Five Iconic Golf Courses You’ll Never FORE-get Playing

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Golf is one of those things in life that has a very clear dividing line, people either love it or they hate it. No matter your preference you have to admire the persistence that true golfers apply when playing the game they love. They’ll play in the pouring rain, against strong winds, even in the middle of a scorching heat wave and will travel thousands of miles in search of that perfect course and perfect game. In honor of the true golfers preparing to compete in the 148th annual British Open this weekend, we wanted to put together a list of (difficult!) iconic golf courses throughout Ireland and the UK.

One: Royal Portrush – County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Where better to start this list, than with the course that will be hosting the British Open this weekend? With two links courses, the Dunluce Links (the Championship course) and the Valley Links, the club has a total of 36 holes for golfers to try their luck at. The Dunluce Links has hosted the British Open only once before this year, way back in 1951, and was the first course to ever host the Open outside of the Island of Britain. Overlooked by the ruins of Dunluce Castle (which gave the course its name) and with views of the rugged coastline and Atlantic Ocean this iconic golf course is full of tough holes and is considered one of the best links courses in the world.

Where to Stay:

With Belfast only an hour away, we recommend staying in the city to take advantage of the world class food and drink scene that is happening now. Afterall, what better way to review your game than with a whiskey or two?! For those who prefer a modern style hotel, we love The Fitzwilliam Hotel in downtown Belfast, its newly renovated rooms are spacious, bright and very comfortable, it’s walking distance to many local restaurants and bars, AND the cast and crew of Game of Thrones often stayed their during filming of the show! If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, the amazing Culloden Estate and Spa sits atop the Holywood Hills overlooking Belfast Lough and the coastline. Originally built as a palace, Culloden Estate is full of historic charm and warm Northern Irish hospitality.

Two: The Palmer Ryder Cup Course – Straffan, Ireland

Moving south into the Republic of Ireland finds our second stop only 30 minutes West of Dublin at The K Club in Straffan. This historic property is home to two Arnold Palmer designed courses, the Smurfit Course a dramatic inland links course and the beautiful parkland course that hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006 (for the first time in Ireland) and is now named for this prestigious event. The real star here is the Ryder Cup Course which since 2006 has hosted the Irish Open and European Open several times.

Where to Stay:

While the two iconic golf courses (and two amazing clubhouses!) right on property are reason enough to stay at The K Club while in Straffan, there are many other reasons to indulge. The property itself is a historic manor house and is full of interesting quirks, artwork and hidden secrets to discover. Outside the main house, there is a world class spa, wonderful dining options, two great bars and over 500 acres to explore including manicured gardens and wild forests. Need a break from the tee box, learn falconry or archery, take a horseback ride through the fields, or spend some time in the River Liffey working on your fly fishing.

Three: Lahinch Old Course – County Clare, Ireland

From Straffan we move west to the Northwestern coast of County Clare and an enchantingly rugged links course that was first established over 125 years ago and is often called “the St. Andrews of Ireland”, the Lahinch Old Course. Lahinch played host this year to the Irish Open, but the tournament that it is truly known for is the South of Ireland Championship, which has been played here since 1895. One quirk of the Lahinch Golf Club is the herd of goats that are allowed to run free on the property. They’ve been here so long that they’ve even been incorporated into the logo of the Club and regulars know to look for the goats when they come to play; if they’re running free you’ll have a beautiful game but if they’re crowded near the clubhouse make sure to take your umbrella because rain is on the way!

Where to Stay:

A 30-minute drive South along the coast from Lahinch will take you to the stunning Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg. This luxurious retreat is also one of Ireland’s premier golf destinations with an award-winning course on site and is in easy reach of other major courses on the Southwestern coast of Ireland. Outside of this the all-suite hotel is known for its picturesque setting, private beach and comfortably opulent accommodations, not to mention the warm Irish hospitality that pours from every staff member.

Four: Sunningdale Golf Club – Berkshire, England

Time to cross the water, our first iconic golf course on the Island of Britain is actually a pair! The Old and New courses at Sunningdale Golf Club just Southwest of London, have been described as the finest 36 holes of golf in the British Isles. While both courses are stunning, they play very differently, the Old Course is known for its many large trees and heather growths, while the new is much more open and is great for driving. Both courses have played host to many major tournaments and the Old Course even appeared in an Agatha Christie novel!

