The Irish Collection: Golf & Luxury Ireland

Day 1

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you’ll be met and assisted with your hire car for the next nine days.

Enjoy a leisurely drive to the west coast of Ireland, a drive time of approximately 2hr 45. Your destination is a luxury boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Burren, Ireland’s smallest national park. This eco-conscious property is inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds it, and boasts spectacular views over the Burren peaks and Galway Bay.

Relax after your journey around the crackling fire, before dining on innovative Irish cuisine in the fine dining restaurant (dinner not included).

Day 2

Today you have the opportunity to tee off at one of the finest links golf courses in the world. It’s around a 30-minute drive south to Lahinch Golf Club, often referred to as the ‘St Andrews of Ireland’. Situated next to the lovely beach at Liscannor Bay, it’s an enchanting place to play golf, with towering sand dunes, a great mix of holes, blind shots, undulating fairways, and superb ocean views. Make sure you don’t forget your camera!

After a long day on the links, you’re sure to work up an appetite for a delicious lunch – the clubhouse restaurant offers a taste of Clare with dishes prepared from superb local produce (lunch not included).

Photo credit – Lahinch Golf Club website

Day 3

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before packing up the car and heading south to Adare. It’s a journey of around 1hr 30, but we recommended taking a detour along the coastal road to witness one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher. Take a windswept walk along the cliff top, as sea spray fills the air, and gaze in awe at the sheer cliffs that drop dramatically to the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

You may wish to stop for lunch and a pint of Guinness in the fishing village of Doolin, before pausing to admire the unique landscapes of the Burren, a huge rocky pavement dotted with karst formations and carpeted in wild flowers.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is Adare Manor, a spectacular 19^th century mansion that’s been transformed into one of Ireland’s great countryside resorts. Round off your day in style with dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Oak Room (dinner not included).

Day 4

After a relaxing breakfast you have a short walk for your second round of golf. One of Ireland’s finest golf courses, the course at Adare Manor is nestled within lush parkland surrounding the hotel. Due to host the 2027 Ryder Cup, this championship course is set amongst mature trees with cloverleaf bunkers, water hazards, and natural features, including the River Maigue, to navigate. Redesigned and rebuilt in 2017, it offers a challenging round to golfers of every level.

After an exhilarating morning on the parkland course, treat yourself to afternoon tea with a glass of champagne in the hotel, or visit the spa for an afternoon of rest, relaxation and pampering (additional activities not included).

Picture credit – Adare Manor website

Day 5

It’s time to bid farewell to Adare Manor after breakfast, and continue your journey south to Kenmare in County Kerry. It’s around a 2hr drive, but as always there’s plenty to stop and see along the way.

Your drive takes you through the Killarney National Park, a natural beauty spot bursting with picturesque lakes, ruined castles, lush greenery and native woodland. You may wish to stop at Muckross House to tour the house and its magnificent gardens.

Your final hotel of this trip is a luxurious Relais & Chateaux lodge on the banks of Kenmare Bay. Refresh after your journey and take a stroll around the picturesque grounds, stopping to admire the cascading waterfalls. Don’t forget to book your complimentary tour of Kenmare in the hotel’s vintage 1936 Buick.

Day 6

Enjoy a day at leisure today. We recommended a driving tour of the Dingle Peninsula, home to some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

Marvel at the jagged Atlantic coastline along the Slea Head Drive, and enjoy windswept vistas over the distant Blasket Isles. Explore stunning beaches from the golden sands of Inch Beach to the gorgeous cove at Coumeenole Beach. Meet friendly locals in the traditional fishing village of Dingle Town, and explore a wealth of historic sites and attractions dating back over 6,000 years.

Round off your day with a relaxed meal in the town of Kenmare, a 30-minute stroll or 5-minute taxi ride from your hotel.

Day 7

Today’s golfing adventure takes you to the southern shores of Dingle Bay to play your final round in Ireland at the Dooks Golf Club. Originally built as a nine-hole course in 1889, the course was extended to 18 holes during the 1970s. Today, it’s a beautiful and tranquil links course with spectacular views over the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range and the wild Atlantic Sea. Revel in the natural beauty of this relaxed, friendly course, as you work your way around the undulating fairways – and keep your eyes peeled for the rare natterjack toads that live here.

Photo credit – Dooks Golf Club

Day 8

You’ve another free day today – perhaps you’d like to round off your trip with a visit to the colourful yachting harbour of Kinsale, a drive of around 1hr 35. This vibrant and engaging town has a wealth of narrow winding streets to explore, lined with independent shops and galleries. Take a stroll around the picturesque harbour, explore the impressive 17^th century fortifications, and discover why this little town has a reputation as the ‘gourmet capital of Ireland’ as you savour its diverse culinary scene.

Day 9

Your luxurious golfing trip of Ireland draws to an end today. Drop your hire car off at Dublin Airport, before boarding your onward flight. Fancy exploring more of Ireland or perhaps England? SmoothRed is happy to help you extend your visit, please ask for more details.