Day 1
Accommodation
4-Star Central Boutique Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Hotel car park is located on Fenian Street and is a short few minutes’ walk to the hotel. There is an overnight rate of €15 for guests (which is in line with the check-in time of 4pm and check out time of 11am). The hourly fee is €3 per hour before and after those times. You will need a code to access this car park and it is accessible by telephone or on reception as you check in.
Included Unique Activities
Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Dublin
Dublin, County Dublin
Your tour includes a luxurious private transfer from Dublin Airport to your Downtown Hotel. Once you have your luggage, proceed through to the Arrivals Hall, and look for your driver. He or she will be holding an iPad with your name clearly on it. They will quickly escort you to your ride, taking you to your Dublin City Center Hotel. There is no searching for shuttles, cabs, or trying to decide which route to take. This is the perfect start to a well-deserved, relaxing vacation. Your Irish adventure begins with Authentic Vacations’ 5-star customer service!
Arrive at
Arrive at Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Arrive at Dublin Airport after your overnight flight if you are coming from the U.S. or Canada.
Dublin is Ireland's main airport - located just north of Dublin City.
If you are heading downtown, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
There are 2 terminals at Dublin Airport, the second of which opened to air traffic in November 2010.
Most flights from the U.S. (on Aer Lingus, Delta, United, US Airways & American Airlines) arrive into Terminal 2.
Must-See Sites
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral, County Dublin
On The Map: Saint Patrick's Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin City, just south of the River Liffey, and west of such landmarks as Trinity College and Grafton Street. The Cathedral is located at the junction of Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street.
Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has contributed much to Irish life since its founding in 1191. The Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well, at which St Patrick himself reportedly baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift was Dean of Saint Patrick's from 1713 to 1747, and is buried within the church. In a romantic twist, Esther Johnson (Stella) is buried next to Swift. Although never married, Swift had a life-long, intense and mysterious relationship with Stella, and she was an inspiration for much of his work. Handel's Messiah received its first performance there in 1742, sung by the combined choir of Saint Patrick's and Christ Church. Music has played an integral part in the life of Saint Patrick's since its foundation and it is the only cathedral in these islands to sing two services every day. Living Stones, the cathedral's permanent exhibition, celebrates Saint Patrick's place in the life of the city, its history and its role at the dawn of the third millennium. It emphasises that the cathedral is not a museum, but a building embracing the past to herald the future.
Grafton Street, County Dublin
Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north
Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.
Trinity College, County Dublin
On The Map: Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin City. Just south of the River Liffey, the campus grounds are bordered by Grafton, College, Pearse, Nassau & Leinster Streets.
Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles, and the very oldest in Ireland. Standing on a self contained site in the very heart of Dublin, the College itself covers some 35 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces surrounded by buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Although Trinity offers much of interest to the visitor, the crown jewel is without doubt the Book of Kells. The Book is an 'illuminated manuscript', globally celebrated for its lavish decoration. The manuscript contains the four Gospels in Latin based on a Vulgate text, written on vellum (prepared calfskin), in a bold and expert version of the script known as 'insular majuscule'. Written in the 9th century, it has been on display in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin from the mid-19th century, and attracts over 500,000 visitors a year.
Overnight Location
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Day 2
Accommodation
Luxury Historic Hotel - Derry, County Derry
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Visit Derry - 2 Day Pass
Derry, County Derry
The Visit Derry Pass is the Official Sightseeing ticket for the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry. It is valid for two days and provides access to 10 handpicked attractions, saving money on admission fees whilst seeing the best the city has to offer. See attractions like: the Tower Museum, the Guildhall, St Columb's Cathedral, and more.
Must-See Sites
Derry, County Derry
On the Map: Derry City is located close to the northern coast in Northern Ireland. Derry is accessed via the N15/N13 from Donegal (to the southwest) and the A6 from Belfast (to the southeast).
The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. You can walk along the great 17th-century walls, about a mile round and 18 feet thick, which withstood several sieges and even today are unbroken and complete, with old cannon still pointing their black noses over the ramparts. The great siege lasted for 105 days. Today, there’s an atmosphere of optimism in Derry and the city buzzes with life. It’s an artistic city, with theatres, galleries and other cultural centres and a number of annual festivals. Its people, with their gentle accent, are very welcoming.
