Ireland's Best - a hint of heaven

Enticed by the Emerald Isle?   Having more golf courses per head of population than nearly any other country in the world, it can be difficult deciding which courses to leave out when you come to Ireland; so I’ve tried here to give you a flavour of what lies ahead …

• Day 1 Arrive Shannon, travel west to the Co Clare coastline and check into Greg Norman’s acclaimed Irish venture at DOONBEG. The setting of this course and the accommodation that goes with it are, to coin a phrase, “awesome”. Watch the sun set over the first green as you relax in the lounge sipping some amber nectar or some smooth black Guinness – and that’s before you’ve even hit a shot! A welcome dinner will be provided tonight to set the scene for the next week or so.
• Day 2 Tee it up at DOONBEG and say a little prayer that the wind blows gently off the beach. Another night in these sumptuous surroundings where you can take stock of the day’s triumphs and tears.
• Day 3 A short drive away is the very famous course of LAHINCH, one of Ireland’s oldest and very traditional venues with lots of blind shots and undulating greens. A course that epitomises links golf – and even the local goats can offer a clue as to the weather forecast! After golf it’s back on the road as you head south to KILLARNEY and the Killarney Park Hotel.
• Day 4 A day without too much travelling as you make your way to the lovely course called DOOKS. Not quite set on the seaside but a beautiful layout and well worth the visit – the warmth of the Irish welcome here will remain with you for a long long time. And tonight could offer the opportunity of a local sing-song if you’re feeling up to it!
• Day 5 WATERVILLE is your port of call today as you travel around the Ring of Kerry and take in the fantastic sights of the Kerry Mountains and the wind-battered coastline of the south-west. Return to Killarney for some familiar hospitality.
• Day 6 No visit to the south west of Ireland would be complete without a game at BALLYBUNION. Although the ‘Old’ course is more famous I must tell you that both venues here are ‘must plays’ on this trip. If you can manage 36 today, so much the better!
• Day 7 Finally a day of rest! Today you will drive across the heart of Ireland to the nation’s capital, Dublin, so, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Upon arrival in Dublin you will go straight to the city centre and the luxury of Browns Hotel, off O’Connell Street.  Shops, bars, restaurants, theatres, history – all within walking distance. And the golf’s pretty good here too.
• Day 8 Venue of The Irish Open for many years, your name is on the first tee of PORTMARNOCK this morning. As you look out over Dublin Bay you can relish in the thought that millions of ecstatic golfers have been here before, and hopefully, will be again. Enjoy the history that abounds with this club.
• Day 9 Another superb venue within the Dublin environs is only just next door – ROYAL DUBLIN. Perhaps the terrain is a little flatter than its neighbour but it’s still a fantastic course which has also been home to many Irish Championships.
• Day 10 The final leg of your journey sees you tread the hallowed fairways of THE K CLUB – I could make some reference to a particular ‘event’ played here in 2006 but, suffice to say, I think you will enjoy this particular golf course. The glorious setting, the undulating greens and the abundance of water all add to the exhilaration of playing such an historical venue. Your final night would not be complete without a special dinner enabling you to reminisce on what has gone before.
• Day 11 That’s it I’m afraid – time to pack your bags again and head for the airport. Your flight home from Dublin airport is all that remains of this truly memorable trip. Have a safe journey home.

Included in this trip:

• 2 nights deluxe accommodation at Doonbeg, Co Clare
• 4 nights superior accommodation in Killarney
• 4 nights deluxe accommodation in the capital city of Dublin
• A full and hearty Irish breakfast every morning, to set you up for the day
• 8 rounds of spectacular golf across the southwest and east of Ireland
• Hire of a luxury coach with driver/guide throughout your stay
• A range of non golfing/sight-seeing activities for any non golfers in the group
• A welcome and farewell dinner and drinks reception
• All local taxes and services of Exclusive Golf Tours personnel