How to Travel to Ireland from the U.S.

The first thing to consider is what areas of the country you are planning to visit. Ireland is not a terribly large place in terms of square mileage, but the highway system sometimes makes it a challenge to cover the same distances you can cover easily by interstate highway in America. The two main airports most airlines fly into from the U.S. are Dublin in the east and Shannon in the west. A large number of the great Irish links courses, like Ballybunion and Lahinch, are in the west, not far north from Shannon.

Dublin is the biggest city in Ireland, and several great links courses, like Portmarnock and Royal Dublin, are located around that area. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, has a fine international airport and easy access to Portstewart, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Cork City in the far south also has an international airport, though not as many flights as the others, and is very close to the famous Old Head in Kinsale. Unless you are planning a loop all the way around the country, it is best to consider which airport would best serve your needs.

Continental, United, American Airlines and US Air all fly to Dublin and Shannon. Virgin Atlantic flies to Dublin and Belfast. British Airways flies from select U.S. cities to Cork, Dublin and Shannon. Aer Lingus flys out of many U.S. cities, but only from JFK in New York to Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

You may find it easiest to work with a travel agent to get the flight or flights you want to any of the big airports in Ireland, but some of the best deals can be found online through sites like Expedia and Travelocity. If you are willing or able to wait until the last minute, you can also find inexpensive flights directly through the airlines.

Also understand that if you are flying from the West Coast or Midwest, you will likely have a stopover at an airport in the East, probably in the New York area.

Traveling to Ireland is easy on many levels. It is an English-speaking country where tourism is a major part of the economy; however, it is still international travel and you must have a valid U.S. passport (if you are a US citizen) to get into the country. You shouldn't need any additional documentation beyond a declaration of business or holiday as a reason for visiting.

Make sure to book your rental car or other transportation before you leave. Your travel agent will be able to help you with this, or the travel iwebsite you booked your flight through will have options for you. Most important regarding your rental car, make sure you know whether the credit card you are booking the car with includes international insurance. Not many do anymore. Call your credit card company beforehand or be ready to pay for insurance on the Irish end.

If you are planning on staying in a major metropolitan area or in hotels, make sure you book your rooms before you leave. If you plan to stay in bed-and-breakfast establishments, it is possible to book them as you go, particularly through the local Irish Tourist Board office, but it's more reliable if you book ahead of time.

Booking times at the courses with the larger reputations ahead of time is recommended, particularly if you have four or more players. Groups of two and singles have an easier time getting starting times throughout the country.

Depending on the type of trip you are planning, there are three main ways of taking care of your golf clubs and gear. First, you can pack your clubs into a travel cover and check your golf bag the same way you would any other luggage. Most airlines, however, are charging extra per bag these days, so be aware of those costs that range from $15 to $50 per bag. Second, you can ship your clubs over through a shipping service like FedEx, DHL or an established luggage service like Sports Express. The third option, particularly if you are only trying to fit golf into an otherwise full trip, is to rent clubs at the course you plan to play. Just make sure you pack your own golf shoes and some golf balls for the trip.