Ballybunion Golf Club - Cashen Course
Designer Robert Trent Jones II described the layout as being, "perhaps the finest piece of links land in the world". It has the ocean on one side and the river on the other to create an amazing setting for this stunning golf course. Each hole has its own character to keep golfers not only on their toes but thoroughly entertained throughout. The 10th and the 13th are the stand out holes that will take your breath away from tee to green. This is a dateless golf course which after playing makes you ask yourself if you've ever played amid quite such surroundings. Rated in the top 100 by Golf Magazine, the vast majority of Cashen’s green positions have been copied by many new course designers. Spectacular and supremely challenging, what can never be copied is the majestic landscape and fresh sea air that is distinctly part of the Ballybunion experience. When you play this golf course, you'll need to take a minute to just take it all in as it is truly unforgettable, so remember to bring your camera!
Ballybunion's Old Course
Dingle Links Golf Club also known as Ceann Sibeal Golf Links
Golf Club Ceann Sibeal (Dingle) is the most westerly course in Europe. It is a scenic 90 minute drive from Killarney to the western Dingle Peninsula, where the geography is rugged and mountainous with extensive green valleys and framed by the Atlantic. Here, in what feels like a very remote and secluded province of Ireland, Gaelic is still spoken and you'll see more sheep than people.
The 6,690-yard par 72 layout was co-designed by Eddie Hackett and Christy O'Connor Jr. Like Dooks, the terrain is morainic and sandy, and not so vertiginous you need to jack up your heart rate to play the course, though it is definitely not flat. The architects moved virtually no earth, laying down a route over the land as they found it, using the tall grasses, mounds and environmental areas to good advantage in a simple, straight-forward plan. Way out here just off the Atlantic, you can count on strong winds so practice hitting a knockdown shot before you visit. This course also has a fleet of 8 buggies for those who may want to ride – advance reservations are recommended.
FRI – October 1 – Depart from the US on your overnight flight to Dublin airport.
SAT – October 2 - Arrive at Dublin airport for private bus transfer directly to Killarney for check-in at Great Southern Hotel Holiday Homes.
SUN – October 3 - Play Dingle Golf Links, considered the most westerly course in Europe, it's a true natural links in a beautiful setting.
MON – October 4 - Play Waterville Golf Links and remember to get your photo next to the Payne Stewart statue.
TUE – October 5 - Play Ballybunion Golf Club, Old Course, considered a Mecca for true golfers and always a highlight of any Ireland golf itinerary.
WED – October 6 – Play Dooks Golf Links, known as a favorite of the Irish far and near. Be sure to take some photos and don’t miss the friendly pub in the clubhouse filled with real Irish men and ladies.
THU – October 7 - Play Ballybunion Golf Club, Cashen Course, a particular patch of Irish coastline that seems custom-made by mother nature for links golf.
FRI – October 8 - Play Tralee Golf Club, course motto: "Created by God, designed by Arnold Palmer"!
SAT – October 9 – Check-out of Great Southern and transfer to Dooks Golf Links for final round of golf. After golf, we transfer to the Radisson Blu Dublin Airport hotel for one final night in Ireland prior to flying home.
SUN – October 10 – Your breakfast is included at the hotel. Take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the airport terminal which is less than 5 minute drive time. Have a safe flight home.
Seve is number one!
Dooks Golf Links
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport
Situated just minutes from the main flight terminals, the 229 Dublin hotel rooms feature amenities such as free high-speed wireless internet , 24-hour room service, and complimentary airport shuttle service. Our participants will stay in queen bed guest rooms, suited for weary golfers. If you have enough fuel left in your tank, you may enjoy a farewell “pint or two” at the nearby “Kealy’s Pub” located across the parking lot behind the hotel. In the morning, breakfast is included for Mad Men in the hotel’s Collage Restaurant from 6:30am to 11:00am. The hotel shuttle takes less than 5 minutes to drive you to the airport terminal for your departure to the USA. Have a safe trip.
