Scotland and Northern Ireland Golf Trip
Day 1: Arrive at the Home of Golf | Golf tours of Ireland and Scotland
+1 Day Travel to the UK from the US
Transfer from Airport to St Andrews (approx. 1 hour, 15minutes)
Stay at The Old Course Hotel. (5 Star) An essential part of the St Andrews experience. It's in a famous spot, with many rooms looking out over the 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course and the beautiful West Sands beach. The hotel is a luxury landmark, featuring a unique Kohler Waters Spa, four restaurants, and elegant interiors. It's the perfect place to stay when visiting the Home of Golf.
Day 2: Play Kingsbarns Golf Links
Just a 15-minute drive from St Andrews, along the picturesque Fife coastline, lies Kingsbarns Golf Links. Opened in 2000, this Kyle Phillips design is a testament to modern links architecture and is already universally acclaimed as a world classic. The course is laid out in a natural amphitheater, offering stunning views of the North Sea from every single hole. Kingsbarns is renowned not only for its spectacular beauty and brilliant design but also for its immaculate conditioning and exceptional service, providing a luxurious, contemporary golfing experience that serves as a perfect counterpoint to the ancient, quirky links in town.
Day 3: Carnoustie's Fearsome Test
Play Carnoustie Golf Links. A 45-minute drive north from St Andrews takes you into the county of Angus and to the formidable links of Carnoustie. Famously known as "Carnasty," the Championship Course is widely regarded as the most difficult venue on The Open rota. It is a relentless and strategic test of golf, where precision and course management are paramount.
Optional Sightseeing at Glamis Castle after golf.
Day 4: Jubilee or Castle Course
Play an additional St Andrews Links Course | The final round of this epic journey takes place back in St Andrews, on another one of the St Andrews Links Courses.
Each of these courses are a world-class links in their own right, any one of these courses serves as a fitting and magnificent conclusion to St Andrews Golf Adventure of the highest level.
Day 5: Day off, Sightseeing & Old Course Ballot
There is lots see in St Andrews Castle/ Cathedral/ World golf Museum also entering the Old course Ballot is a must.
The course is a strategic puzzle with unique features, like seven shared greens and hidden bunkers. The round ends with an approach shot over the Valley of Sin to the 18th green, right in front of the town and the famous clubhouse.
You need a valid handicap certificate to play, with a maximum limit of 36 for both men and women.
Day 6: Dumbarnie Golf Links: A Modern Masterpiece
Play Dumbarnie Links, a premier, true links golf course located on the east coast of Fife, Scotland. Despite opening as recently as May 2020, it has garnered immediate and widespread international acclaim, instantly placing itself on the "must-play" list for any serious golf traveler visiting the St Andrews area.
The Course was designed by English architect and former Ryder Cup player, Clive Clark. His vision was to create a course that was both a tribute to classic Scottish links golf and a thrilling, modern experience
Day 7: Transfer to Northern Ireland
Option A: Flight (Recommended) The most efficient method is to fly. The journey involves a one-hour 20 min drive from St Andrews to Edinburgh Airport, Flying to one of Belfast’s two Airports, George Best Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS). From there, several airlines, including Aer Lingus and easyJet, operate multiple direct flights daily . The flight itself is brief, with an average duration of just 50-55 minutes. Upon arrival in Belfast, a Luxury Coach awaits for the final leg of the journey, a scenic 1-hour drive to Portrush .The total portal-to-portal travel time is approximately 4 to 5 hours, allowing for a comfortable, mid-afternoon arrival in Portrush with the evening free to relax and explore.
(Flights not included)
Option B: Ferry & Drive The alternative is a combined drive and ferry journey. This involves a the subsequent drive from St Andrews to Cairnryan is substantial, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours drive.The ferry crossing to Belfast takes between 2 hours (P&O Ferries to Larne) and 2 hours 22 minutes (Stena Line to Belfast). While the ferries are somewhat modern and comfortable, offering small restaurant and shop, The total travel time for this option is a full 7 to 8 hours, consuming the majority of the day.
Stay at The Bushmills Inn
When it comes to luxury golf travel, The Bushmills Inn Hotel and Restaurant is the ideal getaway, providing a relaxing environment for golfing parties who want to play the famous links courses of Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock. The 4 star boutique hotel offers everything you could possibly want during a golf trip including an AA rosette restaurant, traditional gas-lit bar, hidden nooks & crannies and open peat fires. Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, The Bushmills Inn is steeped in Irish history and has been lovingly restored to play homage to its rich history. The welcome is warm and the fire is always lit.
