Day 2 Ballyliffin (Glashedy)

It was christened ‘The Dornoch of Ireland’ and for years golfers in the know regarded Ballyliffin as the ultimate hidden gem. Not only is this one of the friendliest clubs in the country but the setting is unsurpassed and the quality of the terrain so perfect for golf that those who accidentally stumbled across Ballyliffin felt compelled to speak of it in whispers. Thus it was enchanted as well as enchanting and Ballyliffin seemed destined to dwell in splendid isolation.

Then two things happened. In June 1993, on a glorious day when ‘seals basked on Glashedy Rock and the sea off Pollan Strand was as blue as the Bay of Naples’, a helicopter landed adjacent to the clubhouse and out jumped Nick Faldo. The World’s number one and reigning Irish and British Open Champion immediately fell under the spell, but then he hadn’t encountered anything quite like Ballyliffin before.

With its amazing contoured fairways, this was a course that added new meaning to the phrase ‘a natural golf links'. Suffice to say that Faldo was bowled over by the experience and word of his visit soon filtered down the golfing grapevine. The visit was, in fact, extremely timely for only a few months earlier the club had taken the ambitious decision to begin construction of a second 18 hole links course.

The architects were to be Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock who promised the club that they would build one of the worlds finest golf courses. Within two years they had honoured that pledge.

So now Ballyliffin has 36 holes to savour – two outstanding and contrasting links courses: the classic Old Links and the magnificent new Glashedy Links.

The ‘Old Links’ described by Nick Faldo as ‘the most natural course I have ever played’ measures a mere 6612 yards. However length on this course is not an issue – you’ll understand when you get here – the fairway ripples are so pronounced leading a gobsmacked Faldo to ask on the first tee – “Do you play bump and run here or do you just run and bump?” It is a treat to behold such a natural links course!

The ‘Glashedy Links’ named after Ballyliffin’s own “Ailsa Craig”, that rises from Pollan Bay, was designed by Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy (European Club and Druids Glen). From the 7,250 yard tips, Glashedy is a terrific challenge.

Day 3 Portstewart (Strand)

Visiting golfers often flit into Northern Ireland from "down South" for a couple of days with the specific purpose of playing the two courses that are consistently rated at the very top of Ireland's rankings, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. They also leave as quickly as they arrived, going on to play more courses in The Republic, usually in the Dublin area or in the Southwest. Oh what they have missed!

 

Had they lingered a little longer in the North, the pleasures of Portstewart's Strand Course and a few other nearby treasures, could have been theirs as well.

 

The original design dates from 1894 and was the work of two time British Open winner, Scotsman, Willie Park Jr. Willie did an excellent job. So good that the opening hole here is regarded as the best in all Ireland by most and by many, the best opening hole anywhere.

The following sequence of 7 holes, though still challenging, had been a little bit of a letdown after players had experienced the drama of the first. That is until 1981, when Portstewart acquired 60 acres of magnificent neighboring duneland. This virgin coastline property was totally untouched, completely wild and just calling out to become a part of the Portstewart links.

By 1991, work had been completed and The Strand Course was transformed into a truly world class layout, every bit as good as its next door neighbour Royal Portrush and I venture to say, perhaps even a superior challenge.

As youthful as The Strand's new holes are, if you didn't know the true story, you would never think they were anything but a part of the original, 18 hole layout, that's how beautifully the job has been accomplished.

So why doesn't Portstewart get a higher ranking than 18th in all Ireland? (Britain's Golf World Magazine). Portstewart is not an eager publicity seeker and the members have done little to tout the beautiful beast they have developed. Nor have they lobbied with the powers in golf to better their ranking. But that just might be another sign of what an exceptional course The Strand is… when you know you are the best, it's bad form to shout about it.

Day 4 Royal Portrush (Dunluce)

One of Ireland's most famous of links courses. Royal Portrush Dunluce course is laid out in a marvelous stretch of golfing country. Through a tangle of sandhills the course threads its way, with the sweeping contours of dunes, lending infinite variety to your game. This course has been portrayed by many golfers to be one of the most challenging in the world.

 

There is probably no greater honor that can be bestowed on a golf club than to host the British Open Championship. Started in 1860, the Open is not only the oldest of all golf tournaments; it is arguably also the most prestigious. From the exclusive group of clubs so honored, only one has been located outside Scotland or England. Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush Golf Club hosted the major championship in 1951.

 

This fact alone puts Royal Portrush in a class of its own, but this is a club that is far from ordinary anyway. From its inception in 1888, the distinguished Royal Portrush Golf Club has always been a little different from the rest.

Portrush received its Royal moniker just a short four years after its opening. Others have typically waited for a quarter century or longer, proving their pedigree before being accepted into the elite circle of only 37 clubs in the British Isles permitted to carry the proud title.

