GOLF TOUR

Proposed itinerary for 7 nights 8 days based in Cork, Ireland

Day 1 Sunday
Arrive Cork International Airport
Meet and greet and transfer by private coach to hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure

Day 2 Monday
Full day visit Cork City with guide to see Cork City Hall and the English Market with its great selection of fish, meat and vegetables.

On then to see the Crawford Art Gallery, Shandon Bells, Cork Regional Technical College and University College Cork with its original campus dating back to 1845. Today it has four separate colleges one of which includes the School of Asian Studies.

A few kilometres away is the world famous Blarney Castle. With its many stone steps to the top we see great views of the surrounding countryside. There is also time to shop in Blarney Outlet Shops nearby.

Day 3 Tuesday – Golf at Fota Island
Fota Island Golf Club is located in the heart of a 780 acre estate which is located in splendid woodlands which are woven into three challenging championship courses and are very much in the traditional mode, featuring strategically placed bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. Golf was first played at Fota Island as far back as the 1800's. In 1993, a new course was developed at Fota Island, designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O'Connor Jnr. and twice English Amateur Champion Peter McEvoy. It has hosted a number of tournaments, including the Irish Club Professional Championship, the Irish PGA Championship and no fewer than three Irish Amateur Opens. The Deerpark Course playing host to the Irish Open in 2001&2002, won by Colin Montgomerie and Soren Hansen respectively.

Travelling later to the nearby town of Midleton we visit the Jameson Distillery and hear about the story of Irish whiskey followed by a whiskey tasting competition. We now have some free time to shop at the Distillery Centre and in the nearby town of Midleton.

Day 4 Wednesday
Full day travel by train to Dublin and enjoy a special guided tour of our Capital City. See the Dail our House of Parliament, our President’s Mansion, Aras an Uachtarain, the Phoenix Park, visit the National Gallery and Trinity College with the world famous manuscript – the Book of Kells.

Then a visit Guinness Brewery and taste the famous black beer and see the nearby Royal Hospital Kilmainham before returning by train to Cork.

Day 5 Thursday – Golf in Killarney
To day we enjoy a full day scenic drive west to day through Macroom to Killarney and visit the famous Lakes of Killarney and adjoining mansion of Muckross House. We then arrive at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club which has a spectacular lakeside location next to the National Park approximately 3 km from Killarney town centre.

There are three world famous courses to choose from each with its special character. Mahony's Point (left) the shortest of our three courses at 6,800 yards is a lakeside course with spectacular views including the famous, breathtaking 18th described by Gene Sarazen as “one of the most memorable holes in the world”

Lackabane, which opened for play in 1999, is a Parkland course providing an excellent golfing challenge with enough water hazards that add both beauty and danger in equal measure.

Killeen, the jewel in the crown, re-opened in 2006 offering both spectacular lakeside scenery and challenging golf to long hitters with water features on nearly every hole and fast greens. Nick Faldo, on winning the first of his two successive Irish Opens in 1991, was one of only three players to finish under par. That was before the changes in 2006, which provided an even tougher challenge.
 

Day 6 Friday
Morning walk through Fitzgerald’s Park followed by crossing a 100 year old suspension bridge to visit to the old Cork City Gaol dating from 1824. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore the city and make some last minute shopping purchases.

For our final evening we visit Cork Dog Racing Track at Curraheen. Here we enjoy dinner have special instruction all about the dog racing and have fun placing our bets.

Day 7 Saturday – Golf at Lee Valley
Today it’s a visit to golf at the Lee Valley Golf and Country Club. This magnificent Golf & Country Club, situated just 15 minutes outside Cork City Centre but yet in the heart of wonderful countryside.

Voted in the top 100 Irish Golf Courses 2006 by Golf Digest, this 18 hole par 72 course was designed by world famous Ryder Cup Star Christy O'Connor Jnr is one of the top Cork Golf Courses and arguably one of the finest in Ireland. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and overwhelming hospitality this family run Golf Club is a must for anyone visiting Cork. There is always a member of the family on hand to ensure that your experience is made truly unique and unforgettable. An outstanding parkland course

Day 8 Sunday
Transfer with escort and private coach to Cork International Airport

Arrangements to include:
De luxe air conditioned coach and friendly driver for 8 days
7 nights accommodation in Cork
Golf tee times at each if the listed Golf Clubs
Entry charges at each location
All local taxes and gratuities and service charges
Full backup of our company during the entire stay