Ten reasons for planning a golf vacation to Northern Ireland
While you might not find a leprechaun with a pot of gold north of Dublin, you'll find other great treasures. From world-class links layouts, traditional Irish music and a legendary whiskey distillery to friendly B&Bs and awesome pubs, this part of Ireland offers the complete package for golfers. Here are 10 reasons to plan a golf vacation to Northern Ireland.
... full article »Don't swing and miss: Great nightlife and golf courses abound in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is Ireland's largest and most tourist-friendly city, with marquee attractions from the Book of Kells to the Guinness brewery, But Ireland's best known golf courses are almost all on the west coast, in the northwest or in Northern Ireland. Because of this, many golfers on wish-list trips never set foot in the capital. That's a shame, because a trip to Dublin can combine the charms of all things urban and Irish with exceptional -- and inexpensive -- links and parkland golf.
... full article »Ireland's Dromoland Castle Hotel celebrates its 50th anniversary as a five-star retreat
The Dromoland Castle Hotel in County Clare, Ireland is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a luxury destination in grand style. The main building, completed in 1835, remains one of the most authentic castle experiences in all of Europe. What's new at this historic Irish retreat ranges from small details, such as a new logo, to big additions -- the purchase and $1.5-million renovation of a nearby inn.
... full article »Five underrated links golf courses to treasure in Ireland
Chasing the bucket list links of Ireland and Northern Ireland certainly isn't cheap. The savvy way to plan the perfect golf getaway to the Emerald Isle is to sprinkle in a few lesser-known links with the big names to help balance out the costs. Jason Deegan offers up some suggestions, including Portmarnock, Portsalon, Portstewart, The Island Golf Club and Dooks.
... full article »Great golf is one of many surprises in the spa country of the western Czech Republic
With a generous sprinkling of delightful spa towns such as Marianske Lazne and Karlovy Vary, the western part of the Czech Republic boasts the oldest and many of the best golf courses in the Czech Republic. Top plays include Golf Resort Karlovy Vary, Royal Golf Club Marianske Lazne, Golf Club Sokolov, Golf Club Kynzvart, Astoria Golf Resort and Golf Club Haje.
... full article »Once troubled Belfast now a peaceful, fascinating centerpiece to a Northern Ireland golf tour
Northern Ireland, and particularly its capital city of Belfast, has a fascinating, tumultuous history. Thankfully, it's a story presently on a peaceful and exciting note. This main city within a short drive of some of the best golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland is certainly worth a stop by golfers seeking out Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and many more.
... full article »Which is the best course at Ireland's Ballyliffin Golf Club: Glashedy Links or Old Links?
Here's a painful conundrum: You've got one five-hour window to play golf at Ballyliffin Golf Club. Which course do you choose, Old Links or Glashedy Links? Bucket list chasers will gravitate toward the Glashedy Links, the higher ranked and more dramatic of the two. But there are plenty of fans of the Old Links, too, especially among the membership of the club at the northern tip of the Inishowen Peninsula.
... full article »World Invitational Father & Son Tournament: A family affair at Waterville Golf Links in Co. Kerry, Ireland
There's nothing that can replicate the bond of a father and son playing golf together. That bond rises to new heights at the World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament held every year at the Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland. The event, run by the Carr Golf Group for more than two decades, has become a family tradition for many fathers and sons.
... full article »The Speyside Golf Whisky Trail: A marriage made in heaven
The Speyside Golf Whisky Trail is quite unique, possibly one of the best ways to encounter Scotland, or at least this particular valley, which has got to be one of the finest. "When it comes to whisky, I'm not a fan of blends," David J. Whyte writes. "But the Speyside Golf Whisky Trail is a blend of some of the finest aspects of Scotland, well worth savouring with a round or two - either on or off the golf course."
... full article »Red-eye specials: Ireland's Dromoland Castle and Doonbeg make for proper stay-and-play on travel days
Flying to Ireland from North America, you'll likely fly overnight and arrive in Eire at the crack of dawn. A major rookie mistake is to make a long drive the day you arrive. So don't bother. There are spots near Shannon Airport that are ideal for buffing out your grogginess: Dromoland Castle and Doonbeg Golf Club both feature five-star accommodations, championship golf and full practice facilities so you can see what swing got off the plane with you before hitting the courses.
... full article »From Ballybunion to Tralee and more, golf in Ireland's southwest coast just keeps getting better
Ireland's most popular golf tour can be found in the next door counties of Clare and Kerry on the southwest coast, home to many dramatic links courses. Residents in the many seaside towns boast warm hospitality and a unique "craic," a term they use to describe their love of pub banter. And thanks to new and renovated golf clubs in recent years, it's a destination that just keeps getting better.
... full article »Golf vacation planning: How to pack for a trip to Ireland
Packing for a trip to play the golf courses in Ireland is both a science and a guessing game. For starters, you don't want to pack too heavy, especially if you're self-driving during your golf tour. But you also need to pack for the unexpected: namely, Irish weather. Versatility is the key. Here's a primer of what to bring for that Irish links experience.
... full article »Golf in the Pays de La Loire region of France: C'est magnifique
Sitting hard by the Atlantic, just south of Brittany and Normandy, the Pays de La Loire region of France boasts picturesque chateaux - and numerous golf courses including La Bretesche, Barriere La Baule and Golf de Pornic.
... full article »Golf not a passion with the French, but it's growing in Bordeaux's wine country
The locals in Bordeaux say a glass (or two) of wine before teeing off is good for your golf. Luckily, within an hour's drive from the airport, lie Golf du Medoc and Chateau des Vigiers, two fine resorts that have everything the wine-loving golfer could ask for, including courses designed by Bill Coore and Donald Steel.