Tower Museum, Derry, County Derry
The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions. The first, 'The Story of Derry' tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city from earliest prehistory to the present. The Second, 'An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera', tells the tale of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971. Both exhibitions use a range of display and interactive techniques to present their stories in an intriguing manner.
Derry Walls Heritage Trail, County Derry
The famous Derry City Walls were built in the early part of the 17th Century. Following this other key periods in the city’s history include: The Siege of Derry, Emigration, Famine in Ireland, Shirt Industry, World War I and II, Easter Rising, Civil Rights Marches, Bloody Sunday, Ceasefires and the Good Friday Agreement. Each of these has in part contributed to the moulding of the city as it is today, with a blend of both the modern and historic; occupied by optimistic and friendly people. The Walled City heritage Trail takes in 200 sites of particular historical importance. Cathedrals, churches, parks, villages, murals and monuments all within the Derry City Council, tell of various tales in the city’s history. The historic sites are easy to find as the city and surrounding countryside have been divided up into distinct areas.
Enroute Sightseeing
Ulster American Folk Park, County Tyrone
On The Map: The Ulster American Folk Park is located 5 miles north of Omagh town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on the main A5 road between Omagh and Strabane.
The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum in Castletown, just outside Omagh, in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The Park explores the historical link between Ulster and America, focusing particularly on the lifestyle and experiences of those immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish immigration at the museum that brings it to life. Follow the immigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale immigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share.
Boyne Valley, County Meath
On the Map: The Boyne Valley is a fairly large region located in the east of Ireland in County Meath. Only 30 minutes/ 20km north of Dublin City, the Boyne Valley is accessed via the N2 or N3 roads heading northwest from the city.
The Boyne Valley contains the largest and most decorated megalithic sites in all of Ireland and has been described as "the largest and most important expression of prehistoric megalithic art in Europe". The large Megalithic sites were built over 5000 years ago between 3800 and 3200 BC, built before both Stonehenge in England and the great pyramids in Egypt. Within a three square mile radius in the Boyne Valley are grouped more than 30 prehistoric monuments including the great passage tombs and their satellite structures, standing stones, barrows and other enclosures. The great sites of the Boyne Valley include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Loughcrew, Fourknocks and the Hill of Tara. Neolithic communities built these sites over earlier sacred spots and it is suspected that they were used for a combination of different purposes, including use as burial tombs, sacred temples and astronomical observatories. The nearby towns of Trim, Slane and Navan make ideal bases from which to explore the area.
Overnight Location
Derry, County Derry
On the Map: Derry City is located close to the northern coast in Northern Ireland. Derry is accessed via the N15/N13 from Donegal (to the southwest) and the A6 from Belfast (to the southeast).
The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. You can walk along the great 17th-century walls, about a mile round and 18 feet thick, which withstood several sieges and even today are unbroken and complete, with old cannon still pointing their black noses over the ramparts. The great siege lasted for 105 days. Today, there’s an atmosphere of optimism in Derry and the city buzzes with life. It’s an artistic city, with theatres, galleries and other cultural centres and a number of annual festivals. Its people, with their gentle accent, are very welcoming.
Day 3
Accommodation
Luxury Historic Hotel - Derry, County Derry
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Portstewart Golf Club (Strand Course)
Portstewart, County Derry
Founded in 1894 and redesigned by Willie Park jnr in the 1920’s this championship links course received its greatest makeover with the purchase of land known as “Thistly Hollow” in 1981. This enabled the club to build a stunning new seven holes through towering dunes and fabulous and natural links land. Designed by local school teacher Des Giffin the Strand Course is the jewel in the Portstewart portfolio.
