Category: Travel

The pandemic may still be lingering around but the Australian golfing community remains unfazed as professionals and enthusiasts are planning for some Ireland golf holidays in time for St. Patrick’s Day this March. Ireland is a popular tourist destination not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for its breathtaking golf courses. There are close to 500 golf courses in this island nation.

The trip from Australia to Ireland is roughly 15,000 km to the far side of the world but there are some ultimate golf packages that can offer both comfort and convenience as you jet set your way from “Down Under” to the “Land of Saints and Scholars”. Packages like these already offer you accommodation, transportation, and all the necessary logistics for your trip. And once you’ve completed a little over 24 hours of flying, here are places worth checking out!

Around Dublin

Ireland golf holidays always begin in Dublin, the country’s capital and largest city. It would be impossible to miss the hundreds of pubs that line the streets but one in particular is a must-see, the Brazen Head — Dublin’s oldest pub. And while you’re there, grab some Guinness, the Irish dry stout that’s considered to be one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is right at the heart of the city and its parks and museums are worth the side trip as well.

Golf Courses

Ireland is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. This means golf holidays in Ireland are extra special especially when you make it to Ballybunion (Rank 24), which ranks pretty high in Golf’s Top 100 Courses. Built in 1936, it features sandy hills facing the Atlantic Ocean. Golf quotes five-time Open Champion Tom Watson, “It is one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere.”

Adding more to your Ireland golf holidays is Lahinch (Rank 36), built in 1927 and designed by none other than Scottish icon Old Tom Morris (his real name Thomas Mitchell Morris), who is considered to be “The Grand Old Man of Golf”. Renowned golf architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie further improved the design in 1927 and again in 1999 by Dr. Martin Hawtree. There is also the Portmarnock Links (Rank 53), built-in 1896 and is considered by golf.com as “one of the most romantic locations” for a golf course as it is located at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by low dunes.