When deciding the best time of the year to travel to Ireland, in many ways, spring is ideal. Mother Nature begins showing off all her glory as the always picturesque Irish countryside and golf courses becomes even more vibrantly green. Temperatures hover in the “sweater-wearing” regions with the weather clear and crisp. And in March, where else is better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than in the homeland of its patron saint?
“By the time the best players in the world tee it up at Augusta National for The Masters in early April, golf is already in ‘full-swing’ here in Ireland,” says Mark Byrne, Carr Golf Travel Expert. “Here are some ideas to prepare for an incredible 2017 Irish golf vacation next spring.”
Perhaps best of all, world-class courses like Royal County Down, Waterville, Royal Portrush and Old Head Golf Links are easier to book through Carr Golf before the busier summer months set in. “We’ve been experiencing unprecedented demand for top links courses in both Ireland and Scotland for the 2017 season, so it’s imperative to book as soon as possible,” says Byrne. “We also recommend including a few of the lesser known ‘must-play’ gems like Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club, Dooks Golf Club and Ardglass Golf Club as well on your itinerary.”
When planning a spring visit, classic Lahinch Golf Club is an ideal spot to start as it’s only a 50-minute drive from Shannon Airport. Affectionately known as “the St. Andrews of Ireland” due to its Tom Morris-designed Old Course and charming vibe, the town of Lahinch has been a golfing mecca for over 100 years. In 1999, the Old Course underwent a dramatic renovation under the supervision of famous British golf architect Martin Hawtree. Sixteen tees were rebuilt and 14 greens reshaped, restoring them to their original character conceived by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who resigned the layout in 1927. However, the magical Klondyke (No. 4) and Dell (No.5) holes created by Old Tom remained untouched. Lahinch is links golf at its best
Also close to Shannon Airport and worth playing is County Clare’s Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club set against the regal backdrop of the ancient castle. In 2003 the parkland course was redesigned by acclaimed architect Ron Kirby and Irish golfing legend (and the founder of Carr Golf), J.B. Carr. The course’s 18 holes showcase the magical Irish countryside as it winds through 450 acres of shady woodland, open rolling pasture, natural lakes and streams. The five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a beguiling setting.
For St. Patrick’s Day celebrations throughout the land there are certainly no shortage of first-class pubs, especially in Dublin. When playing golf at Portmarnock Golf Club or The Island Golf Club both just north of Dublin, it’s a quick jaunt down into the city centres Temple Bar area, the wildly popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The Porterhouse Temple Bar, a multi-story pub, offers Dublin’s best selection of microbrews. Also try The Stags Head, the backbone of the Temple Bar neighbourhood as well as The Temple Bar Pub with its lively beer garden and over 450 types of whiskey. But no matter where you are in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a safe bet a friendly pub is close by with open welcoming arms and lively Irish music filling the air.
“Come on over this spring,” says Byrne. “It’s the perfect time for an Ireland golf vacation of a lifetime.”
To plan your Ireland Golf Experience contact one of our Travel Team today
Ph: +353 1 822 6662
US Toll Free: 1 855 617 5701
Email: enquiries@carrgolf.com
