Top 5-Day and 7-Day Golf Tours in Ireland: Experience Iconic Courses
Ireland is nothing short of a golfer’s paradise. The Emerald Isle boasts some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses, drawing enthusiasts from all over to its rolling green landscapes, rugged coastline, and warm, inviting atmosphere. From seaside links to lush parkland courses, Ireland offers a variety of golf experiences that allow players to immerse themselves in the country’s beauty, history, and unique charm. Multi-day golf breaks in Ireland aren’t just vacations—they’re immersive experiences that let you explore iconic courses while soaking up Ireland’s culture and hospitality.
If you’re planning a golfing trip to Ireland, a 5-day golf break in Ireland or a 7-day golf break in Ireland can be the perfect way to experience a variety of top courses. In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of both options, sharing recommended itineraries and practical tips to ensure your trip is as memorable as possible.
Why Ireland for Golf Tours?
Choosing Ireland for a golf trip offers several unbeatable advantages:
1. Course Variety
Ireland has it all: windswept seaside links courses, inland parklands, and even courses nestled along the edges of rugged cliffs. Each course presents unique challenges, blending natural terrain with masterful design. From the legendary links of Ballybunion to the parkland charm of Mount Juliet, Ireland’s courses offer unforgettable experiences for players of all skill levels.
2. Scenic Beauty
Irish golf courses are set against breathtaking backdrops, including dramatic coastlines, lush green valleys, and misty mountains. This natural beauty elevates every round, offering a sense of tranquility and wonder that few places can rival.
3. Hospitality and Culture
Beyond the fairways, Ireland’s renowned hospitality adds another layer to your experience. Whether you’re toasting a great round with a pint of Guinness or enjoying fresh local cuisine, Irish culture complements your golfing journey with warmth, friendliness, and charm.
Overview of 5-Day and 7-Day Tour Options
A 5-day golf break in Ireland is perfect for those with limited time, allowing you to experience some of Ireland’s most famous courses without too much travel between rounds. The itinerary typically covers 4-5 premium courses, focusing on regions to minimize travel.
A 7-day golf break in Ireland, on the other hand, provides more flexibility. With seven days, you can enjoy a more extensive lineup of courses spread across different regions of Ireland. This itinerary suits golfers looking for an in-depth experience, allowing extra time for sightseeing and soaking up Ireland’s rich culture along the way.
5-Day Golf Tour Itinerary
Suggested Courses:
A 5-day golf tour gives you just enough time to cover a handful of Ireland’s most iconic courses. Here’s a selection of recommended courses:
- Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) – Located in County Kerry, Ballybunion’s Old Course is renowned for its dramatic dunes and unpredictable coastal winds. Regularly ranked among the world’s best, this links course is a thrilling start to any Irish golf tour.
- Lahinch Golf Club – Nicknamed “The St. Andrews of Ireland,” Lahinch is a must-play with its beautiful seaside location and challenging layout. Designed by Old Tom Morris, it’s a course rich in history and charm.
- Doonbeg Golf Club – Situated along the stunning west coast, Doonbeg (now a Trump International property) offers rolling fairways and breathtaking ocean views. Known for its challenging yet fair design, Doonbeg is an unforgettable round.
- Adare Manor – This parkland gem is set on the grounds of a luxurious manor in County Limerick. It combines pristine fairways with stunning architecture, providing a classic, elegant contrast to the rougher links courses.
- Waterville Golf Links – Waterville is an iconic links course in County Kerry, surrounded by sea on three sides. This challenging layout provides spectacular views, with a layout that appeals to purists.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course), County Kerry
Start your journey at Ballybunion’s Old Course, one of Ireland’s most iconic and prestigious links courses. Known for its towering coastal dunes and challenging, unpredictable winds, Ballybunion sets a thrilling tone for the days to come.
Day 2: Lahinch Golf Club, County Clare
Travel to the “St. Andrews of Ireland” at Lahinch Golf Club. Designed by Old Tom Morris, this seaside course offers breathtaking ocean views and an intricate, engaging layout that tests even experienced players.
Day 3: Doonbeg Golf Club, County Clare
On your third day, experience the rugged beauty of Doonbeg. Situated along the wild west coast, this course combines rolling fairways with sweeping ocean views. The layout is challenging yet fair, giving players an unforgettable experience with each hole.
Day 4: Waterville Golf Links, County Kerry
Play surrounded by the sea on three sides at Waterville Golf Links. This historic links course offers dramatic coastal views and a true test for those who love traditional links play, making it a favorite among purists.
