Midwest Golf Break
4 Nights & 4 Rounds of Golf from € 1410 per person
Day 1
Old Course at Lahinch
On arrival to Shannon Airport you will be met by a Tailor-Made Golf Tours representative and your chauffeur if applicable. After the tour bus has been loaded or your self-drive vehicle collected the journey to Lahinch will take 50 minutes. For Dublin Airport arrivals the journey time is 3½ hours.
Many visitors favourite Irish links is the Old Course at Lahinch. First played in 1892, Lahinch was founded by members of the British Army's Black Watch Regiment and local businessmen. The present site was chosen over the site of the current Doonbeg links because of the proximity of a railway station. It ws remodelled in 1894 by Old Tom Morris - the famous Klondyke (4th) and Dell (5th) holes still remain today. In 1927 Dr. Alister Mackenzie laid out the present day course before going on to design Augusta National, Pebble Beach and Cypress Point in the U.S.A. Remembered principally for the "Klondyke" (4th) a par-5 where a huge sand bank must be negotiated and the following "Dell" hole, Lahinch offers a variety of challenging, true links holes. There are several excellent par-4's including the 1st, 6th, 7th, 12th and 15-17. However our favourite is the 3rd - a contender for the best in Ireland.
After golf visit the Cliffs of Moher and watch the sun set over the Aran Islands. The cliffs are 7 miles west of Lahinch. Have dinner in the village of Doolin, renowned nationally and internationally for its traditional Irish music in any of the three village pubs.
Lahinch is a seaside resort and offers a range of accommodations from traditional B&B to 4**** hotel. 30 minutes east, Ennis is County Clare's principal town and this may also be considered as a base.
Day 2
The Links at Doonbeg
The golf links at Doonbeg is 40 minutes south of Lahinch.
A severe storm in 2014 proved to be the catalyst for the transformation of the links at Doonbeg from a course that divided opinion to a course that deserves a place amongst Ireland's very best links courses. The storm destroyed five greens and in the case of the old 14th, a par-3 that was bizarrely often referred to as the signature hole, the hole was complately lost. Kiawah Island Properties had enough and sold the property. The new owners engaged Martin Hawtree to restore the course and his efforts resulted in a links that finally does its oceanside location justice. The links is a proper golf test with few design anomalies to moan about, while the location - considered in 1892 by the Black Watch Regiment as the location for Lahinch Golf Club - is simply one of the most glorious and allows several holes to hug the 3 mile stretch of land perched atop the magnificent strand below.
Transfer to Ballybunion crossing using the Shanno Estuary ferry from Killimer to Tarbert. Total time is 1¾ hours
Although limited in number, Ballybunion offers some fine accommodation either in the centre of the town or five minutes drive away out near the golf courses.
Day 3
Tralee Golf Links
Tralee is 40 minutes south of Ballybunion through the town of Ardfert where there is a well known cathedral.
Arnold Palmer's first European design on the shores of Barrow Bay and with great views of Banna Strand. When he first saw the area upon which his company was to build Tralee golf links, Palmer was ecstatic about the possibilities. "I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course" Tralee features probably the finest homeward nine holes in Ireland, each one spectacular and each one offering breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. As you climb the hill to at the long and difficult 11th (Palmer's Peak) the dramatic views unfold. From here a series of outstanding links holes provide a white-knuckle golf ride through the dunes, with the scenery your only friend! Possibly somewhat unfair, but totally unforgettable. "I designed the first nine but surely God designed the back nine", Palmer explained. "I am happy that we have one of the worlds' great golf links here."
Tralee is the county town of County Kerry and is home to the Kerry County Museum, Tralee Bay WEtlands Centre and Tralee Town Park. Just west, on the road to Dingle is Blennerville Windmill. Dingle is about 45 minutes west. Between Tralee golf links and Ballybunion is Ardfert Cathedral.
Day 4
Old Course at Ballybunion
The golf courses at Ballybunion are 5 minutes drive south of the town centre.