Northern Ireland is one of the most scenic regions of the Emerald Isle and the coastline surrounding Portrush is perhaps the most stunningly beautiful part of all. This is the Antrim Coast, home to Northern Ireland's spectacular natural wonder, The Giant's Causeway. There are views across the Irish Sea to Scotland in one direction and to the distant hills of Donegal in the other. A more breathtaking setting for a golf course would be difficult to find.

Royal Portrush boasts two championship layouts, but when people speak of the championship links, they are usually referring to the Dunluce Course, where the 1951 Open was staged. If it was in any other location, the Valley Course would deservedly take more of the glory but this is Portrush, an area of golfing superlatives -- and it is the Dunluce that takes the winner's circle.
The current layout bears little resemblance to the original, thanks to a creative redesign undertaken by the renowned English architect Harry Colt between 1929 and 1932.

The course is laid out in and among giant sand dunes, along the tops of cliffs and through valleys. Constant changes of direction make the wind blowing in from the Irish Sea an ever-varying challenge. This is a course where accuracy is key and wayward shots are penalized to the extreme with rough that can only be termed as cruel and punishing.

There are plenty of reasons to linger a little longer around Portrush. Virtually abutting Royal Portrush Golf Club is another gem of a links, Portstewart. with what some say is the best opening hole in Irish golf.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Bushmills whiskey distillery and for one of the friendliest and most accommodating hostelries, you can't go wrong by staying at The Bushmills Inn.

Combining charm and quality, The Bushmills Inn is one of the most delightful small hotels in Northern Ireland with a staff that really cares and knows exactly how to cater to golfers. The award-winning restaurant is just a bonus.

Day 6 Royal County Down

Northern Ireland is without doubt one of the world's most underrated golf destinations. A stunning collection of links courses share what is arguably the finest golfing coastline to be found in the British Isles. The array of inland layouts are equally as challenging and no less beautiful -- the entire country is awash with quality golf. This is a golfer's heaven on earth; yet even among such distinguished company, Royal County Down Golf Club stands out

The "Royal" moniker is the first indication this is no ordinary layout, and a very special experience is in store for any with the good fortune to be playing it. This Royal not only lives up to its regal designation, it exceeds it. Outstandingly handsome, it is ranked among the top 10 in the world and has been designated as Ireland's best for each of the past 12 years. Royal County Down is the crown Prince of Irish golf.

Dating from 1889, the original design for the Championship Course was laid out by Old Tom Morris, perhaps the master of all golf course architects. Paid the princely sum of 4 guineas (about $6) for his efforts, Old Tom was quite content with the modest fee as he had little work to do, considering this to be the most natural links site of all.

Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, County Down Championship stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay and the Irish Sea. As the course zigzags back and forth, a different vista is provided from virtually every hole. Don't be fooled by the glorious scenery -- it only distracts from what is an extremely challenging layout, more than worthy of its top world-class ranking.

The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who stray off the narrow path.

Innumerable bunkers are scattered throughout -- deep, cavernous and topped with fringes of sea grasses. The greens are fast and many are domed, immediately rejecting any approach shot lacking in conviction. This is a true test of the player's command of the game, and proficiency in every aspect is demanded from start to finish.

It is seldom one finds a course lacking in any poor holes, but County Down Championship is on the very short list of such layouts. Tom Watson ranks the first 15 at the top of his list of favorite consecutive holes and it is difficult to disagree -- this is a layout composed only of strengths.

If you have the confidence to pit your abilities against the very best, Royal County Down has to be at the top of your must-play list.

Day 8 County Louth (Baltray)

County Louth Golf Club or Baltray as it is more affectionately known is situated 7km (4 miles) from the historic town of Drogheda at the mouth of the river Boyne with the river to the south and the Irish Sea to the east. Whilst the origins of the Club date from a meeting in October of 1892, the current championship links was designed in 1938 by the renowned Tom Simpson. So successful were the alterations made at this time, the course remains relatively unchanged today.

 

Noted in Irish golfing circles for the quality of its greens, visitors to County Louth are often perplexed that a links of such quality should have a rather modest international profile. The reason perhaps has more to do with the unpretentious attitude of the club, rather than its relatively secluded location at the mouth of the River Boyne.

 

The course is laid out in two loops covering some 190 acres with no two holes running in the same direction. The only exception being the 12th and 13th which run along the sea. It speaks highly for Simpson's design that he saw need to introduce only fifty bunkers in the course's defenses the rest was taken care of by the natural terrain.

 

The 14th hole is regarded as the signature hole a short par four measuring only 332 yards you can drive all the way to the green and end up taking six or more, wondering what did you actually do that was wrong. The four par threes are superb. Averaging 160 yards it is seldom one will have a good score that does not include a par at each of these.

