The Best of Ireland 2016

The Best of Ireland2016

The Best of IrelandTour Leader Kieran McLaughlin

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 YOU WILL PLAY: 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

ItineraryCounty Clare & Kerry

Day 1

Arrive Shannon Airport and transfer to Old Head Golf Resort.Overnight Old Head Resort

Day 2

Golf at Old Head Golf ClubOvernight Old Head ResortDay 3

Play Killarney Golf ClubOvernight Killarney Lodge

Day 4

Options include:Sightseeing around Killarney – see Muckross House, go jigging, walk the gardens, drive to Magillacuddy’s Reeks

OR

Drive the Ring of Kerry ( golf at Waterville can be included)Overnight Killarney Lodge

County Kerry

Day 5Play Ballybunion (Cashen Course)Overnight Teach De Broc Guesthouse, Ballybunion

Day 6Play Ballybunion (Old Course)Overnight Teach De Broc Guesthouse, Ballybunion

Day 7Play Tralee Golf ClubOvernight Teach De Broc Guesthouse, Ballybunion

County Clare & Dublin

Day 8

Travel Day including ferry across The Shannon river and lunch at DoonbegVisit the Cliffs of Moher in the afternoonOvernight Lahinch Golf Hotel

Day 9

Play Lahinch Golf ClubOvernight Lahinch Golf Hotel

Day 10

Transfer to DublinSightseeing en routeOvernight Fitzwilliam Hotel

Day 11

Play The Island GCOvernight Fitzwilliam Hotel

County Down

Day 12

Play Portmarnock Golf Club (Old)Overnight Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle

Day 13

Play Royal County DownOvernight Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle

County Antrim

Day 14

Play Ardglass Golf ClubTravel to BushmillsOvernight Bushmills Inn

Day 15

Sightseeing includes: Bushmills distillery, Carrick a rede bridge, Dunluce castle & the Giants Causeway

OR

optional golf at Portstewart, Castlerock, or BallycastleOvernight Bushmills Inn

Day 16

Play Royal Portrush Golf ClubOvernight Bushmills Inn

Day 17

Depart for next destination

Old HeadOld 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.

Golf Clubs & Course Overview

Tralee Golf LinksAlthough 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.

Ballybunion Golf Club Old CourseBlessed 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.

Golf Clubs & Course Overview

Lahinch Golf ClubOverlooking 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.

Ballybunion Cashen CourseIt'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.

The Island Golf ClubThe 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. 

Royal County DownRoyal 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.

Golf Clubs & Course Overview

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.

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 Portrush Golf ClubRoyal 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

Lahinch Golf & Leisure HotelThe 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.

Teach de BrocEverything 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.

Accommodation Overview

Killarney LodgeKillarney 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!

Old Head Golf & Luxury AccomodationThe 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..

Fitzwilliam Dublin HotelThe 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.

Accommodation Overview

Slieve Donard Resort & SpaNamed 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 InnThe 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.

Package Includes: • 16 Nights accommodation and breakfasts

– 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 Resort & Spa – 3 Nights at the Bushmills Inn

• 11 Rounds championship golf• All transfers by chauffeured coach• Fully guided by Teaching Professional Kieran McLaughlin• Coaching clinics run by Kieran• Entry to tour competitions and prizes• Tour shirt and Bag Tags• Farewell dinner

Package Excludes: • Airfares• Caddy Fees• Gratuities• Meals and any items of a personal nature• Travel Insurance• Sightseeing and excursions• Private golf lessons (available but at additional

cost)

Payment InstructionsA $2083 deposit is required to secure a booking. Payment

can be made by:

1. 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

The balance of payment is due 65 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.

PRICE OF PACKAGE:$10,413** AUD per person, twin share OR $12,614 AUD per person single room, based on a minimum of 8 in the groupNote: Currency fluctuations will alter the price in AUD. Price quoted is based on AUD = 0.63 Euros as @ 30/07/2015

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, QBE Travel Insurance and insurance with various other insurance providers through The Travelling Golfer. Please ring for a competitive quote.

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. 

TRIP AVAILABILITYIf 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 the earliest.

Travel Insurance

For more information contact:Peter Wood Kieran McLaughlin0438 573271 0415 562100

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation PolicyThe deposit is non refundableThe balance is due 65 days before departure and is non refundable at this time.

Notifications of cancellations must be forwarded to The Travelling Golfer in writing or email as soon as possible to: [email protected] is no refund for cancellation for unused services on or after the tour commencement date. Note: Airlines have there own cancellation terms and conditions.

Tour RatesTour 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 bookingThe 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.

AirlinesInternational 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.

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