STRAND COURSE: MEMBERS TIMES (CLOSED TO VISITORS)
Monday, Tuesday and Friday: 12 noon - 2pm
Wednesday: 7am -11.30am and 3 – 4pm
Thursday: 10.30am – 2pm
Saturday: 7am - 2.30pm
Sunday: 7am - 12 noon
Dunluce Castle Admission
Bushmills, County Antrim
Dunluce Castle is sited dramatically close to the edge of a headland, along the North Antrim coast. One could spend hours marvelling at such a wondrous feat of construction 500 years ago! Surrounded by jaw dropping coastal scenery, this medieval castle stands where an early Irish fort was once built, and its history can be traced back to early Christians and Vikings. The Castle has a rich and varied history, connected with such famous names as Richard de Burgh, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and Sir John Perrott. Dunluce Village which once surrounded the castle was destroyed by fire during the siege of 1641, but some archaelogical remnants of walls remain. Also nearby are the ancient church ruins of St. Cuthbert's, and the site was witness to the sinking of the colony ship the Exmouth, bound for Quebec, which broke up on rocks off Islay with 240 deaths in 1847. The site features a visitor centre, shop and guided tours of the ruins, gardens and remnants of the town.
Must-See Sites
Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim
In the small village of Bushmills, settled on the banks of the river you'll find the oldest working distillery in Ireland. A place where family and friends have worked for generations, in a small Northern Irish village, that for over 400 years has kept to the philosophy that hand crafting small batches is the way to produce beautifully smooth-tasting Irish whiskey. If you choose to take a tour in the company of an experienced tour guide, you will be taken right through the heart of the distillery to view the whiskey making process as it happens. Start in the Mixing Room where it all begins, before moving onto the Fermentation Room where the alcohol is produced. Next it's onto the unique copper stills of the Distillery itself, followed by the Cask Room, Blending Lounge & Bottling Plant. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Distillery's resident ghost, The Grey Lady, as you enjoy your tour.
Overnight Location
Portstewart, County Derry
On The Map: Portstewart is located in County Derry on the northern coast of Northern Ireland. The town is accessed via the A2 road that connects the towns of Portrush to the east and Coleraine to the south.
A year round mecca for holiday makers, Portstewart Strand holds a prestigious Blue Flag award for the cleanliness and quality of its water. It is also one of the few remaining beaches in Ireland where cars still have access and permission to drive onto the beach - perfect for families who wish to picnic on the golden shores. The Strand also added the Seaside Award to its list of accololades in 2011. The beach attracts a range of visitors wishing to partake in activities such as, surfing, swimming, horse riding and scenic walks on the way marked nature trails with excellent views of the North Coast. The town is also home to the fantastic Portstewart Golf Club Championship Links course. Barmouth is a nearby nature and wildlife reserve offering an attractive habitat to migrant waterfowl, waders and nesting birds throughout the year. Bird hides offer excellent opportunities to spectate the views and local wildlife and have facilities for disabled visitors. Keys to bird hides are available from The National Trust North Coast Office at Giants Causeway: (028) 2073 1582.
Derry, County Derry
On the Map: Derry City is located close to the northern coast in Northern Ireland. Derry is accessed via the N15/N13 from Donegal (to the southwest) and the A6 from Belfast (to the southeast).
The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. You can walk along the great 17th-century walls, about a mile round and 18 feet thick, which withstood several sieges and even today are unbroken and complete, with old cannon still pointing their black noses over the ramparts. The great siege lasted for 105 days. Today, there’s an atmosphere of optimism in Derry and the city buzzes with life. It’s an artistic city, with theatres, galleries and other cultural centres and a number of annual festivals. Its people, with their gentle accent, are very welcoming.
Day 4
Accommodation
Luxury Historic Hotel - Derry, County Derry
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce Course)
Portrush, County Antrim
Simply put, the Dunluce course at Royal Portrush is one of the world's finest links courses, and the only course in Ireland to have hosted the British Open (in 1951) Fred Daly, the only Irishman ever to win "The Open" was a Royal Portrush member. Overlooked by the ruins of the 13th Century Dunluce Castle it is a masterpiece of golf architecture. Famous for its magnificent turf and excellent holes, many of which require long and accurate drives made all the more difficult by the high winds. Unimaginable rough and tricky greens, thrown with windy conditions make this course an admirable test for a seasoned golfer.
Electric Trolleys: We have a large fleet of the latest Powakaddy trolleys for hire. All of our electric trollies are equipped with GPS so no matter where you find yourself on the links, these will provide you with yardages to the front, middle and back of the greens. Booking in advance is not always necessary but we would recommend it.
Pull Trolleys: We have a plentiful supply of lightweight manual aluminium pull trolleys also available. No prebooking is required.
