Luxury Golf Vacation | Irish Golf: Mike Ryan’s Favourites
Why choose an Irish golf trip? Besides the magnificent scenery, Ireland has some of the best Golf Links the world has ever seen. The Golf Courses are a favourite with some of the globe’s most famous stars and Ireland itself has contributed so many talented golfers to the world. The Emerald Isle should be top of your list for a luxury golf tour in Ireland and here’s some of Mike Ryan’s favourites…
Royal County Down | luxury golf vacation
We begin with the Royal County Down. It is located in the seaside resort of Newcastle in Co. Down and was founded in 1889. At 127 years old, it is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in Ireland and has two 18-hole link courses, the Championship course and the Annesley links. It stretches out over 7,200 yards along the shores of Dundrum Bay, making it one of the most naturally stunning courses in the world.
Royal Portrush | Golf trips Ireland
The Royal Portrush Golf Club is found in the fishing village of Portrush, in County Antrim in Ireland. It was formed in 1888 it was only a 9-hole course, until 1889 when it was extended to the 18-course (Valley Course). Then in 1929 another 18-hole course (Dunluce Course) was added by the renowned architect, Harry Colt. Everything you can expect to see in an Irish golf trip.
Old Head | luxury golf vacations ireland
Extending over 2km out onto the Atlantic, the Old Head Golf Course rests on 7220 acres of land. It’s located in Kinsale, Co. Cork, famously known as the as the nearest point to where the Lusitania was sunk by a German torpedo during World War 1, in 1915. The course was originally designed as a walking course and though challenging this is still encouraged today. The dramatic surroundings of clifftops, makes this a very memorable golf tour in Ireland.
Ballybunion Golf Course | Family Golf Trips Ireland
Founded in 1893, Ballybunion Golf Club is home to two testing course, the Old Course and The Cashen Course. Ballybunion is in County Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland. It was founded in 1893, starting off as a 9-hole course before later expanding to 18 holes, in 1927. Although its’ remote location has lead to few championships being held here, Ballybunion Golf Club has been a consistently popular amongst those wishing to be challenged. It’s location is no concern to as you can book a private chauffeur to get you there and back.
tralee golf club | Ireland golf trips
Staying in County Kerry brings us to Tralee Golf Club. Founded in 1896, it was later redesigned (by Arnold Palmer) and opened as it’s present day course in 1984. There are spectacular views of the beach, made famous for the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ beach scene which was shot here, and subsequently the 17th is named after the popular film.
Waterville | private golf tours of Ireland
Another favourite golf vacation spot in County Kerry is Waterville Golf Links. Designed by John A Mulcahy (architect Eddie Hackett) and opened in 1973, his vision was to built the most challenging golf links in the world. The course stretches over 7,300 yards, intimidating to even the most confident player. Also popular with the late Payne Stewart, a bronze statue was unveiled there to honour him, following the tragic plane crash that claimed his life in 1999.
Lahinch Golf Club | Golf Tours Ireland
Found County Clare, Lahinch is a popular surfing resort with its’ world-famous Golf Links Course. Founded in 1892 it was redesigned and the new 18-hole course was opened in 1927. It has two 18-hole courses, the Old Course and the Castle Course. Lahinch hosts the annual South of Ireland Championship, an amateur golf tournament, since 1895. It’s signature hole ‘The Dell’ is famously known all around for it’s difficultly, it is a tough 150 yards par 3. The Golf Club is set on the edge of the beach with surrounding sea views, it’s no great surprise that Golfing Magazine named it Irish golf links winner 2015.
Dooks Golf Club | Discover Ireland Golf Tour(s)
Found in County Kerry, in 1889 the original 9 holes were laid out in Dooks Golf Club. It was unique as at the time it was one of only ten Golf Clubs in Ireland. In 1899 the additional 9 holes were added, making Dooks the first 18-hole Golf Course in Kerry. As a 127 year-old Course has long contoured fairways and the Mc Gillycuddy’s Reeks mountains to the east. It is an enclosed links so wind speeds of other courses shouldn’t effect play here. However, this doesn’t mean it’s an easy course and still requires a skilled player to take it on. It is traditional golf to a tee!
We can help you plan any part of your luxury golf vacation in Ireland and if you have any questions please do
contact us and we’d be happy to help. If you are interested in an Irish Golf Vacation Package and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below. All the best, Mike Ryan.
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