Day 5: Adare Manor, County Limerick
Conclude your 5-day tour with the elegance of Adare Manor. Nestled in a lush, scenic parkland setting, Adare’s manicured fairways and the luxurious ambiance of the manor create a fittingly grand finale to your Irish golf experience.
Ideal for:
The 5-day itinerary is ideal for golfers on a tighter schedule who want to experience Ireland’s most iconic courses without extensive travel logistics. The shorter trip allows a more compact, concentrated experience, and the courses selected are relatively close to each other to maximize playtime.
7-Day Golf Tour Itinerary
Suggested Courses:
A 7-day golf tour lets you delve deeper into Ireland’s golf scene, with more courses and time for local exploration. Here’s a suggested lineup of courses for a week-long tour:
- Royal County Down – This course is often cited as one of the world’s best. Located in Northern Ireland, its rugged beauty, scenic mountains, and challenging design make it a bucket-list course for many.
- Portmarnock Golf Club – Just outside Dublin, Portmarnock is known for its well-maintained fairways and demanding play. This traditional links course offers a scenic, challenging experience and a convenient location near Dublin’s city life.
- Old Head Golf Links – Situated on a breathtaking promontory that juts into the Atlantic, Old Head provides jaw-dropping views and a true test of skill. This Cork course is both visually stunning and exhilarating to play.
- Tralee Golf Club – Designed by Arnold Palmer, Tralee offers an engaging layout with a mix of scenic coastal holes and lush inland fairways. Its historical surroundings only add to the allure.
- County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point) – Known for its rugged beauty and coastal charm, County Sligo is a top-rated links course that offers panoramic views of Ben Bulben mountain and the Atlantic.
- The European Club – Located in County Wicklow, this links course is known for its fast greens and seaside location, providing a strong test for seasoned players.
- Enniscrone Golf Club – With dunes as high as 60 feet and expansive views of the ocean, Enniscrone is a true links experience. The course is challenging yet fair, with beautiful, rugged scenery.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Portmarnock Golf Club, County Dublin
Kick off the week at Portmarnock Golf Club, located just outside Dublin. Known for its challenging links design and well-maintained fairways, this course offers a perfect introduction with its proximity to the vibrant city.
Day 2: Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
On your second day, travel north to Royal County Down, often considered one of the world’s finest courses. With its stunning mountain and coastal views, Royal County Down offers a challenging layout in a ruggedly beautiful setting.
Day 3: Old Head Golf Links, County Cork
Head southwest to the jaw-dropping Old Head Golf Links. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, this exhilarating course combines spectacular views with holes that test both precision and courage.
Day 4: Tralee Golf Club, County Kerry
Next, make your way to Tralee, a course designed by Arnold Palmer. Set in a dramatic landscape with a mix of coastal and inland holes, Tralee provides a mix of beauty, challenge, and historical ambiance.
Day 5: County Sligo Golf Club (Rosses Point), County Sligo
On day five, venture to the stunning Rosses Point course at County Sligo. With breathtaking views of Ben Bulben mountain and the Atlantic, this coastal course offers a unique mix of rugged charm and rewarding play.
Day 6: The European Club, County Wicklow
Experience a serious test of skill at The European Club, known for its fast greens and seaside location. This challenging links course provides a memorable experience and is a favorite among seasoned players.
Day 7: Enniscrone Golf Club, County Sligo
Wrap up your 7-day tour at Enniscrone Golf Club, where towering dunes and rugged coastal scenery make for a thrilling final round. Enniscrone offers a classic links experience, challenging and beautiful, to close out your Irish golf adventure.
Ideal for:
A 7-day tour is perfect for golfers seeking a fully immersive experience, allowing them to cover a wider range of iconic courses and explore Ireland’s varied regions. This longer tour is great for those who want to balance serious golf with sightseeing and leisurely enjoyment of Irish hospitality.
Tips for Planning an Irish Golf Tour
- Booking Advice: Ireland’s popular courses are in high demand, especially during peak season (May to September). Book well in advance—ideally six months to a year beforehand—to secure your preferred tee times.
- Packing Essentials: Prepare for Ireland’s unpredictable weather by packing rain gear, layers, and sturdy golf shoes. Consider a lightweight windproof jacket and a hat to handle the coastal winds typical of links courses.
- Transportation Tips: While renting a car offers the most flexibility, private shuttles are a convenient option for groups, as they allow you to relax and focus on your game without navigating unfamiliar roads.
Conclusion
A multi-day golf break in Ireland offers the ultimate blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience for golfers of all levels. Whether you opt for a 5-day golf break in Ireland or a 7-day golf break in Ireland, Ireland’s iconic courses, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality promise a golf journey like no other. So pack your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to experience the best of Irish golf!