No Golf Carts: Both of our links are walking courses. However, for disabled golfers or those who have a medical condition, we can arrange a cart for your round. Due to the terrain and the frequent changes of elevation on our links, we will arrange for one of our senior caddies to both drive the cart and advise you during your round. The golfer must produce a medical note and sign a disclaimer prior to their round.
Dress Code
Dress in the Clubhouse: Smart casual clothes including golf attire and soft spike golf shoes are allowed in the Clubhouse. Sandals or deck shoes for men are only permitted when worn with socks. Not Permitted: Blue denim, collarless tee shirts, flip flops, caps and hats. Shorts are not permitted in the Dining Room.
Babington Room – Gentlemen must wear a jacket and tie. Ladies must wear the appropriate equivalent.
Dress on the Links: Members, guests and visitors are expected to wear suitable golf attire, with no blue denim or collarless tee shirts. Tailored golf shorts may be worn, but not beach shorts or cargo shorts with multiple pockets.
Mobile Phones must be on “silent mode” at all times. Calls may only be made in a medical emergency. Receiving calls is prohibited in the Babington Room, Dunluce Room, Skerries Room, and Dining Room.
Must-See Sites
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
Location: Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom. The Giant's Causeway is located in County Antrim on the northeastern coast of Northern Ireland. The Causeway is accessed via Causeway Road that runs north from the main A2 road (connecting Bushmills to the west and Ballycastle to the east).
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO Heritage site located in Northern Ireland. During the Paleogene period, County Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity. As lava rapidly cooled, unique contraction and fracturing occurred, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns seen today. Irish legend of course has an alternate tale of the Causeway's creation!: The Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill (Fionn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart Benandonner. One version of the legend tells that Fionn fell asleep before he got to Scotland. When he did not arrive, the much larger Benandonner crossed the bridge looking for him. To protect Fionn, his wife Oonagh laid a blanket over him and pretended that the sleeping giant was actually their baby son. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'infant', he assumed the alleged father, Fionn, must be gigantic indeed. Benandonner fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway in case he was followed by Fionn, and therefore only the Irish coastal steps remain.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim
On The Map: Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is located near the small town of Ballintoy, in County Antrim Northern Ireland. The rope bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick in the northeast corner of Northern Ireland.
Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep is the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, it's construction once consisted of a single rope hand rail and widely spaced slats which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island to which it leads. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge, and the current, caged bridge was installed by the National Trust during Easter of 2000 as a further safety measure. Although no-one has ever been injured falling off the old or new bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being unable to face the return walk back across the bridge, resulting in them being taken off the island by boat, so not an activity for the faint-hearted!
Overnight Location
Derry, County Derry
On the Map: Derry City is located close to the northern coast in Northern Ireland. Derry is accessed via the N15/N13 from Donegal (to the southwest) and the A6 from Belfast (to the southeast).
The story of Derry is a long and tumultuous one. Set on a hill on the banks of the Foyle estuary, strategically close to the open sea, it came under siege and attack for over a thousand years. You can walk along the great 17th-century walls, about a mile round and 18 feet thick, which withstood several sieges and even today are unbroken and complete, with old cannon still pointing their black noses over the ramparts. The great siege lasted for 105 days. Today, there’s an atmosphere of optimism in Derry and the city buzzes with life. It’s an artistic city, with theatres, galleries and other cultural centres and a number of annual festivals. Its people, with their gentle accent, are very welcoming.
Day 5
Accommodation
4-Star Landmark Hotel - Newcastle, County Down
Room Type: Double/Twin Room
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Included Unique Activities
Titanic Experience Belfast
Belfast, County Antrim
Visit the birthplace of the Titanic and experience the story. Titanic Belfast extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.
Enroute Sightseeing
Belfast, County Antrim
On The Map: Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is located in the northeastern corner of the country in County Antrim. Belfast is well served by a network of good roads, including the M1 motorway from Dublin City.