Whisky Tours and Tasting available depending on arrival time.
Day 8: Giants & Gorse – Portstewart (Strand) & The Giant's Causeway
Play Portstewart Golf Club. Near Portrush, you'll find Portstewart Golf Club, renowned for having one of the most spectacular front nine holes in golf, which winds through massive dunes.
While its neighbors may have more major championship pedigree, Portstewart boasts what many critics and players, including Jon Rahm, consider to be the most spectacular opening nine holes in all of links golf.
The afternoon: Visit the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a geological marvel, consisting of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Legend attributes their creation to the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), who supposedly built a causeway to Scotland to fight a rival. A walk down to the stones is an essential part of any visit to Northern Ireland and provides a powerful connection to the region's ancient, mythic landscape
Day 9: Play Royal Portrush | The Open Championship Venue
The Dunluce Links is the only course in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, doing so in 1951, 2019, and again in 2025. It is a Harry Colt masterpiece, masterfully routed through a landscape of immense sand dunes with breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The course was famously updated by the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert ahead of the 2019 Open, with changes that included the creation of two new holes, further enhancing its reputation as one of the world's greatest and most challenging links. Playing the Dunluce is to engage with the pinnacle of championship golf.
Day 10: A Connoisseur's Choice – Bushmills & Dunluce Castle
The final full day in Northern Ireland is dedicated to two of the region's most famous exports: whiskey and history. The morning begins with a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, located just minutes from Portrush. Granted its license in 1608, it is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the craft of Irish whiskey production, culminating in a tasting. Due to its popularity, pre-booking a tour is essential, especially during peak season.
In the afternoon, explore the dramatic, cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle. This medieval fortress, perched precariously on a basalt outcrop, dates to the 13th century and was the stronghold of the MacDonnell clan. Its evocative silhouette is visible from many holes at Royal Portrush, and the Dunluce Links is named in its honour. The castle's history is rich with tales of battles and shipwrecks, making it a captivating site to explore. The day concludes with a farewell dinner, perhaps at the acclaimed restaurant within the historic Bushmills Inn, in preparation for the next stage of the journey.
Day 11: A Dramatic Encore – Ardglass Golf Club & Local Exploration
The itinerary moves to Ardglass Golf Club, a course that offers breathtaking links experience. The drive is short, allowing for a relaxed morning. Ardglass is renowned for its dramatic setting, with the opening five holes hugging the cliff edge, offering resplendent and daunting views across the Irish Sea. The course begins with a tee shot over the bay and continues along the rugged coastline, making for an exhilarating start to the round. The clubhouse itself is a piece of history: the world's oldest, housed within a 15th-century castle that dates back to 1405.
After the round, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of history and culture in County Down. A short drive away are the magnificent Norman ruins of Dundrum Castle, which offer panoramic views over the bay.Alternatively, one can visit the historic town of Downpatrick to see the Saint Patrick Centre and Down Cathedral, the traditional burial site of Ireland's patron saint. For enthusiasts of modern mythology, a visit to Castle Ward is essential; this National Trust property was the primary filming location for Winterfell in the acclaimed series
Game of Thrones. This provides a world-class non-golfing dimension to the day, appealing to a broader range of interests.
Day 12: The Unforgettable Challenge – Royal County Down (Championship Links)
Royal County Down in Ireland is a world-class golf course known for its natural beauty. It's a tough test, with narrow fairways, challenging "bearded" bunkers, and domed greens. A fore-caddie is required for all visiting groups to help with the blind shots and difficult greens. The fee is £110 cash, paid directly to the caddie after the game.
Day 13: Departure
Enjoy a final Irish breakfast at Slieve Donard Hotel , Your chauffeur will then provide a comfortable transfer from Slieve Donard Hotel to Dublin Airport (DUB), a journey of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, for your departure.
Experience Golf tours of Ireland and Scotland
Included:
13 days, 12 nights Accommodation
Full Scottish/Irish Breakfast each morning
8 Rounds of Golf
Royal County Down
Royal Portrush (and more)
Transportation to and from airport, golf and sightseeing
Luxury Coach and Driver in Ireland
Transfers in St Andrews
One Group Dinner Hosted by TMIGolf & Travel
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