Where to Stay:

The charming yet chic Coworth Park is a beautiful manor house set in 240 acres of scenic parkland only minutes from the courses. This small 5-star hotel is truly known for its equestrian program which is understandable with the Royal Ascot races taking place just up the road, but avid golfers will find the accommodations and amenities just as comforting. If you’re looking for some time in the city, central London is only 40 minutes away and has some of our favorite hotels in the world including Rosewood London, The Langham, Hotel Café Royal and The Savoy, just to name a few.

Five: St. Andrews Links – St. Andrews, Scotland

No list of golf destinations in the British Isles (or even in the world) can be complete without a mention of “The Home of Golf”, St. Andrews. This world-famous links course, one of the oldest in the world, has hosted more British Opens than any other course, and is home to the most famous hole in golf, the “Road Hole” or 17th. With the immense impact that this course has had on the game of golf and the long history of the course, this is definitely one course that every true golfer should play.

Where to Stay:

Located adjacent to the famed “Road Hole” on the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel has a spectacular view of the course and coastline. This five-star resort is a “bucket list” item for many golfers and is filled with great rooms, delicious dining and staff that exude Scottish warmth. A bit further up the coast, the Fairmont St. Andrews is a wonderful option for those golfers who are bringing the family along on their trip. Set on 520 acres atop the cliffs overlooking St. Andrews, this elegant resort offers spacious rooms, a great spa to work the kinks out after a round of golf and even a kid’s club with fun activities to keep the little ones occupied while you tee off.

Ready to play a round on these courses yourself and need some help getting the best tee times?

Not sure how to make the logistics work for a trip to your own “bucket list” courses? Our team of knowledgeable travel advisors can help – there’s a reason we’re known as the top travel agency in Houston! Contact us or make an appointment with our team to get started on your dream golf getaway.

The K Club Hotel

Hotel Snapshot

The K Club Hotel – Set amongst hundreds of acres of stunning Irish countryside, this 5-star luxury resort is still just a stone’s throw from Dublin city and the Dublin International Airport. For those travelers looking to experience life on a historic estate, The K Club provides all of the fun without any of the hassle.

Why You’ll Love It

  • The main house dates back to the 1830s and the original charm and details have been preserved – even through modern updates.
  • Whether you are looking for an adventure weekend or a spa getaway, The K Club can deliver. With two golf courses on the grounds (one of which previously hosted the Ryder Cup) and multiple activities available – think archery, falconry, horse riding, and whiskey tastings – suffice it to say that you won’t be bored!
  • The hotel’s local pub, The Straffan Arms, is only a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride away and offers not only a great pint of Guinness and delicious Irish fare, but also has live local music regularly.

As Experienced by Travel Advisor Kate Lawless

When we pulled up to The K Club’s front gates, I was not prepared for what we would find. Who would have thought that a massive manor home hotel situated on 500+ acres of landscaped gardens and fairways would be so closely accessible to the city?!

We pulled through the ornate iron gates and wended our way through the forest, following the estate’s original stone wall for much of the five-minute trip. As we turned the final corner and the full layout of the renowned golf course and the resort came into view, every expectation that I didn’t know I had was met and exceeded. These expectations were then extended even further by the service of the resort staff. We were greeted at the door to our SUV with umbrellas, escorted inside, seated before a roaring fire with a cup of hot tea and presented with the keys to our rooms. By the time we thought to look for our bags, they were already in our rooms and halfway unpacked into the multiple storage spaces in our room. Fruit Cocktail es el juego que combina lo mejor de las frutas y las grandes recompensas. Cada giro te ofrece la posibilidad de ganar grandes premios, y las bonificaciones te ayudan a multiplicar tus ganancias. Con un diseño colorido y vibrante, este juego es perfecto para disfrutar de una experiencia llena de emoción. No esperes más, visita https://fruitcocktailslot.mx/ y empieza a jugar ahora mismo.

