Ireland: Epic Golf Greens (2026)

Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Dublin. A journey of world-class golf and coastal Ireland awaits.

Arrive in Dublin and travel south to Kinsale, a harbor town known for its colorful buildings, seafood, and maritime charm. Settle in and explore the village at your own pace before joining the group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

The first round of the journey is at Old Head, one of the most dramatic golf settings in the world. Located on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Old Head combines panoramic views with bold, modern links design. Eight holes run along the cliff edge, and nearly every tee shot demands both precision and nerve.

While relatively young, the course has quickly become one of the most photographed and revered in Europe. If time allows, visit nearby Cobh in the afternoon — the final port of call for the Titanic and home to a fascinating maritime museum.

Begin a scenic journey around the Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most iconic drives. Stop in Kenmare, a charming market town, before continuing to Killarney National Park. There, a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car carries you past the Muckross estate and through quiet, wooded paths surrounding the lakes.

From coast to countryside, the day offers a peaceful and immersive view of Ireland’s natural beauty.

Tucked between mountains and sea, Waterville Golf Links is pure links golf in its most elemental form. The course, known for its remote setting and natural routing, has long attracted both champions and purists. Payne Stewart called it one of his favorites, and his bronze statue watches over the first tee.

The layout rewards shot-making and patience, with shifting winds and rolling fairways keeping even the most seasoned golfers attentive. It’s a soulful place — honest, raw, and unforgettable.

Travel along the Dingle Peninsula, where the land drops away to sea cliffs and ancient stone huts overlook the Atlantic. Slea Head Drive reveals some of Ireland’s most dramatic views, and a visit to the Blasket Centre adds context to the lives once lived on these rugged outposts.

As the journey continues north, the coastline softens into the sandy dunes of Ballybunion — a quiet seaside town that just happens to be home to one of the world’s greatest links.

Ballybunion’s Old Course is Ireland’s answer to the purest form of links golf. Revered by pros and traditionalists alike, the layout winds through towering dunes, blind tee shots, and narrow sloping fairways shaped by centuries of wind and weather.

Regularly listed among the top 20 courses in the world, Ballybunion is the kind of course that reveals itself slowly — a thinking golfer’s dream and a true challenge even in calm conditions. Every hole is a test of feel, not just force.

After the round, the group transitions toward the next leg of the journey.

Today begins with a walk through Adare, a picture-perfect village lined with thatched cottages and ivy-covered stone walls. Afterward, step into the past at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, where reconstructed homes, shops, and costumed interpreters bring medieval Ireland to life.

Later, the group continues north along the coast toward the final golf stop.

Few courses capture the eccentric charm of Irish golf quite like Lahinch. Designed by Old Tom Morris and later refined by Augusta National’s Alister MacKenzie, the course is a blend of historic quirk and strategic brilliance. Expect blind par threes, fairways that disappear into dunes, and the occasional goat wandering past your line.

Despite its surprises, Lahinch is a serious golf course — full of character, challenge, and coastal exposure. It’s the kind of place that feels unchanged, and proudly so.

Begin the day with a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Towering high above the Atlantic, the cliffs offer sweeping views in every direction — a final reminder of the island’s power and poetry.

From there, travel back to Dublin, stopping along the way in a quiet village like Athlone or Kilbeggan for a relaxed lunch or casual pub visit. The evening brings a farewell dinner and one last chance to raise a glass with the group.

Transfer to Dublin Airport for the return flight to the United States. As the trip concludes, you leave with unforgettable rounds behind you — and perhaps a few already planned ahead.