 4-5 single travellers. If you are considering joining this trip as a single traveller, we highly recommend it. Although most nights are free, the tour leaders will make sure nobody is having dinner alone, and the tour leader’s table always has a spare spot on the free nights. Everyone ends up as friends after a couple of nights, so single travellers are encouraged to join this tour.
My partner is a non-golfer, are they welcome?
Absolutely. All our hotel locations are central to the towns we’re staying at, so everything is a short walk away. We will also create a bespoke itinerary for the non-golfers to ensure what we organise is what they want.
Are your tour leaders experienced?
Our tour leaders have over 80 years’ experience between them. We run a small, highly effective family run business and we’ve kept it small for a reason. Your tour leaders own the company, they have a few stories to tell!
Do you have terms and conditions?
This tour is subject to our standard terms and conditions. We are human, and will be happy to speak to you over email, phone or Zoom to ensure all of your questions are answered prior to any transaction taking place.
The Booking Process:
Speak to our friendly team via email, phone or online enquiry to start your journey today.
Aside from the main tour, we can assist with:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Extra nights
- Cruises
- Extra travel services
1.
Once you request to book, we will ask for your contact details:
- Names as per passport for each traveller
- Emails & phone numbers for each traveller
- Mailing address for the person paying. If multiple people are paying, we’ll need a mailing address for each payee.
2. We will send your confirmation PDF and invoices with various options to pay.
3.
Once your deposit invoice has been paid, your position on the tour is guaranteed!
