5 Ultimate Luxury Golf Experiences in Ireland and Scotland

It isn’t easy to imagine anything more exciting for the avid golfer than the notion of playing the world’s oldest and finest golf courses. Yet when it comes to golf trips, nothing can offer more romanticism than luxury golf experiences in Ireland and Scotland. In fact, of the world’s 20 top-ranked golf courses, 35% reside here in these two small countries.

So, deciding which courses to leave out is nearly impossible if you plan a golf trip for the best golf vacations in Ireland or Scotland. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to experience the best luxury golf experiences by taking a Scottish golf package or Ireland golf trip.

Keep reading for five compelling golf vacations in Scotland and Ireland. These luxury golf experiences are so inviting that you want to try them all.

1. The Old Course at St. Andrews

Standing at the 1st tee of one of the world’s oldest golf courses simply can’t be beaten. With a tee time and reservations at the Old Course Hotel, you won’t have to imagine the majesty of the famous Road Hole any longer. The host of 29 Open Championships never fails to please for golf vacations in Scotland.

St Andrews Old Course

Of course, golf trips to Scotland are not complete without playing the challenging and picturesque Old Course. Experience the thrill of crossing the Swilcan Bridge, where all of the game’s greatest players have stood. Test your wedge skills trying to escape Hell Bunker and then dine in luxurious splendor in the hotel dining room overlooking the links.

The popularity of St. Andrews makes this golf trip unique but also difficult to guarantee a round at the Old Course, so please contact us for more information. Yet, the New Course will also challenge your skills and provide a memorable luxury golf experience, in tandem with the Jubilee, Strathyrum or the many other St. Andrews courses. In addition, several other challenging links courses like Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie will also satisfy your dream golf trips to Scotland.

Step back to simpler times during your stay without compromising style, with reservations at the Old Course Hotel. The town of St. Andrews features cobblestone streets and spectacular views from the West Sands Beach across the North Sea. Visit a variety of local pubs and enjoy excursions to ancient castles between rounds of golf.

2. Golf From Edinburgh

If city life is more your style, Edinburgh offers some of the best Scottish golf packages with many famous courses on the menu. Your luxury golf experience begins with the oldest documented golf club in the world at Muirfield.

The home of the famous Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers welcomes you to test your golfing mettle. Then, complete your links course craving with a round at Gullane. Of course, Scotland boasts having 578 golf courses, so finding a magical place to play is no problem.

The great city of Edinburgh plays a perfect host to those looking for the best of both worlds. Enjoy all the city has to offer by night, while excursions to some of Scotland’s finest golf courses are easily traveled. Stay in world-class accommodations like The Caledonian, Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria location.

3. Adare Manor

If gently rolling terrain and natural forestation with mature trees are more to your taste, the Golf Course at Adare Manor delivers a fabulous golf experience. Your perfect golf trip begins twenty-five minutes from Shannon Airport in County Limerick with your arrival on the lush grounds of the fully restored estate.

After a challenging round on the estate’s expertly designed course, widely referred to as the ‘Augusta of Europe’, you can relax in the modern oak pannelled Carriage House complete with a cigar lounge. The manor shines as your home away from home for the rest of your stay.

Luxurious suites and a Michelin Star restaurant compliment the stunning backdrop of Ireland’s natural beauty and host to the 2027 Ryder Cup. You will never want to leave with this kind of luxury golf experience.

4. Southwest Ireland

Travel South to find another estate setting with elegant grounds and fine dining at Doonbeg Golf Resort in Co. Clare. Enjoy a round at the fabulous Greg Norman designed links golf clurse, more recently redesigned by Martin Hawtree. The resort offers all the creature comforts like a spa, fabulous drawing rooms, and a choice of atmospheric bars.

Begin your luxury golf experiences with a comfortable night’s sleep, followed by fine dining overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are fabulous rooms in the main lodge, or for larger groups, take one of the beautifully designed Lodges just a short walk from the main house.

Of course, the best Ireland golf packages include visits to famous courses like Ballybunion, Waterville, and Tralee. Stay in the central location of Kilarney at the Killarney Park Hotel and live life like the Irish. This corner of Ireland is legendary for links golf.

5. Northern Ireland Golf Trips

Feel what it’s like to live like Rory McIlroy with a tour of Northern Ireland’s finest golf courses. Of course, Royal County Down often gets considered among the world’s greatest golf courses. Yet, visiting Royal Portrush never fails to delight the avid golfer.

The town of Portrush is a short hop from the famous Bushmills Distillery, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway is a must-see on all Northern Ireland golf trips. But, if these two gems aren’t enough to whet your golf appetite, there are more nearby. Ardglass is home to the world’s oldest golf clubhouse, and the challenges of Castlerock and Portstewart are among the best links golf experiences you will play.

Set up basecamp with luxury accommodation in the fabulous city of Belfast, and enjoy one of the best golf vacations Ireland offers.

Luxury Golf Vacations Prepared With Care

With so much to offer in luxury golf vacations, deciding which golf trip is your best start is challenging. Yet, once you experience golf vacations in Scotland or Ireland, you will want to keep coming back. The good news is that a new luxury golf experience is waiting for you each time.

No matter which Scottish golf packages or Ireland golf trips you choose, the golf will be something you will remember for the rest of your life. So if you need help making the best choice to launch your first luxury golf experience, visit our website for some fantastic golf package ideas.