How to Plan an Ireland Vacation
By Peter Stevens
For golfers, Ireland is a mecca. Classic links layouts and inland tracts offer breathtaking scenery and challenging holes that combine to make any sojourn to the Emerald Isle memorable on and off the course. Planning a trip to Ireland can be accomplished in a number of ways, including consulting a travel agent and checking online for information.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Compare airfares to both Shannon and Dublin Airports. Aer Lingus is always a good starting point and has flights to both airports.
Fly to Shannon if you plan to golf in western and southwestern Ireland. If you're hitting the courses in the eastern and southeastern regions, Dublin is the way to go.
Ask your travel agent about golfing charters and packages to Ireland. Many of these packages are all-inclusive, with meals, transportation, lodgings at a wide range of hotels and bed and breakfasts, and offer sightseeing excursions, as well as golf.
Make sure you have a valid U.S. license if you intend to rent a car in Ireland. If you're picking up a car at Dublin or Shannon and have pre-booked it, have the credit card you used to book the vehicle.
Book your car before you arrive so you get a better deal. If you want a vehicle with an automatic transmission, make your reservation before landing in Ireland or you might have a hard time getting anything other than a manual shift.
Remember-no matter how often you've driven in Ireland or the U.K.-that you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Complimentary road maps are available when picking up the car, but consulting a map in advance of your trip can be helpful.
Check out online packages and consult your travel agent to explore the wide range of lodgings in Ireland. Ireland is known as "Ireland of the Welcomes" and has lodging from castles and luxury hotels to homey bed and breakfasts. Talk to friends and family for their lodging suggestions as well.
Take advantage of the bargains offered by Irish golf courses in conjunction with local hotels and bed and breakfasts. You'll find some of your best deals and tremendous local flavor this way.
Choose the perfect hotel for your golfing and sightseeing holiday by contacting the Irish Hotels Federation at irelandhotels.com. Whether you want grand or cozy, they have the answers for you.
Select the perfect bed and breakfast for golfers and sightseers by contacting The Town and Country Homes Association-townandcountry.ie and/or Friendly Homes of Ireland-tourismresources.ie.
Experience a uniquely Irish setting by booking a traditional Irish farmhouse, many of which are near golf courses. Your hosts can offer insights and suggestions only the locals know. Contact Irish Farm Holidays at irishfarmholidays.com, or for memorable stays in a country house or manor house, contact Manor House Hotels and Irish Country Hotels at manorhousehotels.com.
Tips & Warnings
Remember the weather can change at a moment's notice from sunny to rainy. Keep a waterproof jacket and umbrella always at hand.
About The Author
Peter F. Stevens is an award-winning author and journalist whose 10 books include "The Voyage of the Catalpa." For more than 25 years, he has contributed to a wide array of publications including "American Heritage," "American History," "Yankee," "VFW," "Golf," and "Golf News." The "New York Times" frequently syndicates his work.
