Ron had to spend 2 grueling weeks in Ireland golfing every day while visiting and staying in many different properties plus trying out new restaurants and experiences, all to try and ensure we offer you the best possible experiences. It's a tough job but someone has to do it!
The Hotels:
Over the first week of the trip I was on my own and I stayed in 5 different hotels over 7 days, plus I visited another 9 properties. Week 2 saw me with a group but I still stayed in 2 different properties and managed to visit another 4 properties over the week.
 | A few general observations: Kinsale is a lovely little seaside town with a variety of nice properties. The standout for me was Perryville House with its large rooms and classic “old fashion” hotel feel. Large, metal keys, 4 poster bed in my room, a fantastic breakfast – what more could you ask for? An ideal property for couples and guys looking for a slightly more upscale property. The Trident and Acton’s Hotels are also in Kinsale and both have gone through significant upgrades to over the past couple of years and will remain client favorites in Kinsale |
For those not concerned about being in town with the variety of food and entertainment option that always brings, Old Head Suites are a luxurious option with large rooms overlooking the sea, a great restaurant and, of course, you are right on the property of one of the most scenic golf courses in the world.
Many clients chose to stay in Killarney as a base to visit many courses (all within an hour or so of the town) and not have to change hotels. Killarney is a good size town and boasts a wide variety of properties from the 5 star Great Southern and Killarney Park, through 4 star offerings like Killarney Plaza and The Ross, though to more modest offerings like the McSweeney Arms Hotel (amongst many other but there is only so much time to tour!). I visited or stayed in each of these properties, and all remain great offering for our clients, depending on what you are looking to experience for your group.
Dublin has more options than you could ever imagine and a few of our client favourites still stand out for their great combination of location and value. All located in the Stephens Green or Temple bar areas, the 5 star Fitzwilliam, the 4 star Brooks, Alex and Davenport plus The Mont and The Green Dublin provide options to fit any groups need.
Portrush / Bushmills area was an interesting trip. The group I was with stayed at a new property for Golf Away Tours called the Curran Gate. This is a building of luxury 3-bedroom apartments, fully equipped with living rooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen while still providing a great daily breakfast (they will even deliver the breakfast to you room). This was a great find for us as it offers a larger space for groups who enjoy hanging out in their own space playing cards, drinking their own wine and maybe even doing their own cooking one night (pretty much describes the group I was with) all while still only being a 10 minute walk into the middle of Portrush and the bars and restaurant on offer in town.
 | Another new property I discover was Elephant Rock. It was recommended to me by our coach driver as a dinner location and while there, the owner gave me a tour of this newly opened property. The rooms are a good size, all are well appointed and decorated (each is unique, the owner is a former fashion student!). This will be a particularly good option for smaller group or couples (and the restaurant was great as well). The Bushmills Inn is still Bushmills Inn and with its beautiful old buildings, and renovated rooms, it will always be a favourite of us, and our clients. |
Experiences / Food:
As I was rushing around so much, I only got in a couple of tours but both are worth the time.
We made a visit to The Giants Causeway and I have to say, if your in the Portrush / Bushmills area, it is something you really do want to take tome to visit. You can pay for the guided tour or, like we did, just walk down to self tour the area – it is a fascinating place.
We made a visit to The Giants Causeway and I have to say, if your in the Portrush / Bushmills area, it is something you really do want to take tome to visit. You can pay for the guided tour or, like we did, just walk down to self tour the area – it is a fascinating place.
 | A new experience for us was at Jameson Distillery where we did a Black Barrel Whisky Blending Class. We were given the opportunity to learn about (and taste) several different styles of whisky and then blend our own version – this was a significant step up from a standard tour and whisky tasting (which we have all done to death), a great time was had by all. |
 | We were also able to take advantage of our luxury apartment complex at Curran Gate and have a local whisky tasting and Private Chef dinner. 10 whisky samples (including 2 that have not even been released into public yet, and a 5 or 6 course meal including lobster and fillet mignon, this was an experience not of us will forget (we even got to help with some of the cooking which was fun). Definitely an experience you might want to consider if you're staying on this property. |
In Kinsale, the Black Pig Wine Bar was an amazing evening of taps style dishes and great wine pairing. While in Kinsale I ran into a client on their tour, and they had been at Bastion the night before. They LOVED the tasting menu with paired wines. Not inexpensive, but as a treat they had an amazing meal.
As mentioned before, we went to Elephant Rock in Portrush and it was a really great meal, especially for such a new property, and for the quality of the food, very reasonably priced.
As mentioned before, we went to Elephant Rock in Portrush and it was a really great meal, especially for such a new property, and for the quality of the food, very reasonably priced.
In Dublin, I have a new favourite in Beouf. This small steakhouse in Temple Bar area is not fancy but the food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was a ton of fun. My steak was perfectly cooked and the sides were amazing. Small wine selection but we were ale to find a couple of good choices. It is definitely not a fancy night out but a lot of fun.
We also discovered another small hidden gem in Hugo’s. Right in Stephens Green area, this farm to table type restaurant served great local produce and meats and it will be a stop on most of my trips back to Dublin from now on!
The Golf:
How can you go wrong – I was in Ireland and was playing the likes of Old Head and Royal Portrush. So much great golf!
I will highlight a couple of personal surprises / discoveries I made.
I will highlight a couple of personal surprises / discoveries I made.
| Cork Country Club – While parkland, there are 4 or 5 links style holes down by the river and the balance of the course is strong as well. I would highly recommend it as an add on when n the Kinsale area to play Old Head |  |
 | Waterville – Now one of my favourite courses in the world, this classic links course blew me away! |
| Dooks – The first hole is nice, but you wonder “why is this considered a links course”. Then you crest the hill on the way to the second tee and the course opens up to you – wow. A true hidden gem and must play (ok, 16 and 17 aren’t the great holes but it is a really strong course!) |  |
 | Ballyliffin Glashedy – a bit of a drive from Portrush, we added this to our tour and we are so glad we did. What an amazing course. Classic links, perfect greens and views in every direction. It’s worth the 1.15-1.5 hour drive (depending on whether you need to stop to re-fill the beer cooler on the coach!) to get there and should be considered for your next trip to the more northern part of the Emerald Isle. |
2 weeks flew by, and it was exhausting, but I was so glad I had the chance to see all these properties and have all these experiences so we can continue to ensure we build the best possible trips to meet your specific groups needs. Give us a call if Ireland, or any of the other great golf destinations around the globe, is on your bucket list and we will be happy to get you set up on the perfect trip.
2 weeks flew by, and it was exhausting, but I was so glad I had the chance to see all these properties and have all these experiences so we can continue to ensure we build the best possible trips to meet your specific groups needs. Give us a call if Ireland, or any of the other great golf destinations around the globe, is on your bucket list and we will be happy to get you set up on the perfect trip.
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