... full article »Spain Golf Vacation FAQ: Costa Del Sol golf, travel
Spain's Costa Del Sol is a stretch of about 150 kilometers made up of the Malaga Province in the country's southern Autonomous Region of Andalucia between Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical. Bountiful and scenic for a variety of price ranges, there are more than 130 golf courses, including gems Finca Cortesin Golf Club, Almenara Golf Course, La Reserva Club de Golf and historic Valderrama.
... full article »From ancient warriors to golf partners: Sweden and Denmark state their cases as golf destinations
The region of Oresund - made up of eastern Denmark and southern Sweden - may or may not be the Next Great Undiscovered Golf Destination. But it does boast some fine golf courses to go with the pristine and historic Scandinavian scenery. Here is a sampler of some of the region's top courses.
... full article »Lively port city Hamburg is northern Germany's golf capital
Loved for its wild nightlife, Hamburg also has deep golf roots, as the German Golf Association was founded here. Three golf courses lie within city limits, while over 20 more are within an easy drive.
... full article »Plenty of stay-and-play options on England's Atlantic Links in the Southwest
Great is Southwest England's golf reputation, which has become known as England's Atlantic Links, thanks to courses like Trevose Golf & Country Club and Royal North Devon Golf Club. And with more than a century and a half under its belt as a golf destination, the region is bound to know its golf and accommodations.
... full article »Following the path of the red dragon: Your perfect Wales golf vacation itinerary
Wales is a tiny slice of the United Kingdom, about the size of Massachusetts, and after 2010, it will be the smallest country to ever host a Ryder Cup. Here is a sample, seven-day itinerary that will include the best golf, both on the links and amongst the heathlands, Wales has to offer, with some suggested accommodations to complete your tour ...
... full article »Golf in Sweden: The land of Vikings, castles and really, really old stuff
Many golf courses in Sweden are close to ancient burial sites, Viking remains and beautiful castles. National Golf Editor Tim McDonald offers some suggestions on ways to combine the two for a superb golf/history trip.
... full article »Copenhagen makes a Denmark golf trip worthwhile
St. Andrews to the Highlands: Picking the perfect region for your Scotland golf vacation
Zoom Airlines offers golf travelers new low-fare flights from New York to London
Golf trip to Wales: Frequently Asked Questions
Wales Accommodation Guide for golf travelers
Scotland is alive with events and festivals off the golf course this fall
Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor highlights Wales' emergence as a golf vacation hotspot
Considering off-season links golf in Scotland or Ireland? Here's what to expect
Play St. Andrews' new Castle Course
Seapoint Golf Club and Baltray in County Louth: Two good Irish links are neighbors near Dublin
N. Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route: There's more to see than Royal County Down, Portrush
Can't decide between a Scotland or Ireland golf tour? Combine the two
Portugal vacation guide: Lisbon's 'Golf Coast' off-course
Two weeks in Ireland: A golf blogger's journey
Golf in Ireland acccommodation guide: Hotels, resorts and B&Bs
Golf tours and travel in Ireland: Frequently asked questions
Peaceful Northern Ireland is the Emerald Isle's 'new' golf spot
Golf Vacations UK offering trip to Carnoustie for the Open Championship
Golfing the remote Scottish Highlands: Life is different, the golf courses great
Czech beer and Golf Park Plzen: A perfect pilsner match
A golfer's guide to ordering beer in the Czech Republic
Golf and fishing in Ireland: Bring your fly rod along with your golf clubs
Forget Cancun, why not a spring-break golf party over in St. Andrews ala Bill Murray
Irish pubs and Polish women: Bloggers weigh in on golf, travel in Europe
Planning a Scotland golf trip? Don't overlook great parkland courses
Between legendary links, try these modern Scotland golf gems
Trump, Carrick, St. Andrews No. 7: Three soon-to-be Scotland golf classics
FAQ: Scotland golf courses and vacation planning
Fresh off the links, a Scotland golf top 10
Tune in to European golf travel with free podcasts
Scotland golf tours: A dream itinerary for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation
Around Scotland in 15 days: A blogger's progress through the cradle of golf
Where to stay in Scotland on your golf trip: GolfEurope.com hotel picks
Off-course from St. Andrews to Dornoch: Castles, whisky and the Loch Ness Monster
Edinburgh off course: Scotland's capital full of attractions for non golfers
The best of Aberdeen golf: Northeast Scotland's dramatic, historic links
Edinburgh belongs on your dream Scotland golf vacation itinerary
Move over, Ballybunion: Parkland golf resorts booming in Ireland
Pioneer Golf lends a hand to golfers traveling to Scotland, Ireland
Dublin's best pubs: A guide for thirsty golfers in Ireland
In Scotland, a spot of castle-hopping goes great with your golf
Play some of Ireland's best golf courses without emptying your wallet
Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society stop for nothing
Golf a great way to experience the lovely Tuscany countryside
Self-planned trips to Ireland save money, deliver great golf
Western Algarve region of Portugal worthy of discovery by golfers
Golf in northeast Italy fine, but adding Venice makes it a truly wonderful
Not quite St Andrews, but Norfolk's coast is still a must for links devotees
Fraser Thomson handicaps the Belfry and Forest of Arden
Crowborough Beacon Golf Club home to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
New owners bring much-needed changes to Bovey Castle resort in Devon, England
Design master Jones had great impact on Cabell Robinson
From the UK to Ireland and all of Europe, there was plenty to like in '03
Golf in Ireland: Take on these Irish favorites
Bonallack to head ranking, One of Britain's greats passes away
Making a case for Monty
|
LATEST EUROPE GOLF & TRAVEL FEATURES
|