Ireland's most visited golf course, much loved by Tom Watson. A totally natural links located by the ocean, Ballybunion features many classic links holes. The contours, on the fairways and on the greens, are what make it a great golf course. There are uphill and downhill and sidehill shots, uphill and downhill par-3s. You must play accurate iron shots into the greens, usually to a small target with not a lot of room to miss right or left. But there is room to roll a ball on to the greens in the true links manner. The first six holes are enigmatic - the 2nd hole is one of the best par-4's anywhere but the two consecutive par-5's (4 ,5) are our least favourite. From the 7th the true Ballybunion unfolds and the homeward nine provide an idelible golfing memory with such classic holes as the iconic 11th, 12, 15, 16 and the oceanside 17th with its spectacular drive.
As well as the fine strand that goes all the way from the mouth of the Cashen River to the town there is a fine cliff walk north of Ballybunion. The nearby heritage town of Listowel is also worth considering.
Day 5
Departure from Ireland
After a final night in Ballybunion the journey to Shannon Airport will take 1¾ hours. Kerry Airport is 45 minutes away, Cork Airport is 2¼ hours and Dublin Airport is 3½ hours.
Itinerary Cost (per person sharing)
| Accomm Rating | Transport | 2 Pax | 4 Pax | 8 Pax (2 vans) | 12 Pax | 16 Pax | 20 Pax | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golfer | Walker | Golfer | Walker | Golfer | Walker | Golfer | Walker | Golfer | Walker | Golfer | Walker | ||
| B&B |
Self-Drive Manual |
1535 | 625 | 1535 | 625 | 1535 | 625 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Self-Drive Automatic |
1660 | 750 | 1660 | 750 | 1660 | 750 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Chauffeured | 2879 | 1969 | 2098 | 1188 | 1707 | 797 | 1551 | 641 | 1453 | 543 | 1410 | 500 | |
| Single Supplement of approximately € 180 applies to all rooms for sole occupancy | |||||||||||||
| 3*** |
Self-Drive Manual |
1685 | 775 | 1685 | 775 | 1685 | 775 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Self-Drive Automatic |
1810 | 900 | 1810 | 900 | 1810 | 900 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Chauffeured | 3029 | 2119 | 2248 | 1338 | 1857 | 947 | 1701 | 791 | 1603 | 693 | 1560 | 650 | |
| Single Supplement of approximately € 260 applies to all rooms for sole occupancy | |||||||||||||
| 4**** |
Self-Drive Manual |
1785 | 875 | 1785 | 875 | 1785 | 875 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Self-Drive Automatic |
1910 | 1000 | 1910 | 1000 | 1910 | 1000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Chauffeured | 3129 | 2219 | 2348 | 1438 | 1957 | 1047 | 1801 | 891 | 1703 | 793 | 1660 | 750 | |
| Single Supplement of approximately € 400 applies to all rooms for sole occupancy | |||||||||||||
| 5***** |
Self-Drive Manual |
2085 | 1175 | 2085 | 1175 | 2085 | 1175 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Self-Drive Automatic |
2210 | 1300 | 2210 | 1300 | 2210 | 1300 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Chauffeured | 3429 | 2519 | 2648 | 1738 | 2257 | 1347 | 2101 | 1191 | 2003 | 1093 | 1960 | 1050 | |
| Single Supplement of approximately € 640 applies to all rooms for sole occupancy | |||||||||||||
Prices are based on current average 2023 accommodation rates. Prices shown are not guaranteed and are based on twin share or double room accommodation. Single supplements apply for sole occupancy of rooms. Prices shown are indicative based on normal high-season accommodation and car hire rates. Lower rates may apply in months outside of July and August. All tours are booked subject to client agreement with our Terms and Conditions of Booking. All tours are subject to availability of tee-times which may be affected by course closures for certain periods.
Itinerary Options
Itinerary Includes
- Greeting on arrival by Tailor-Made Golf Tours
- 4 rounds of golf, tee-times guaranteed and prepaid
- 4 nights accommodation, including full breakfast each morning
- Either
- 4 days car hire in large station-wagon or space wagon or
- 5 days hire of luxury appropriate size vehicle and chauffeur
- Full availability during your stay
Not Included
- Airfares or other transportation costs to/from Ireland
- Any form of travel insurance
- If applicable, Car hire extras as per Terms and Conditions
- Caddy/Cart/Trolley Fees (Caddies/Carts can be arranged)
- Tips and gratuities
