Just back home from our 19 day Golfaround Ireland trip and boy was it great. Accolades to Swing Golf Ireland for putting together a fantastic itinerary and we were so pleased with our coach driver/tour guide Chris. He was fantastic, such a delight, just the right combination of fun, humor and skill, in addition he was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with a mix of folklore, history and facts. Throughout our 19 days we visited breathtaking and wild seascapes, centuries old castles, marvelous little villages, emerald landscapes and of course some amazing golf courses.
First stop Dublin where we were introduced to Guinness and Gaelic football, we were able to join the locals to watch the final game for the All Ireland Senior Club Football championship between the Dubs, Dublin, and Kerry, Chis’s favorite. This city is filled with history and with its seamless blend of classic visitor sights, excellent social scene which of course included several pubs and the natural playgrounds of Dublin Bay, this laidback city was an adventure in itself. Golf at St Anne’s Golf Club introduced us to “links” golf and also to the friendly folk of Ireland. It was their ladies league that day and I can’t tell you how many of these gals took the time to chat and offer their assistance, what wonderful people. Chris told us that “links” means the place between the sea and land and whose characteristics include being built on sandy soil along a coastline. Links courses are buffeted by strong winds that require deep bunkers to prevent the sand from blowing away. They are also completely or largely treeless. Our first experience was a bit windy but warm and everyone enjoyed.
Kinsale, the home of Old Head Golf Course was our next stop and we can’t believe how lucky we were to have a picture perfect day for experiencing the most spectacular golf course ever. We have played some beautiful courses but the scenery and views at Old Head stand head and shoulders above any course we have ever played, another checkmark on Kristy’s bucket list.
Killarney offered us more beautiful scenery as we explored parts of the Ring of Kerry and rode in a jaunting car through Killarney National Park. We also stopped at Ladies View, the queen really missed out the day she didn’t go with her ladies in waiting to see this. It is untouch
ed incredible nature that offers wonderful views of the lakes. Pictures just can’t do it justice. Golf here at Dooks and Killeen was lovely with no weather issues, how lucky we have been.
Dromoland (pronounced Drumolen) was a magical place, a once in a lifetime experience. This magical castle offered absolute luxury and service. We had a beautifully appointed suite overlooking the courtyard and it had a fabulous bathroom with a de-fogging mirror. The staff were wonderful and the dining room was lovely with white linen cloths and silver service.. This is what I imagine it would be like if the Queen invited you to stay at Windsor Castle. The golf course was also beautiful located on the estate, we did experience a little Irish mist but it wasn’t cold. We sure hated to leave it was great being a royalty for a couple of days.
On our way to Westport our driver Chris took us on the Taggert Ferry which crosses the Shannon estuary. We then traveled along The Kilkee Cliffs, a remote and wild stretch of stunning coastline in County Clare. You really feel in harmony with nature here, the scenery was outstanding. Our golf in 
Eniscrone was also a little wild the wind was at gale force I am sure. However, what a golf course, absolutely fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable despite the wind. This is links golf on steroids, giant sand dunes with narrow undulating fairways and immaculate greens.This place is not easy by any means and I am sure many of us had a so so score, but it was an amazing experience and we had lots of laughs.
Belfast, our last destination, offered more history, more pubs, more scenic opportunities and a last round of golf for some of us. The Royal Belfast Golf Club was founded in 1881, and is Ireland’s oldest golf club and there are panoramic views across Belfast Lough from this delightful park course.
Back to Dublin for most of us to get our direct flight back to reality, an amazing adventure with great people, amazing weather and memories to last a lifetime. We are truly blessed.