Approximately one third of the population of Northern Ireland - about half a million people - live in Belfast. It's setting is very attractive, nestling in a semicircle of hills, where the River Langan enters Belfast Lough. The city got it's name from Beile Feirst "the mouth of the sandy ford" - and was founded in 1177 when the Anglo-Normans built a castle here. It began to really expand in the 17th century with the development of the local linen and shipbuilding industries (the Titanic was built here). Sights to see in Belfast City, the Belfast City Hall, built of Portland stone in Classical Renaissance style, dominates the city center. The Linen Hall Library, founded in 1788 is an absolute delight, a cultural centre with exhibitions, a Theater & Performing Arts Archive and a Genealogy and Heraldry collection. Away from the city center you have the Ulster Museum in the Botanic Gardens, near Queens University which has miles of galleries and exhibitions. This lively and friendly city, with historic buildings standing side-by-side with modern creations is a delight not to be missed.
Glens of Antrim, County Antrim
On The Map: County Antrim is located in the northeast corner of Northern Ireland.
The Glens of Antrim (there are 9) are beautifully unique and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Within twenty square miles you can enjoy natural landscape that covers glacial valleys, sandy beaches, vertical cliffs, tundra plateau, boglands, wooded decidious glens, coniferous forests, waterfalls and picturesque villages! Antrim's coast, from the busy port of Larne to the resorts of Portrush and Portstewart, is dotted with beaches and rocky inlets. Ancient sites and places of intrigue abound too. In addition to wonderful scenery, the landscape is dominated by spectacular ruins of fortresses built by Gaelic chieftains and Norman invaders. Ireland's first inhabitants, nomadic boatmen from Scotland, are believed to have landed in this area around 7000 BC.
Overnight Location
Newcastle, County Down
On the Map: Newcastle is located in County Down on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The A2 road, connecting the cities of Newry (to the west), and Belfast (to the north), passes right through town.
Voted Northern Ireland’s 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 6
Accommodation
4-Star Landmark Hotel - Newcastle, County Down
Room Type: Double/Twin Room
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Included Unique Activities
Royal County Down Golf Club
Newcastle, County Down
Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined.
The ‘bearded’ bunkers are world famous and feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. The greens are fast and many are domed, rejecting any shot lacking conviction. This is a true test of any player’s command of the traditional bump and run - the preferred way to play any links.
Must-See Sites
Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains this forest park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle.
Downpatrick, County Down
On The Map: Downpatrick is located in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland. It is located just 20 miles south of Belfast along the A24 & A7 Roads.
Downpatrick is one of Ireland's most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name from a dún (fort), which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on which Down Cathedral stands.Saint Patrick was reputedly buried here in 461 on Cathedral Hill, within the grounds of Down Cathedral. His grave is still a place of pilgrimage on St Patricks Day (17 March each year). The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre in Downpatrick is purpose-built to tell the story of St Patrick. It is the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to the Patron Saint of Ireland, and one of the best tourist destinations in Ireland.
Overnight Location
Newcastle, County Down
On the Map: Newcastle is located in County Down on the east coast of Northern Ireland. The A2 road, connecting the cities of Newry (to the west), and Belfast (to the north), passes right through town.
Voted Northern Ireland’s 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 7
Accommodation
Elegant Stylish Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Hotel parking is available on Fenian Street within a 3-minute walk of the hotel. The overnight rate for guests is €15 (in line with our check in time of 4pm and our check out time of 11am). The hourly fee before and after those times is €3 per hour. Guests need a code to access this car park, which can be obtained by our reservations or reception teams by telephone or upon checking in.
Included Unique Activities
Portmarnock Golf Club
Portmarnock, County Dublin
Founded in 1894, Portmarnock is consistently ranked amongst the top golf courses in the world. With a rich history closely aligned to the progression of golf in Ireland, Portmarnock has hosted many major professional and amateur events including multiple Irish Open Championships, the Walker Cup and the Irish Amateur Close Championship. From Sam Snead to Seve Ballesteros, some of golf's best known names have tested their skills on this north county Dublin sand spit. Considered by many as a fair but challenging test of golf, Portmarnock invites you to experience one of the purest links courses in the world.
Enroute Sightseeing
Malahide Castle, County Dublin
Malahide Castle and Gardens is one of the oldest castles in Ireland, set on 260 acres, this magnificent & historic 12th-century castle has been home to the Talbot family for over 800 years. The castle was built around the original tower house which dates back to the 12th century. The great hall was built in the 15th century. The furniture, the reception rooms, the entry hallway, the corner towers and the plasterwork were all added in the 18th century and reflect the highest standards of the time. The extensive gardens set in a 260-acre demesne, are a haven for garden enthusiasts everywhere.
