Golf - “Off The Beaten Track” Ireland Series 1: Along the ‘Wild Atlantic Ways’
Introduction
This series introduces golf courses in remote locations or away from popular golf tour areas. They can be played as a complete individually tailored tour, or particular golf courses can be included or added to a promoted tour.
Many of these golf courses are in dramatic or outstanding locations and can be combined with sightseeing. We have selected mainly top 50 courses plus some lesser-known “gems”. They have been carefully selected for quality, interest and location.
Ireland Series 1 - The West Coast - Along the ‘Wild Atlantic Ways’
Introduction
This first tour has some distinctive features. For accommodation, all three base locations can offer a genuine Castle Hotel. Four of the six courses on this tour are designed by the late Eddie Hackett who was a renowned Irish golf architect. The tour finishes with his final design widely recognised as his best achievement.
There are four links golf courses, all with natural layouts. Two links are 2 x 9 hole layouts, one on an island with a thatched roof clubhouse whilst the other follows the tradition of many remote courses using an ‘honesty box’ to collect green fees. The tour starts at Ashford Castle the most outstanding Castle Hotel in Ireland. You then join and follow the ‘Wild Atlantic Ways’ a scenic coastal route.
A Typical Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Shannon or Dublin airport, met by AGS Representative, collect auto or meet your private driver/guide, proceed to your hotel, 5* Ashford Castle for three nights.
Ashford Castle is an outstanding 800-year-old castle restored to its historic splendour with gorgeous interiors. Delectable Irish cuisine is served and dedicated service provided. There are many estate activities and a state-of-the-art spa.
Day 2 – Play a warm-up game on the hotel's course which is free to residents. The 9-hole course was originally the deer park of the estate. Designed by the renowned Eddie Hackett it imaginatively integrates many natural features and hazards to create testing par 3s, exciting par 4s and a challenging par 5. (5992 yards par 70)
Day 3 – Play Ballinrobe - it was laid out by Eddie Hackett and is a long, true championship test. Highlights are the par threes: including the fifth with a splendid green inset into the River Robe and the tenth hole with an island green needing a careful choice of club. 7300 yards, Par 73.
Day 4 – Drive to Clifden in Connemara for 2 nights at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel. Play the 9-hole links course at Connemara Isles en route. Its design is absolutely minimal, just old fashioned golf in stunning surroundings. The greens are undulating and layout is as the land lies. At the finish, you can relax in the friendly atmosphere of Irelands only thatched clubhouse. 5260 yards, Par 70.
The historic 4* Abbeyglen Castle Hotel is in a wonderful location at Clifden with the Twelve Bens mountains as its backdrop. It has beautiful stylish accommodation and its restaurant is awarded 2AA Rosettes for its gourmet food and fine wines.
Day 5 – Play Connemara Championship, a beautiful isolated links course designed by Eddie Hackett on the Wild Atlantic Ways. From the testing dog leg opening hole through to the breathtaking back 9, this demanding course is a test for all levels. 7055 yards, Par 70.
Day 6 – Play Mulranny on route to the Belleek Castle Hotel at Ballina. Mulranny Golf Links is a wonderful nine-hole course with different pin tee positions for the back 9. Set on the Atlantic shores of Clew Bay it has fantastic views and can be very windy. Each of the nine holes has unique features which pose different challenges, the greens are well maintained. Rough is kept down by the sheep with the fairways well defined. It is a truly natural old-fashioned links golf course with an honesty box to pay your green fee. 5279 yards, Par 71.
Belleek Castle is a genuine Castle hotel. Enter the Castle and be welcomed in the original Great Hall. You are stepping back through half a millennium. All rooms are individually furnished with antiquities and period decor to keep the romantic spirit of the Castle alive. Some of the rooms have beautiful four-poster beds and offer a period experience to residents. Enjoy your meals in the 2AA Rosette restaurant.
Day 7- Play Carne Golf Links, it has been described as journey back in time to the origins of golf. The course lies in magnificent unspoiled sand dunes overlooking Blacksod Bay and the wild Atlantic Ocean, near the town of Belmullet. This area is famed the world over for its fantastic golf course and white sandy Atlantic beaches that stretch for miles. Carne was the last links course to be designed by the late Eddie Hackett and it is now believed by many who have played it to be his greatest design.
Day 8 – Depart for Airport
Learn more about all of our Ireland Golf Tours and book one today. Check out Part 2 and Part 3 of the series too!
We also provide golf tours across the British Isles, serving England, Wales and Scotland as well as other European locations.
If you would like to book a custom golfing holiday in Ireland, contact us to discuss your needs.
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