Seven From Heaven – Northern Ireland and County Dublin

Have you ever considered combining Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland into one fantastic tour? Well, this is your chance. The below tour is designed to give you a sampling of the best links courses that Northern Ireland and County Dublin have to offer. Spent over an eight night span, you will move in and out of three hotels (the travel is well worth it!) and experience some of the best courses in the world including Royal Portrush, Royal County Down and Portmarnock Old. A great golf adventure awaits!

Located about 4 hours north of Dublin (and one hour north of Belfast) is County Antrim. Home to Royal Portrush (ranked as the #13 course in the world, Golf Magazine 2009) and Portstewart, these are two must play courses. Royal Portrush holds the distinction of being the only Irish course to ever host a British Open (1951). County Antrim and Northern Ireland is not all about golf though as it also offers some of the most incredible attractions and non golfing activities such as the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Bushmills Distillery. Golf, castles and a whisky tour in one location...what more could you ask for!

Traveling south from Country Antrim into County Down will take about 2 hours 30 minutes. The drive down offers some spectacular coastal scenery so be sure to have your camera ready! As you check into the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, you will notice that Royal County Down is just steps from the hotel. Designed by Old Tom Morris is 1889, Royal County Down is the top ranked course in all of Ireland and the #5 ranked course in the world (Golf Magazine 2009). While in County Down you may want to visit some of the must see sights in the area. Recommended activities including visiting the Silent Valley (a magnificent reservoir cradled in the Mourne Mountains), Tollymore Forest Park, Castlewellan Country Park and Murlough Bay Nature Reserve. Also nearby is the town of Downpatrick, home to St. Patrick's Visitor Center and Grave.

Departing County Down and traveling south into County Dublin and the town of Portmarnock will take about 2 hours 45 minutes. Before arriving into Portmarnock though will you stop and play the wonderful Baltray Golf Club (also known as County Louth Golf Club). While in County Dublin you will experience the best the region as to offer in Royal Dublin, Portmarnock Links and the world famous Portmarnock Old. Designed by George Ross and W.C. Pickeman in 1894, Portmarnock Old is ranked at the #45 best course in the world (Golf Magazine 2009) and is a longtime favorite of Golfpac travelers. Portmarnock is located just 20 minutes north of the Dublin Airport, nestled between the picturesque, upmarket seaside villages of Malahide and Howth. The Portmarnock train station is also within a 10 minute walk, giving you easy access to Dublin city center and all the sights and sounds of that wonderful city.

To reserve tour space or to customize your own golf adventure please call us at (800) 523 0007. We look forward to hearing from you!

PACKAGE SUMMARY

ACCOMMODATION:

BUSHMILLS INN, BUSHMILLS (Millhouse Deluxe Room)
SLIEVE DONARD RESORT & SPA, NEWCASTLE (Superior Room)
PORTMARNOCK HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK (Deluxe Room)

GOLF:

PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB
ROYAL PORTRUSH
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
COUNTY LOUTH GOLF CLUB
ROYAL DUBLIN GOLF CLUB
PORTMARNOCK (OLD) GOLF CLUB
LINKS at PORTMARNOCK

Package Prices:

• $3,650 per golfer, double occupancy.

Non-golfer deduct: $1,750

Prices based on 4 people sharing a Minivan with automatic transmission (VW Caravelle or similar) for the entire stay. For travel May - September 2012.

Package Includes:

• 8 nights' hotel accommodations and applicable hotel taxes.
• 7 rounds of golf with prepaid green fees.
• Full breakfast daily.
• Airport meet and greet service with welcome tour briefing.
• Sightseeing guide book.
• Use of Minivan with automatic transmission (VW Caravelle or similar) for the entire stay.
• Unlimited mileage, VAT (value added tax), and CDW (collision damage waiver) on the rental car.
• Assistance with Golfpac UK/Ireland office.

Itinerary

FRIDAY

Depart the States for Ireland, “The Emerald Isle.”

SATURDAY

Arrive Ireland (Dublin or Belfast), where you'll be met by a Golfpac International representative who will help secure your rental car and answer any last minute questions. From the airport travel north (4 hours 15 minutes from Dublin or 1 hour from Belfast) to County Antrim and the town of Bushmills where you will check-in to your first hotel. The rest of your day is free to unwind at the hotel after your long flight.

ACCOMMODATION:

BUSHMILLS INN, BUSHMILLS (Millhouse Classic Room)

One of Northern Ireland's most charming accommodations, the Bushmills Inn has successfully recreated its origins as an old coaching inn. The hotel features open peat fires, gas lights, cottage-style bedrooms, and a secret room. It's also located very close to Royal Portrush Golf Club and Giant's Causeway.

SUNDAY

Travel to Portstewart (20 minutes).

GOLF:

PORTSTEWART GOLF CLUB

This fine links (6,752 yards, par 72) is located close to Royal Portrush and provides some of the finest views in all of Ireland. The opening hole is arguably the best opening hole in links golf, a par-4 dogleg right down from a plateau tee with the green tucked away below between towering sand dunes.

ACCOMMODATION:

BUSHMILLS INN, BUSHMILLS (Millhouse Classic Room)

MONDAY

Travel to Portrush (10 minutes).