Throughout the public spaces of the resort you can feel the weight of the history that the original home has stood through. Whether you are enjoying afternoon tea in the Yeats Sitting Room or wandering past the main stairway (with a banner perfect for sliding down!), it’s easy to imagine the generations of people who have wandered the same halls. With this much age in one space, it would be easy for The K Club to feel dowdy, but everything feels fresh and modern while remaining true to the period of the property.

Keeping with this theme of modernity that is respectful to history, the guest rooms throughout the resort feel bright and comfortable with all the modern amenities but have heritage fabrics, wallpapers and décor. The K Club also did a wonderful job fitting guest suites into the nooks and crannies that are inherent in a historic home. Many of the rooms are in the old attic spaces and have slanted ceilings and multiple corners but these spaces have been reclaimed to create charming useable spaces (my room had peaked dormer windows with window seats overlooking the river). Each room is equipped with all the modern amenities that you would expect from a five-star resort including espresso machines, American style plugs, plush robes and slippers, spacious spa-like bathrooms and stunning views of the property.

The best part about The K Club is that while the hotel is stunning and the staff are amazing, the spaces inside the walls are only the beginning. A few steps out the front door will find you in the middle of a sculpted garden, on the fairways of the Ryder Cup golf course, strolling into the wellness focused spa or wandering alongside the Liffey river that winds its way through the property. Add to this the activities that are available such as archery, falconry, horseback riding, fly fishing (fun fact: the river behind the property is where Tiger Woods learned to fly fish), and art and history tours of the property, and it becomes clear that there is something to satisfy everyone here.

Advisor Tip

The original wine cellar for the property was recently discovered and preserved. It is now used for candlelit (there’s no electricity!) wine tastings on request and is a wonderful place to start off a romantic dinner!

If you prefer a good cocktail to a glass of wine, head to the Vintage Crop cocktail bar and request the off-menu Rhubarb Gin and Tonic. The gin for this cocktail is distilled on site and it’s a very refreshing way to end a long day exploring the grounds!

River Oaks Travel Extras

  • Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability, once reserving a Deluxe Room or higher
  • Full Irish Breakfast served via room service
  • Waive €50.00 Resort Fee
  • Choice of 2 of the following activities per room:
    • Art & History Tour
    • Wine Cellar Tour
    • A Drive to the Local Pub in Resort Jaguar and a ‘Pull your Own Pint’ Experience
    • Irish Coffee Making Demonstration
    • Whiskey Tasting

Reserve your stay at The K Club, backed by your River Oaks Travel Advisor:

Want more help?

Planning your own trip to Ireland and want to know if The K Club is a good fit?

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Northern Ireland: A small country with a Titanic personality

by Kate Lawless

Northern Ireland: A small country with a Titanic personality

I was recently given the opportunity to check off a huge bucket list item for myself, a visit to The Emerald Isle. Just over a decade ago, I lived in London for a year, and still to this day count it as one of my favorite cities in the world. During this year I took the time to visit many places in Mainland Europe and throughout the United Kingdom including three of the four countries that compose the UK, but regretfully I never did make it across the Irish Sea.

One of the surprising highlights of my recent trip, was not Ireland itself, but the small northeast corner of the island that remains a part of the British Empire, Northern Ireland. For many people, thoughts of Northern Ireland bring to mind the sensational headlines and violence that characterized its reputation in the last half of the 20th century. Well, I’m here to tell you that this small country has taken great strides to embrace a 21st century rebirth and is now a wonderful option for a relaxing and invigorating vacation destination. Don’t believe me? Here are 5 reasons why YOU should consider Northern Ireland for your next European getaway.

One: History

Like its southern neighbor and its eastern brothers, Northern Ireland is steeped in thousands of years of history. The most interesting part when you’re on the ground and in the middle of everything though is that all of these disparate eras live side by side. Neolithic structures and castles live in harmony with Victorian distilleries and modern museums.

The city of Belfast in particular manages to balance these varying time periods together to create a dynamic and interesting cityscape that is joy to explore. The city itself is merely a child by European standards, and is quite small really, a walk from one side of the city center to the other takes only around an hour. Despite its size, Belfast is filled with Victorian and Edwardian history and buildings. The early 1900’s were good to this city and it built a name for itself (and filled its coffers and the pockets of its businessmen) through a mammoth manufacturing and shipbuilding industry.