Ireland has a long history of music-making and Gaelic folk music has been hugely influential around the world, with poetic ballads dating back as early as the 18th century and traditional instruments like Irish flutes, fiddles and Celtic harps still playing an important role in modern music-making. Today, traditional music sessions and folk music performances remain popular throughout Ireland and Killarney is no exception. Killarney’s historic pubs are the best place to experience the local music scene and many of them host regular Irish music nights, with local bands and musicians, jam sessions and open mic nights. Head to the atmospheric Murphy’s Bar, O’Conner's, Jarvey’s Rest Pub or the Danny Mann Pub, all of which host Irish music and dance nights. Other top venues include The Failte, Courtney’s Bar, Mustang Sally's and more.
The Dingle Peninsula
Waterville Golf Club
Make no mistake about it; Waterville is one of the finest links golf courses in the world, never mind Ireland. Located on the Ring of Kerry, the surrounding scenery and quality of golf holes is breathtaking to say the least. Waterville has enjoyed great popularity and has hosted some of the world’s leading professionals from Faldo and Floyd to Stewart, O’Meara and Woods, all of whom have been captivated by the course. Raymond Floyd subsequently wrote of his experience: “this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen it has some of the finest links holes I have ever played”. The late Henry Cotton, three times British Open Champion, probably said it best when he commented: “Waterville has to be one of the greatest golf courses ever built. If it were located in Britain, it would undoubtedly be a venue for the British Open. I have never seen a more consistent succession of really strong and beautiful golf holes than here.” Now that you’ve read what these guys had to say, don’t you want to see for yourself?
Ballybunion's Cashen Course
Killarney is one of Ireland's leading tourist destinations because of the abundance of restaurants, pubs and shopping. Killarney also offers a magnificent lake and mountain scenery in Killarney National Park. It is also situated on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Killarney has over 250 years of experience in welcoming guests. With Ireland's finest choice of Accommodation, Dining & Entertainment, Touring & Shopping Options, Sporting Activities galore and many nearby Blue Flag Beaches, - all located in the midst of breathtaking and ever-changing beautiful landscapes, you will not be disappointed. Killarney offers an abundance of beautiful boutiques, jewellery shops, art & photography galleries where you can purchase memorable gems. Downtown Killarney has late night shopping May to October with many stores open 7 days a week. There is also a number of traditional Irish stores stocking everything from Aran Sweaters to Irish Crystal and everything in between. So whether you are looking buy presents to take home or for a great meal, lively traditional Irish music or just a quiet pint, you are sure to find it in this town.
Dooks Golf Links
Dooks Golf Club has been a golfing location since 1889, making it one of Ireland's oldest courses. The course sprawls across three expansive stretches of sand dunes at the head of Dingle Bay. The layout is traditional, but challenging with narrow fairways and contoured greens. The dunes that pitch and roll throughout the golf course are less intimidating than on other links courses but they still require careful course management and imaginative shot-making. Dooks' stunning landscape is covered in a variety of gorse, heather, and wildflowers. There are also scenic views in every direction with McGillycuddy's Reeks to the east, the hills of Glenbeigh to the west, and Slieve Mish and the Dingle Mountains to the north.We've been taking groups here for the last ten years and it's always one of their favorite courses. Without a doubt it's a great links course but what makes it great is combination of things. The course has amazing coastal views, it's always in good shape and it's a pretty easy course to walk. And when you are done the club has a very nice 19th hole featuring a semi-circular bar that the group can sit around and commiserate over the shots they wish they had made. They barman knows how to pour a proper pint and the kitchen serves excellent bar food.
Question: What's better than golfing with your buddies? Answer: Golfing with your buddies in IRELAND!!!
Join our MM Group on a Southwest Ireland Links Golf Adventure. We'll spend 8 nights and play 7 rounds on some of the best courses in SW Ireland. We'll make Killarney our base because it's one of the best little towns in Ireland, filled with pubs, restaurants and shopping. A professional driver/guide will chauffeur our group each day to some fantastic courses and we can sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Additional Information:
Participants should fly in & out of Dublin International Airport (DUB). (Flights are not included in package price). The Bus will pick up the group, so try to book a flight that arrives close to 8am so you’ll have time to collect your bags and pass through customs before 9am.