Portmarnock, County Dublin
On The Map: Portmarnock is a suburb of Dublin City, and lies on the east coast of Ireland between Malahide and Baldoyle.
Portmarnock has been settled in Neolithic times, with a number of remains of activity in the area still evident today, such as flints and other tools having been excavated at the northern fringe of Portmarnock. The remains of a ring fort are visible from the air at the south of the town. The son of famous Irish Queen Maedhbh of Connaught – Maine – is also said to have been buried locally. Adjacent to Portmarnock is a narrow beach which extends onto a sandy peninsula with beaches on all sides. The beach is nicknamed The Velvet Strand due to the beautiful smooth sand along the beach. Portmarnock's beach was the starting point for an important pioneering flights. On 23 June 1930 Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew took off in the Southern Cross aircraft on the second, westbound transatlantic flight. Portmarnock is also world-famous for its golf course which formally opened on 26 December 1894.
Overnight Location
Dublin, County Dublin
On the Map: Dublin, Ireland's Capital City is located on the east coast of the country, and is well served by infrastructure linking it to all parts of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city, filled with personality, pizzazz, and culture. You might spend time strolling the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in cafes and pubs, or you could check out a world of historical, literary, and musical delights. A return visit to the Book of Kells, Phoenix Park (twice the size of Central Park), Georgian Dublin, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Hugh Lane Municipal Art gallery are all possibilities. Ramble through Grafton Street, a shopper’s paradise, or simply relax and remember this most wonderful tour of the Emerald Isle.
Day 8
Accommodation
Elegant Stylish Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 4:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Hotel parking is available on Fenian Street within a 3-minute walk of the hotel. The overnight rate for guests is €15 (in line with our check in time of 4pm and our check out time of 11am). The hourly fee before and after those times is €3 per hour. Guests need a code to access this car park, which can be obtained by our reservations or reception teams by telephone or upon checking in.
Included Unique Activities
Guinness Connoisseur Experience
Dublin, County Dublin
The Connoisseur Experience at the Guinness Storehouse is a journey through the tastes, smells and story of Guinness. In our luxurious private bar, we will take you on a journey through the tastes, traditions and stories of the most popular variants of the "black stuff.” You will also have the opportunity to learn the craft of how to pour the perfect pint of your very own Guinness. At the Gravity Bar, take in the view over Dublin City and enjoy a pint of Guinness, one of our other Guinness beers or a non-alcoholic drink included in your ticket. This experience is an exclusive added feature to the general admission tickets which include a self-guided tour of the visitor experience and a complimentary pint of Guinness.
Must-See Sites
Temple Bar, County Dublin
Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.
The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
Old Jameson Distillery, County Dublin
On The Map: The Old Jameson Distillery is located in the Smithfield area of Dublin City. Walking from Trinity College (approx 20 minutes), head west on Dame Street to Lord Edward Street to Christchurch Place. Carry on past Christchurch Cathedral and take the next right onto Bridge Street. Head straight over Merchants Quay and Fr. Mathew bridge across Arran Quay. Walk up Church Street past St. Michans Cathedral and then take the next left onto May Lane /Bow Street. Alternately, the Distillery is Stop 20 on the 'hop-on, hop-off' Dublin Bus tour.
Set in the heart of Ireland’s thriving capital city, Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery captures the imagination and the spirit of Ireland. Originally built in 1780, this Distillery was once considered one of the largest and finest Distilleries in the world. Tours operate 7 days a week all year, except selected dates at Christmas. The journey begins with an audio visual presentation. Expert guides then lead you through the fascinating story of Jameson, one of the world’s most famous whiskies. Follow the path through malting, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing. The journey is completed with a visit to the Jameson Discovery Bar where you can enjoy the ultimate whiskey tasting experience - a complimentary glass of Jameson and mixer plus a chance for selected volunteers to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster". After your tour, browse in the gift shop or lunch in the restaurant or bar and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Day 9
Depart From
Depart from Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Return to Dublin Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
After check-in and passenger security, browse the array of shops on offer at 'The Loop' in Dublin Airport. With an extensive range of stores, bars and cafes, any spare time you have will fly!
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