Irish Golf Travel Information
This section provides some useful general information on Irish golf travel. Specific golf travel information is provided on our Golf in Ireland page.
GETTING TO IRELAND
Ireland's major international airports are at Shannon, Dublin, Cork and Belfast. These are well served from Great Britain, Continental Europe and the U.S.A. There are numerous regional airports, some of which have direct flights to U.K. and European destinations. Full details are available on the Golf Tour Arrivals page.
Either Shannon or Dublin airports are best suited to golf tours of the Midlands. Tours of the Western region are best accessed via Shannon, Knock, Galway or Sligo. Belfast, Derry, Donegal or Sligo suit the Northwest. Dublin can be used for west/northwest tours but requires an additional 2–3 hours travel on arrival/departure days.
Golf groups from the U.K. may prefer to arrive by ferry. Key ports include Rosslare, Dublin, Belfast, and Larne. There are also ferry services from France and Spain to Cork and Rosslare.
ARRIVING FROM U.S.A OR CANADA
Direct flights from the U.S.A. arrive into Shannon or Dublin. Unfortunately, United has discontinued its Newark–Belfast route.
Dublin Airport Authority prioritises Dublin Airport (Terminal 2) over others. Since the 2008 crash, Shannon sees fewer routes, but Aer Lingus now serves cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, Hartford, and Philadelphia. Canadian golfers can fly via Toronto with Aer Lingus, or use Air Canada, Air Transat, or WestJet.
Flights via London or other U.K. airports are also options. Transatlantic flights usually arrive early morning. A short rest is advised on arrival day. Transfers are arranged from airport to accommodation, and golf is optional on arrival day.
INTERNAL TRAVEL AND TRAVEL TIMES
Ireland's road network is extensive, ranging from motorways to rural roads. Roadworks and variable conditions are common. Signage is generally good but may be inconsistent in remote areas.
Expect travel averages of 45–50 mph. Rural routes (e.g., Westport to Belmullet) may be slower. Self-drive tour packs include typical travel times. We’ll inform you of delays to adjust plans accordingly.
As seen in the map, Ireland's motorways radiate from Dublin. Routes to Cork, Galway, or Belfast are generally complete, others are partial.
PRICES
Ireland is again criticised as an expensive tourist destination, particularly in Dublin. Hotel prices rise sharply during major events. Government payments to house refugees have set a €200+ baseline per night for rooms.
Premier links courses now exceed €400 per round. This has pushed up prices elsewhere. However, inland/parkland courses still offer excellent value.
CURRENCY
Ireland’s currency is the Euro (€). ATM and card payments are widely accepted. Currency exchange is available at banks, airports, hotels, and tourist offices.
NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES
Ireland offers stunning scenery, rich history, and a famously relaxed and friendly culture. From the boglands of the Midlands to the wild Atlantic coast of Connemara or Donegal, there’s plenty to experience.
Attractions and activities are plentiful. For details, see the Irish Golf Guide. A broader guide to Ireland is linked below.