Bucket ListLinks StyleInternational

Ireland

Southwest & Northern Ireland

Ballybunion, Lahinch and Royal County Down — cliffside links, a rented van and pints that make every score feel fine.

Budget / golfer

$4,000 – $6,500

Best season

May – Sep

Trip length

6 – 8 nights

Group size

4 – 12 golfers

Destination Overview

Known for

Southwest links, dramatic dunes and unbeatable hospitality.

Best for

Groups doing the once-in-a-decade overseas trip.

Travel vibe

Rowdy, warm, weather-dependent and unforgettable.

Why groups pick it

Everything is drivable, caddies are affordable and the evenings are as good as the golf.

Recommended Courses

Where most groups build their rounds around.

Ballybunion — Old Course

Cliffside dunes golf that Tom Watson calls the best in the world.

Links StyleChampionship Level

€250 – €330greens fee

Official site

Lahinch

Quirky, dune-framed and right in the middle of town.

Links StyleChallenging

€200 – €275greens fee

Official site

Waterville

Remote Ring of Kerry links with a spectacular back nine.

Links StyleChallenging

€215 – €290greens fee

Official site

Old Head of Kinsale

A headland 300 feet above the Atlantic — pure spectacle.

Links StyleModerate

€350 – €450greens fee

Official site

Sample Trip Options

Common ways groups structure this trip.

Classic Golf Trip

6 nights5 rounds

Southwest loop out of Shannon with two base towns.

Estimated budget: $4,000 – $5,200
Group size: 4 – 8 golfers

Bucket List Trip

8 nights7+ rounds

Add Old Head and a night in Dublin.

Estimated budget: $5,500 – $7,000
Group size: 8 – 12 golfers

Trip Templates

Ready-made trip plans for this destination.

Bucket List

Ireland Bucket List Golf Tour

Six nights of southwest links, a rented van and pints every evening.

Nights: 6 nights
Rounds: 6 rounds
Estimated budget: $3,500 – $5,700
Group size: 8 – 12 golfers

View Template

Sample Itinerary

A typical day-by-day flow.

Day 1
Arrival & warm-up
Fly in, check in, loosen up on the range or play an optional twilight nine.
Day 2
Opening round
Morning tee times on the signature course, afternoon to recover, group dinner.
Day 3
36-hole day
The big one — two rounds, caddie lunch between loops, low-key evening.
Day 4
Final round & departure
Early tee time, settle the bets over lunch, afternoon flights home.