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Scottish Golf Courses - Holiday Pages

Golf in the Rest of Ireland

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Golf in Ireland is an established tradition, where the game is not so much enjoyed, but rather celebrated. The great thing about golfing in Ireland is that simply popping over in the morning, enjoying a few rounds amid breathtaking panorama and reflecting on the day's events with a few jars of the black stuff only to be home for bedtime, is very much a reality. Considering an estimated 250, 000 golfers visited Irish fairways last year its position as one of the world's premier golfing destinations has never been more prominent.And with the popular figure of Padraig Harrington as the Tourist Board's travelling promotion, its popularity looks set to increase dramatically.

Green Fee Savers has enjoyed huge success across the water in Ireland and many of the most popular courses can be experienced for half the normal green fee. With frequent ferry crossing from Troon and Stranraer to ports in Larne, Dun Laoghaire and Rosslare and daily flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh in Belfast and Dublin, it is easily accessible. Voucher holders can guarantee themselves significant savings on a trip across the water.There are constant cut-price deals on travel and accommodation so you never need to worry about delving too deep into your pocket.

Some of the greatest names in golf have at some point laid out courses in Ireland. Legends such as Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Arnold Palmer, to name a few, have all designed courses with magnificent results. Tour professionals forever wax lyrical about returning to Ireland during the European Tour season, and it's easy to see why. Ireland is a fantastic mix of golfing style and tradition, perfect for the golfer who likes a bit of everything. Visitors can play on some of the world's most rugged and natural links courses and savour the scenic beauty of the Irish coastline in one fell swoop.

The north was last year voted the number one golfing destination in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, so it's not only golfers who have heaped praise on this golfing country. South of Belfast in Co. Down sits a golf course with an illustrious history. Royal County Down was designed by Old Tom Morris in 1889 and, with wonderful views of Dundrum Bay, is one of the finest links in the world. Further down the coastline Co. Louth houses countless inviting courses including Baltry Golf Club, Ardee and Seapoint.

Visitors to the East needn't travel long distances for eighteen holes, as Monaghan, Cavan, Louth, Armagh and, of course, Co. Down are awash with golf courses. Cabra Castle, Clones and Ardminnan are just a few of the "nine-holers" to experience on your travels, along with more testing parklands such as Rossmore in Co. Monaghan and Warrenpoint in Co. Down, with its beautiful views of the Mourne and Cooley mountains. Courses such as these are the reason why golf enthusiasts speak so highly of this country, as it is not only the sheer number of courses, but also the quality that divides them from so many other destinations.

Ireland's West coastline is endowed with weathered, rugged, yet strikingly beautiful tracts, all stretching from as far down as Galway, through the stunning beaches of Donegal, to the tip at Ballyliffin. The challenge here not only comes from the invigorating test that each course provides, but the seemingly constant howling winds of the Atlantic Ocean. The inviting challenge of particular favourites such as Enniscrone and Narin Portnoo lie in wait, as do truly spectacular views, with some breathtaking holes running along windswept clifftops.

The South of Ireland is the dwelling for distinguished layouts like Royal Portrush, Ballyliffin, Rosapenna and lesser-known tracts such as Narin Portnoo, Letterkenny and Foyle. No matter how far you launch your ball from the tee, Ireland's shorter offerings are nothing but a treat and many of them can be experienced with Green Fee Savers.

Bearing in mind the easy access routes from both Scotland and the North of England, there is no stopping you from experiencing this golfing paradise for yourself. Whether you decide to stay for a day or ten days, numerous tour operators are on hand to arrange a golfing itinerary tailored to your every need. From the grandeur of Ireland's major hotels, all the way to the homely comforts of the traditional countryside bed and breakfast, your stay will be a memorable one.

There are plenty of tour operators that will plan your every move, with the only worry you have being the state of your game.