Flights into Dublin (DUB) depart from the US in the evening and fly overnight, you arrive in Ireland the next day. In order to arrive on Saturday October 2, 2021, you will need to depart on Friday October 1, 2021.
In Ireland, golfers walk and most courses only offer limited availability of carts. However, a few carts are available at Ballybunion’s Cashen Course, Dooks and Waterville. The additional cost is 40 to 50 euros & advanced reservations are required to guarantee the cart. Although most golfers walk, few actually carry their clubs, most rent golf trolleys, which are available in all golf shops at about 5 - 10 euros per round.
Golf tee times will be confirmed by mid-December 2020 which is when the courses start taking 2021 bookings and when their member’s competitions will be set for 2021. For this reason, the itinerary is subject to change.
Caddies are available at most courses however, they should be booked in advance. A Caddie will greatly add to your golf experience and really help especially since this will be the first time most have played these courses. You can expect to pay approximately €40 -€50 per bag plus gratuity, typically between 10% – 20% but at your discretion. We'll send out a caddie request form in January.
You'll spend 7 nights in a 4 bedroom / 3 bath house located only about a 6-10 minute walk from the many restaurants & pubs of Killarney. We’ve booked 5 houses and each person will have their own bedroom. On our last night we stay in a hotel near the Dublin Airport and each person will have their own room as well.
This trip is limited to only 16 golfers, we suggest you reserve your place as soon as possible.
We ask that you commit to this trip, so do not cancel. If you must cancel, it will be your responsibility to find someone to take your place. Trip insurance is recommended. Click here for Cancellation Penalties and the trip Terms and Conditions.
A $725 deposit is required to register for this trip and it is due now. After that we will bill you three more $725 installments for the remaining balance. We accept MasterCard, Visa or you may pay with a check.
The Ring of Kerry is another incredibly scenic drive that you will experience when you travel to play Waterville Golf Links. From rugged cliffs to golden beaches, small villages and pastures green to peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. This peninsula illustrates all that is beautiful, wonderful and wild in Ireland. The variety of sites makes this one of the most diverse and interesting days on the trip. From ancient stone forts to landscapes carved out of rock by the Ice Age, from sparkling lakes to winding mountain passes your day will be a highlight and when combined with the magic of Waterville Links it shall ensure lasting memories of the beautiful Kingdom of Kerry.
Tralee Golf Links
Representing the first European design of Arnold Palmer, Tralee Golf Club is one of the most spectacularly beautiful golf courses you will ever encounter. And while beauty often masks certain deficiencies in a golf course, that is certainly not the case with Tralee. Having completed his masterpiece, Palmer commented: "I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course. I am happy that we have one of the world's great links here".
Tralee Golf Course, while it always boasted a magnificent setting, with the course settling down and the greens thriving over time, Tralee has now joined the elite group of Irish links. With views of the Atlantic and white sandy beaches from almost every hole, Tralee earns rave reviews from all who play it. Maybe that’s why it is considered one of the world’s Top 10 Ocean Courses.
Dingle Golf Links
Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course
A Breathtaking Challenge - The legendary Tom Watson described the glorious links at Ballybunion Golf Club as the best in the world. High praise indeed for this magnificent test of golf which meanders menacingly through massive dunes on the shores of the Atlantic. Ballybunion Golf Club actually boasts two separate courses. The Old Course (Par 71, 6,598 yards) certainly can bare it's teeth when the wind comes up - and it's often windy! The Old Golf Course is consistently ranked as one of the world's top ten golf courses, features a graveyard by the first tee, which some say is a warning to golfers who breeze through the first five holes only to come face to face with the ever challenging 6th, the fiendish 8th, the daunting par four 11th and the devilishly tricky 15th. Top100Courses.co.uk – consistently ranks Ballybunion Old Course as No. 1 in Ireland, find out why!