GOLF:

ROYAL PORTRUSH

The only Irish golf course to have hosted the Open Championship (1951) is Royal Portrush. At 6,794 yards, this par-72 layout still remains one of the world's best links courses and is sure to challenge anyone's game. The club is located in a spectacular setting just down the road from the Giant's Causeway and past the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Ranked #13 in the world by Golf Magazine (2009).

Following golf travel south to County Down and the town of Newcastle (2 hours 30 minutes).

ACCOMMODATION:

SLIEVE DONARD RESORT, NEWCASTLE (Classic Room)

Located in the town of Newcastle (at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne) is the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. The hotel features over 120 bedrooms; the Percy French Inn; a world class Spa; and the Dormy Bar. Originally called the Newcastle Hotel, the Slieve Donard opened in June 1898 and still offers great hospitality and comfortable accommodations.

TUESDAY

GOLF:

ROYAL COUNTY DOWN

Royal County Down is quite simply old fashioned links golf at its very best! This may prove to be your favorite course in Ireland. Its location — Newcastle, Northern Ireland — continues to keep some people away from this historic links course. However, travel into Northern Ireland isn't as troublesome as some believe, and this course is particularly worth the visit. Ranked #5 in the world by Golf Magazine (2009).

ACCOMMODATION:

SLIEVE DONARD RESORT, NEWCASTLE (Classic Room)

WEDNESDAY

Depart Newcastle this morning and travel south to County Louth (1 hour 45 minutes).

GOLF:

COUNTY LOUTH GOLF CLUB

Also known as Baltray, County Louth (6613 yards, par 73) is very well respected among the Irish golf community. There is not a weak hole on the course and many say that the greens here are the best in all of Ireland. The links was designed by Tom Simpson to have well guarded greens without being overly dependent on bunkers.

Following golf continue south to Portmarnock (1 hour).

ACCOMMODATION:

PORTMARNOCK HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK (Executive Room)

This terrific, four-star property is located overlooking the beach about 18 miles north of Dublin. The hotel features 100 well-appointed bedrooms all furnished to the highest standard. The development also features a first-class restaurant, bar, full conference facilities, a spa, and a world-class golf course designed by German golf professional Bernhard Langer. The hotel features a section that was originally the Jameson family estate, of Irish whisky fame. Make sure to have a drink in The Jameson Bar. In fact, a glass of Jameson's would be appropriate!

THURSDAY

Travel to Royal Dublin (15 minutes).

GOLF:

ROYAL DUBLIN GOLF CLUB

Royal Dublin (6,889 yards, par 72) is one of Ireland's finest links. The course is widely known for its exceptionally tough back nine. Lee Trevino has said, “the finish here, from the 13th onwards, is as tough as you will find in golf.”

ACCOMMODATION:

PORTMARNOCK HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK (Executive Room)

FRIDAY

GOLF:

PORTMARNOCK (OLD) GOLF CLUB

Located just north of Dublin is Portmarnock (7,182 yards, par 72), Ireland's premier tournament venue. This wonderful golf club has been fortunate enough to hold the Irish Open on 13 occasions as well as many other national and international events. Watch out for the 15th hole, arguably the best par 3 in the world. This 192-yard hole runs parallel to the beach and can be a menace to golfers of every level. Ranked #45 in the world by Golf Magazine (2009).

ACCOMMODATION:

PORTMARNOCK HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK (Executive Room)

SATURDAY

GOLF:

LINKS at PORTMARNOCK

Set in magnificent linksland just north of Dublin is this new course by Bernhard Langer. The course opened to rave reviews in 1995 and continues to impress visiting golfers. These new links occupy land of the former Jameson estate adjacent to the Portmarnock Hotel and the more famous Portmarnock Golf Club. This is Langer's first course in Ireland, and it has been a great addition to the Dublin golf scene.

ACCOMMODATION:

PORTMARNOCK HOTEL, PORTMARNOCK (Executive Room)

SUNDAY

Your wonderful trip has come to an end. Travel back to Dublin Airport (25 minutes) for a return flight to the States.

Tour Information

Not Included

• Caddies at the golf courses. Please inquire about requesting caddies in advance.
• Any items not specifically described in the itinerary.
• PAI (personal accident insurance) and gas on the rental car.
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, etc.
• Airfare.

Necessary for Booking

When confirming a reservation the following information is needed:

• Full names of everyone in the party & a rooming list.
• Each golfer's handicap and home golf club name.
• Flight information (arrival & departure).

Reservation Procedures

1. Simply call, write, or fax us with your inquiry.
2. $1250 per person deposit required.
3. Hotels, golf courses, and ground transportation confirmed. All courses and hotels based on availability at time of booking.
4. Full payment due 60 (sixty) days prior to arrival. Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive all necessary travel documents.

Method of Payment

U.S. currency in the form of agency checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

Cancellations

Cancellations after deposit/payment should be made in writing. Cancellation penalties:

• Time reservation is made - 60 days prior to departure: Full deposit forfeited.
• 59-28 days prior: 50% of total package price forfeited, plus any non-refundable fees.
• Thereafter: Full payment forfeited.

Exchange Rates

Tour prices are based on exchange rates effective at time quotation and are subject to change. It may be necessary to add a surcharge to the price of your vacation if fluctuations in the exchange rate deem it necessary. Once full payment has been received surcharges may not be levied.

Refunds

REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN FOR UNUSED PORTIONS OF ANY TOUR.