Fall in love with the finest links courses in Ireland’s South West this autumn

Ireland’s South West coast is home to some of the most famous links golf courses in the world. It also offers some of the most breath-taking scenery in Europe, iconic tourist attractions, lively entertainment, and fine cuisine.

While there are many incredible must-play courses in Ireland, and in particular in the South West, it can be difficult for golfers to secure tee-times and ensure the best value for your time in Ireland. We solve that problem for you by carefully designing all of our golf tours to ensure you will have the most memorable vacation. We secure desirable tee-times at the most magnificent courses and you will enjoy seamless travel in private luxury vehicles with your personal Driver Guide, also an avid golfer. We also hand-pick and book wonderful accommodation and ensure easy access to evening entertainment. This means you can simply enjoy the true Ireland golfing experience.

The origin of the American golfer’s fascination with Irish links is widely attributed to Tom Watson who had this to say of Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry: “Nobody can call himself a golfer unless he has played at Ballybunion. You would think the game originated there.”Why he chose to say this after winning the Open Championship at Scotland’s Royal Troom we have not discovered, but we will ensure you discover the magic of Ballybunion. As well as the Cushen course, you will play the mesmerizing Waterville Golf Links on the southwest tip-off Ireland; Tralee Golf Club, with a heritage stretching back to 1896; the majestic Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale; and the host of the 2027 Ryder Cup, Adare Manor.

Non-golfers will also enjoy this route. Being based in Kerry, Cork and Adare allow you to visit some of Ireland’s most iconic tourist attractions, experience the finest scenery in the world, and a World Heritage Site, as well as finding special hidden gems with your private Driver Guide. Two nights in Cork city, often voted as one of the world’s friendliest cities by Condé Nast, ensure you will experience one of Ireland’s most special small cities.

This is a carefully designed classic tour, ensuring you experience the best golf as well as the finest food and craic, which elevate this golf tour from thoroughly enjoyable to exceptional. However, with our in-house Golf Travel Advisor Joe and our passionate golfing Driver Guides, it can be tailored to suit your travel arrangements and specific requests, including using Dublin airport, adding east coast courses and helicopter transfers.

What are you waiting for? Enquire now to secure the best tee-times.

 

Highlights

  • 6 nights in five-star accommodation
  • Play 5 magnificent courses
  • Private luxury transport
  • Personal Golf Driver Guide
  • Evenings of music, entertainment, whiskey tastings
  • Courses: Tralee, Waterville, Ballybunion, Old Head, Adare Manor
  • Hotel Suggestions: Killarney Park Hotel; Hayfield Manor; Adare Manor.
  • Suggested Airport: Shannon
  • Regions Visited: South West Ireland
  • Other options: Helicopter transfers, non-golfer tour, East Coast links courses
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Map

Tralee Golf Club
Waterville Golf Links
Ballybunion Golf Club
Old Head Golf Links
Adare

Courses

Tralee Golf Club

The first course that Arnold Palmer designed in Europe, and described by him as “the most perfect piece of land to build a golf course on” Tralee Golf Club has been fondly looked upon by some of the world’s finest golfers such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Tralee Golf Club is another jewel in the crown of links golf in the South West of Ireland. 

Read the full profile of the Tralee Golf Club here.

Waterville Golf Links

The history of the course dates back all the way to 1889. Waterville is quite remote so naturally, there is an interesting story as to how it became one of Ireland’s top golf destinations. American men came to Waterville as part of their work to lay the first transatlantic cable which aimed to deliver messages between North America and Europe. Their base was in Waterville and as they spent quite some time there, they began to set up a golf course. When the demand for their work phased out, the course closed in the 1950s before being restored to what we know it as today.  

Read the full profile of Waterville Golf Links here.

Ballybunion Golf Club

The Old Course at Ballybunion is undoubtedly one of the most popular links courses in the southwest, Ireland, and the entire world. Located in County Kerry, Ballybunion is the most sought-after tee time in the region. It has featured heavily on golf itineraries ever since Tom Watson visited in 1981 and put it on the map. 

Read the full profile of Ballybunion Golf Club here.

Old Head Golf Course Kinsale

Old Head, Kinsale

Occupying a stunning and unique headland reaching out over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular world-class golf course and luxury members’ accommodation. Located in County Cork on the South West Coast of Ireland, as the incredible brainchild of the late John O’Connor together with his brother Patrick, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth.