Flights
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Many golf courses
request non-refundable deposits so it is important that you have adequate coverage in case
of an emergency. Trip Cancellation and Interruption: pays for forfeited, non-refundable,
unused payments or deposits if due to: Sickness, injury, or death of you, your
Family Member, Traveling Companion, or Business Partner. We recommend Allianz Insurance.
Currency
The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€). Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 10am till 4pm and have a bureau de change for changing currencies. Banks do not open on Saturday or Sunday. You can withdraw cash from ATM machines using VISA, MasterCard, American Express and PLUS credit cards and Cirrus debit cards. Most banks in Ireland will not change $100 US bills into Euros, but they will exchange smaller denominations.
What To Pack
The daily high temperatures in Killarney range from high 50’s to low 70’s. It gets colder at night - but mostly in the upper 50's in the evenings and early mornings. Most golfers bring a pair or two of shorts and wear them at least once - but you don’t really need them. All the courses we play are on the coast and even on warm days there is a cool breeze off the water. Golf in Ireland is about layers as you will put on and take off layers several times each round. Two good weather proof jackets and pairs of rain pants are a good idea. Even a brief shower can be a soaker. Playing in the rain and cold is bearable as long as you are protected. Sports coats are not required for dinner and are a waste of space that can be used for and extra golf waterproof jacket. So remember to pack for layers of clothing and the more waterproof clothing you have, the better. In addition to your clubs, pack waterproof shoes and two or three pairs of all weather (rain) gloves. Bring plenty of golf balls as most likely you will lose some in the links rough. You may want to go online to check and see if your GPS units and Range Finders will work in Ireland.
Tipping
It is not necessary to tip bartenders, but if you receive waiter or waitress services (outside of our planned package meals) it would be appropriate to tip 10 to 15%. Porters should receive about €1 per bag and cab drivers 10% of the fair. When it comes to tipping your tour bus driver, we have heard that the industry standard is about €10 per person, per tour day, for smaller groups of 8-16 people. If you are on a large tour bus the standard is about €5 or 6 per person, per day. The amount is up to the individual, and will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service. In most cases the tip is given to the driver on the last day of the tour.
Sales Tax (VAT) Refunds
Visitors from the US are eligible to receive a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods purchased. The price of the most goods includes value added tax, so when you are shopping be sure to ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and present these forms, along with your receipts to either 'Global Tax Free Shopping' or 'Tax Back' at the airport prior to your departure. Visitors from the US can take home US$ 400 worth of goods per person including 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine.
Personal Safety
Ireland has by many standards a low level of crime, particularly in the rural regions where our holidays are based. Visitors should however be careful and it is advised to leave expensive jewelry, excess cash, traveler's checks, passports and travel documents (when not needed) in your hotel safe. Carry cash, wallets etc. in inside concealed pockets or in a tourist wallet/pouch strapped to the front of your body. Keep a copy of passports, credit card details etc. and relevant contact numbers in the event of loss. Label your luggage on both the inside and outside with your name, telephone number and address.
Medical Treatment and Health Insurance
A doctor is available all day in most towns. Dial 999 in case of emergencies. Prescribed medications are widely available through chemist (drug) stores. If on prescribed medication it is useful to bring an adequate supply for your journey and a copy of your prescription in case of emergency.
Telephones/Internet
Mobile phones can be used throughout the country. Check with your provider to see if your plan includes coverage in Ireland. Internet access is available in each of the hotels we’ll be staying in.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. Plugs are flat with three pins. A transformer is needed to convert
110Volt appliances (except for dual-voltage equipment which needs only an adapter). If required, small
travel transformers and adaptors should be purchased prior to departure.
Practice Facilities
OK, so you’re less than alert and ready for golf, but it’s nothing a few range balls can’t fix. Well, that’s a problem, too. While there are a few exceptions, you’re generally not going to find a practice range (or a conveniently located one) at the great, classic links courses in the UK and Ireland.
Advice I’d give a first timer: Do some stretching before you tee off and concentrate on just keeping your ball out of trouble for the first few holes.