Have you heard of a little ship called the Titanic? It was built here, along with many others. This influx of capital into the local economy led to the construction of municipal buildings, theaters and other improvements that still to this day function under their original roles, as well as private homes and businesses that still stand as hotels, museums, restaurants and more. There are many museums and buildings throughout the city that detail this early history and are well worth seeing, but the one that you absolutely cannot miss is Titanic Belfast. This miraculous (and modern) museum takes you deep into the history of the ship and the shipbuilders, but more than this, it takes you well beyond Jack and Rose and brings the people who were really there to life.

Looking past Belfast’s early days to more recent history you begin to see the ways that the city has changed in the decades since it was an industrial powerhouse. The World Wars were not easy on Northern Ireland or it’s people and make no mistake, “The Troubles” of the 20th century left their fair share of scars on the city. One of these is a series of Berlin-esque walls, The Peace Lines, snaking their way through the capital. However, when viewed through the lens of modern Belfast, these walls are less a way to separate the people of the city, and more a method of expression, both from locals and foreigners alike. When strolling along the mile-long section of Lines that we visited, I was alternatively saddened by the need for such a barrier and uplifted by the words of peace and encouragement that I saw scrawled across every inch.

On a stroll across the city center, you can seemingly step from one era of the city’s history directly into the next and can truly see and experience the progression and rebirth that the city is currently undergoing. This is, I think, a very special thing.

Two: Art

Most of the time when someone thinks of art they think of “fine art”, paintings hanging in museums and sculptures surrounded by tinkling fountains and flowers in gardens. Belfast is a city that will make you rethink this definition, and in doing so will open your eyes to the modern renaissance that is occurring not only here, but in cities all over the world.

One of the most powerful pieces of art that I’ve seen in recent memory has thousands of artists. It was a mile long section of the Peace Lines that was covered from top to bottom with many different things including beautifully painted murals, wishes for peace written in a 5 year old’s handwriting and the ubiquitous “So and So was here” line that crops up all over the world. When viewed as a whole this living artwork serves as a reminder that there are people who care and who want to see peace prosper. This is far from the only urban art in the city. There is an entire area of the city, one that The Troubles hit particularly hard, that is covered in murals, sculptures and installations that not only serve as memorials for the people who lost their lives, but also as a reminder to future generations of the perils of fear and prejudice.

Another surprising side to the art scene in Belfast, comes not from something that is created with paint or clay, but rather with cameras and people. The film scene is booming in Northern Ireland, and with the stunning scenery available just outside the city, not to mention the tax breaks available, it looks like this will continue.

One of the cornerstones of this industry is Titanic Studios and the iconic television show that filmed there its entire run, Game of Thrones. Now that the show has wrapped up its final season, many of the sets, costumes, scripts and other behind the scenes materials from the filming have been collected together into the Game of Thrones Exhibition, which is currently in Belfast through September 1, 2019. However, Game of Thrones will have a presence in the city even after The Exhibition leaves, not only because a permanent attraction is being built but also because many of the residents of the city had their moment in the spotlight on the show, as I was told by one person I met at a local pub “There’s hardly a person in Belfast who hasn’t been a wildling, Lannister soldier or dead man over the last ten years.”

Now, all this talk of these unorthodox and “modern” art forms that are flourishing in Belfast, may lead you to think that there isn’t a fine art scene in the city, and this is not the case. The Ulster Museum has an extensive collection of Irish artists as well as artworks from across the world, and the Botanical Garden that it is located in is not only a beautiful garden, but also has an amazing Victorian Era greenhouse. No matter what gets your artistic juices flowing, there’s something to explore in this city.

Three: Food

When you think of great food cultures, Ireland and the British Isles are not really a place that comes to mind. I mean, its not French, Italian, or Spanish food, that’s for sure and it’s hard to compete with the big flavors and fancy techniques that those cuisines are famous for. So rather than trying to fight outside their weight class, Belfasters (or are they Belfastians, no one really knows) decided to focus on simple dishes made with out of this world ingredients, which makes sense when you look at their surroundings.