Read the full profile of the Old Head, Kinsale.

Adare Manor | Private Golf Tours Ireland

Adare Manor Golf Course

Though most visitors come to Ireland to play links golf, there is one major parkland exception, Adare Manor. Set in the picturesque estate of one of Ireland’s finest manor house hotels, this magnificent parkland course is one of the finest of its kind in all of Europe and is why it was awarded the 2027 Ryder Cup.  

Read the full profile of Adare Manor Golf Club here.

Accommodation

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

Adare Manor, Limerick

Adare Manor, Limerick

Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry

5 Star Hotels Ireland

The Killarney Park located in the centre of Killarney Town has for many years being the destinations leading 5 Star Hotel. The hotel combines excellent services with intimacy and friendly staff who make staying at the hotel a memorable experience. The hotel has an excellent spa facility, music in the bar on summer nights and a choice of excellent restaurants. Located in the centre of town this is an ideal base to enjoy the nightlife of Killarney at leisure and perhaps an evening show. Visit Website.

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork

5 Star Hotels Ireland

Hayfield Manor Hotel is Cork City’s only five-star Hotel located in the leafy and tranquil University Region. The hotel is positioned in mature gardens with fine oak trees, a private garden, and an aviary. The hotel has a wonderful fine dining restaurant which we highly recommend as well as a newer bistro-style venue for more informal dining options. Hayfield Manor is celebrated for Corks most spacious and luxurious rooms ranging from Manor House to Executive Suites. There is also a swimming pool and spa for those who wish to really relax and unwind after a day’s touring. The city centre is a ten minutes walk through the university quarter and along the banks of the River Lee. Visit Website.

Adare Manor, Limerick

5 Star Hotels Ireland

Adare Manor has been a byword for elegant lifestyle for over two centuries. The 840-acre estate that surrounds the Manor House consists of sweeping parklands, cultivated gardens, formal French gardens, magnificent mature trees. The extensive gardens also boast a fully matured Robert Trent Jones Senior golf course and Adare Manor Equestrian Centre and Spa. Visit Website.

South West Golf Highlights

Highlights of South West golf

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Transport

When you tour Ireland with Ireland Chauffeur Travel, you travel in style and luxury. We use specialised Mercedes vehicles for our golfers, ensuring extended legroom and additional space for clubs. Your private chauffeur driver will be an avid golfer and will guide you around Ireland in the latest luxury Mercedes models, showing you the best of the country as well as the courses.

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Experiences

As well as experiencing these top golf courses, your Travel Advisor can enhance your trip with many other experiences along the way. Here are a few to whet your appetite...

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Whiskey Experience Killarney

The Irish Whiskey Experience is an interactive and sensory experience that will guide you through the history of Irish Whiskey, from distilling to tasting. Private bookings on request.

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Killarney Craic & Ceol

The town of Killarney is famous for its excellent array of restaurants, pubs and evening entertainment, see attached dining recommendations. Bars such as Danny Mann, The Failte and Laurel’s Singing Pub have regular sessions. The NEC has quality live shows during the summer, including Celtic Steps The Show. Nearby Siamsa Tire in Tralee can be booked on request. Time your trip well and catch horse racing just outside of town.

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Food Delights

Ireland is a food island and each corner represents a different part of our food heritage. Whether in Belfast, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Cork or the Causeway Coast, we can arrange a customized walking Food Tour of the area to introduce you to the local produce and producers…with tasty samples of course too!

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Black’s Brewery, Kinsale

Maud Black gave her husband Sam a beer-making kit for Valentine’s Day and what started as a hobby quickly developed into an obsession. In 2013, the couple opened Black’s Brewery in Kinsale. They are the first co-located micro-brewery and distillery in Ireland gives them the option to age their beers in spirit barrels and vice versa to improve the depth of flavor. Located in the colourful town of Kinsale, this is a great brewery to visit.

Nearby, visit Charles Fort, a military fort which was built by the English in the 1670s to a star fortification design. It has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

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Old English Market, Cork

Cork’s Old English Market is the most celebrated food market in Ireland. The unique covered food and artisan market dates back to the Middle Ages. The center is populated with some of Ireland’s finest gourmet restaurants and a trip to the English Market the heart of the city is a must.