Golf and cycle in Ireland

A tour that combines cycling and playing golf.

There is no better way to see the West of Ireland than to cycle from one premier golf course to the next. The tour will combine the best that Ireland has to offer in golfing and cycling.

Ireland’s golf-course (there are some 330 courses) are gorgeously scenic, designed by golf’s greatest, and they guarantee the welcoming warmth of the Irish.

This trip can also be arranged for partners whereby one may not like to golf, he or she can go bicycling, or enjoying other activities instead.

Golf in Lahinch
Founded in 1892, Lahinch Golf Club stands as one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland. There are two 18-hole courses at the club, the Castle Course and the Old Course. Over the years this picturesque course has welcomed tour professionals such as Luke Donald, Davis Love and Jim Furyk. Phil Mickelson also happens to be an Honorary lifetime member.

The Old Course offers up a unique challenge with towering sand dunes that call for frequent blind shots and the unpredictable Atlantic breeze, which keeps even the most experienced of golfers on their toes. This course will really challenge your game as the terrain, weather and bunkers can force some shots you may have not thought possible.

The Castle Course is a slightly less formidable challenge than the Old Course, though equally as interesting a prospect, the origins of the Castle Course date back almost as far as its sister course.

Lahinch to Kilkee
You cycle on a backroad overlooking the coast before cycling through Spanish Point and further south to the seaside town of Kilkee, for a two-night stay. Kilkee was a favourite holiday spot with the Victorians due to a safe & beautiful beach. You may like to venture a bit further out towards Loop Head, a most magnificent coastline awaits.
(51km (32mls) climb 400m longer option available)

Golf in Doonbeg
Trump International Golf Links Ireland (formerly known as Doonbeg Golf Club) has a diverse landscape that sprawls from a crescent-shaped beach covered in centuries-old sand dunes inland towards verdant rolling hills. Greg Norman, the course’s designer, was immediately aware of the enormous potential available. The rugged terrain practically made the course itself. Fourteen of the greens and twelve of the fairways required no changes at all, just a simple mowing of the grass. Routed along the existing 100-foot dunes, the layout is a simple loop of nine holes out and nine holes back, but the speed and direction of the wind make the course uniquely challenging every time you play. The towering fescue rough throughout is nearly impenetrable but they are nicely balanced by the wide fairways. There are also different bunker varieties used, including Scottish-style pot bunkers.

Kilkee to Ballybunion
Keep along the coast and cycle to the ferry port of Killimer, from where the ferry will take you over the Shannon to Tarbert. The Shannon estuary is home to Dolphins and if you are lucky they will follow the boat. You then cycle through the green pastures of County Limerick to Ballybunion in North Kerry. Stay here for the next two nights.
(36mls – 396m)

Ballybunion – Golf on Old Course or Cashen Course
The Old Course is the original course at Ballybunion Golf Club, and it is joined by another championship links course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The Old Course has gained a reputation as one of the best links golf courses in the world. The classic linksland terrain is covered with rolling sandhills and grassy dunes. The challenging layout features narrow, contoured fairways that feel as though they are tunneled through the dunes. The golf course begins gently but by the seventh hole, it is clear why it is ranked as one of the best in the world. Golfers at Ballybunion should be prepared for a formidable test of their shot-making, placement, and trajectory control skills. The already beautiful landscape is further enhanced by the stunning views of the Atlantic.

Departure
Breakfast, followed by farewell and departure for your onward journey – we will bring you to Limerick from where you can catch bus or train to Dublin. Alternative arrangements can be organised.

Vaughan Lodge

The hotel was built in 2005 on the edge of Lahinch village and is a low key high quality retreat complete with superb Seafood Restaurant and a lovely cocktail lounge. The atmosphere is informal but the service is professional and to the highest standard.