 

At a length more than 7,000 yards, Baltray is certainly not short, but when you consider the natural hazards of the links game combined with blowing winds and heavy rough, it becomes a difficult, though immensely enjoyable golf course.

 

The late Frank Penninck wrote in an article in 1962 in the "Golfers Companion" referring to the Course as "natural unspoilt seaside territory with towering sand hills, murderous rough, and a rating of long holes that call for powerful hitting".

 

In more recent times the "Golf World" magazine was moved to observe:
"County Louth is one of the best kept secrets of Irish golf. Sometimes also referred to as Baltray this has to be one of the most enjoyable Links in Ireland and undoubtedly represents superb value. There is not a weak hole on the course and some of the holes merit greatness".

Day 1 Arrive at Dublin or Belfast Airport

Arrive in Dublin or Belfast airport in the morning. Pick up your car rental or meet your chauffeur and transfer to Letterkenny, County Donegal (Dublin - 4 hours; Belfast - 2 hours). No golf scheduled.

Day 1-2 Letterkenny

Letterkenny, County Donegal's largest town is located on the mouth of Lough Swilly, and makes an ideal base for touring both the Inishowen Peninsula and Londonderry. Arriving from the direction of Donegal Town, Lifford or Derry, first impressions are good. You pass a replica of the Dry Arch, which used to carry trains, with a sculpture of railway workers by Maurice Harron. The town lives up to your expectations. It is welcoming and attractive, and you will sense an appreciation of the arts and heritage. People here seem relaxed and contented, quick to smile and exchange greetings, their accent soft and reminiscent of Derry not far away. The streets are full of character, with lots of interesting shops and pubs - some of them little changed for decades or more.

Day 2: Golf - Ballyliffin (Glashedy course)

Day 3-4 Portrush

Portrush has a spectacular location, being situated on a mile long peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean on the North coast of Ireland. This affords panoramic views over the ocean of the Causeway Coast towards Scotland and the Donegal hills. Portrush offers exceptional beaches, superb restaurants, night clubs, quality hotels & family entertainment venues providing the perfect base for your vacation or to explore the surrounding region. World renown attractions such as the Giants Causeway, Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Clubs, Old Bushmills Distillery & Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are located nearby.

Day 3: Golf - Portstewart (Strand course)

Day 4: Golf - Royal Portrush (Dunluce course)

Day 5-6 Newcastle

Voted Northern IrelandÕs best kept town a few years ago, Newcastle offers activities to interest all ages. Steeped in history, Newcastle has for many years been one of the most popular resorts in the country. The combination of a long, clean, tidy beach to one side and the overbearing sulking mountains of Mourne to the other gives the place a special feeling which many poets and artists have tried to convey over the years. However one can only truly appreciate the unparalleled beauty of the town by experiencing it first hand. The nearby Royal County Down Golf Club is believed by many to be among the most beautiful and competitive courses anywhere, indeed many professional players have included it among their top ten courses in the world.

Day 5: Travel from Portrush to Newcastle, County Down (2 hours). The scenic route via Antrim's famed coastline is highly recommended. No golf scheduled.

Day 6: Golf - Royal County Down

Day 7-8 Drogheda or Dublin

Drogheda in County Louth is one of Ireland's oldest and most historical towns and is situated only 28 miles (45km) north Dublin. Chartered in 1194 AD by the Norman King John, the history of the townland extends further back into the folklore of arrival of the Celts in Ireland. Known as the "Gateway to the Boyne Valley" Drogheda is associated with an extraordinary number of significant events in the history of Ireland - The Battle of the Boyne, St Oliver Plunkett, Poynings Law, Cromwell's Siege and the surrender of the Irish Chieftains to the English King. Whatever your reason to visit Drogheda you will find many excellent things to see and do.

If you decide to upgrade to hotels or luxury accommodation we would suggest staying in Dublin

Dublin is a city brimming with culture. The 8th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, must be viewed. It is on display at the impressive Trinity College, Ireland's first university (founded 1592) in the heart of Dublin. For the rest of the day, it is up to you how much you want to pack in. Phoenix Park, twice the size of New York City's Central Park, Georgian Dublin around Steven's Green, the Nation Botanical Gardens, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art Gallery are all highly recommended stops on your tour. Be sure to pay a visit to Dublin's Temple Bar area to experience the lively Dublin pub culture.

Day 7: Travel from Newcastle to Drogheda (1 hour) or Dublin (1.5 hours). No golf scheduled.

Day 8: Golf - County Louth (Baltray)

Day 9 Depart from Dublin or Belfast Airport

Transfer to Dublin (30 mins) or Belfast (1.5 hours) airports for your departing flight.