Halfway Houses
Likewise, most of these great golf courses were designed to play nine holes out (away from the clubhouse), nine holes in and assumed all nourishment could be carried in a flask.
Advice I’d give a first timer: If you’re going to want anything to eat or drink while on the golf course, put it in your golf bag before you tee off. You might also consider bringing a piece or two of fruit from the breakfast buffet.
Caddies
You’ve probably heard that golf carts aren’t widely used over there, but you may not realize just how hard they are to come by. Most golf courses will only provide a golf cart if you have a doctor’s note stating you need one for medical reasons. Some courses, like Ballybunion’s Old course, do not allow carts for any reason. Most locals simply carry their own bags, or pull/push them on a “trolley.”
Advice I’d give a first timer: Take caddies, but also take note: you must arrange for them in advance, this can be done with Golf & Adventure Travel Expeditions. It’s not like here in the US where you can just show up and say, “I’d like a caddie.” Over there, the caddies don't work for the clubs, they are "free agents", often with other jobs and need some lead time to coordinate their work schedule. The best part of Ireland is its people. Hiring a caddie is a great way to enjoy the course, shoot a better score and learn about the country through a friendly four hours of conversation.
Weather
This is another one we’ve all heard about, but it’s probably not emphasized enough.
Advice I’d give a first timer: You really do need to be prepared for all kinds of weather — wind, rain, and cold — at almost any time of year. While it cuts against “packing light,” bringing two pairs of waterproof golf shoes might be the smartest move you’ll ever make. Also, leave the umbrella at home — it won’t do you much good and will just tie up your hands. Again, in addition to offering tons of local knowledge and colorful stories, this (helping out in bad weather) is where caddies can be invaluable.
Tralee Golf Club
The Great Southern Hotel's Holiday Homes
The Great Southern Hotel's Holiday Homes are four bedroom, three bath, homes that are clean, comfortable and well stocked. Standard facilities include: Kitchen, Dining & Living Room: Dishwasher, washer/dryer, cooker, kettle, toaster, fridge/freezer, microwave, crockery, and cutlery, TV and DVD player. Tea/coffee, sugar, milk and washing detergents are also provided. Hair dryers, Iron/Iron board, TV's, bed linen, towels, electric or solid fuel fireplace, toiletries. All of this and its close proximity to downtown makes it the perfect home-base for our Southwest Ireland Golf Adventure.
General layout:
Ground floor: Entrance hallway, Kitchen, Dining & Living Room, Patio area with outdoor seating, a Storage room, a full size bathroom, and Two Bedrooms. Bedroom A: has one double bed, Bedroom B: has two twin beds.
Second floor: has two Bedrooms, Bedroom C: has one double bed, Bedroom D: has two twin beds. Both bedrooms C & D have attached bathrooms. These homes are ideally suited for four golfers per house as each golfer will have their own bedroom.
On arrival, check-in takes place at reception in the Great Southern Hotel and one of their team will escort you to your house, the hotel's self-catering coordinator will provide you with any information you need to ensure you have a great stay in Killarney. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the
Hotel's Innisfallen Leisure Center including a large indoor Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Sauna, Gymnasium, and two Tennis Courts.
A great day of golf starts with an excellent breakfast and the Great Southern provides one of the best in Ireland! A full hot and cold breakfast is included as part of your package and is served in the Great Southern Hotel's award winning Garden Room Restaurant, which is a three minute walk from your house. You'll find an excellent selection of cold items on the buffet, including fruits, pastries, cheeses, etc. and then you order your hot breakfast entree off of their menu. If you want something that isn't on the menu all you have to do is ask and they'll be happy to prepare what you want, omelettes, scrambles eggs, a side of bacon, toast, all you have to do is ask!
Normally these holiday homes are serviced once mid stay which includes linen and towel change and a general cleaning. However, we have contracted to have daily housekeeping service so your houses will be spotlessly maintained throughout your stay. If you need any type of service simply inquire at the Great Southern Hotel front desk and your request will be attended to.
Waterville Golf Links