Belfast is a city with rich ocean waters to the North and East, and lush pasturelands to the South and West, not to mention the many lakes and streams that are dotted around. What all of this means is that when it comes to ingredients, the people who live here are spoiled for choice. The ocean waters and local lakes and streams provide plentiful fresh seafood options, the nearby farms put forward succulent grass-fed beef and lamb and local producers create everything from small batch cheeses to a golden, creamy butter that is absolutely worth the calories. When something as simple as butter will make you cry tears of joy you know you’ve hit the culinary jackpot!

The thing about great ingredients though, is that in order to make great food you must use them correctly, and the chefs in Belfast have dedicated themselves to doing so. While there are a handful of Michelin recognized restaurants in the city and surrounding areas that will give you a wonderful dining experience, as you would expect, they are far from the only delicious options. One thing’s for sure, whether you decide to splurge on the Chef’s Tasting menu at EIPIC or Ox, or to rub elbows with the locals while chowing down on fish & chips at Longs, you won’t leave disappointed.

While the food scene in Belfast had been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years, so quickly in fact that the city was named the best food destination in the world, the whiskey scene has always been strong. With Bushmills, the oldest (legally!) operating whiskey distillery in the world in their backyard, it’s easy to see why the cocktail scene has been strong, but this country is not a one trick pony. Yes, there are wonderful whiskeys distilled in the area, both at big name and small batch distilleries, but there are also amazing gins, ciders and beers brewed nearby. Make sure to include a bar hop during your night out on the town!

Four: Scenic Beauty

It’s officially time to move beyond Belfast! While the main city of Northern Ireland is fascinating, the surrounding countryside is filled with awe inspiring vistas, rugged cliff tops and rolling hills. One of the most beautiful (and most famous) parts of the country is the stunning Causeway Coast, winding 120 miles from Belfast around the north-eastern coast to Derry. While the 40,000 basalt columns that make up Giant’s Causeway are a must see stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary, there is so much more to explore!

Nearby the Causeway hangs Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a spindly, windblown rope and wood bridge spanning a 60 foot chasm between the mainland and the tiny island of Carrickarede. The first bridge was built by local fishermen in the 1750’s, and although it is no longer used for fishing, a bridge has hung here ever since. If you’re courageous enough, you can brave the wind (and your fear of heights!) to traverse this tightrope hanging 90 feet above the crashing waves. Afterwards, bolster your spirit with a little liquid courage during a whiskey tasting at nearby Bushmills Distillery, or head a little further along the coast to Portrush for lunch and a round at one of the two links courses at Royal Portrush Golf Club, the host of this year’s British Open.

If you venture inland, just west of Belfast, you’ll find the largest lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh. Large enough to border 5 of the 6 counties in Northern Ireland, the Lough is filled with opportunities to enjoy boating and fishing in the many secluded bays and to walk or cycle along the 113 mile long lake shore. Don’t worry, while much of the rest of Northern Ireland is straight up and down the lakeshore is mostly flat!

Five: So easy to combine!

I started my journey in the Republic of Ireland, so when we were headed towards the border with Northern Ireland, I was on the lookout for anything to mark the change. The only difference I could see? Road signs changed from Kilometers to Miles. No checkpoints, no border crossings, no walls, not even a sign saying “Welcome to Northern Ireland!”. This is only one example of how easy this destination is to combine with a larger British Isles, or even mailand Europe trip!

Belfast is serviced by two airports, Belfast International and George Best City Airport, and both are well connected to other major European cities. In less than an hour you can be in Edinburgh or Glasgow ready to trek through the Highlands. Two hours or less will have you exploring Mayfair in London and waving at the Queen, strolling down the Champs Elysees in Paris, or eating stroopwafel at an Amsterdam coffee shop. Want to Marvel at the spires of the Sagrada Familia or relax on the canals while being serenaded by a gondoliere? A three-hour direct flight to Barcelona or Venice makes this is a definite possibility!

 

With so many choices spread across mainland Europe (and even further afield!) there’s no reason not to add Northern Ireland to your next European Vacation! Need assistance with organizing your itinerary and arranging sightseeing? Looking for a Houston travel agency? Contact us or make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable advisors to get started!