Plan ahead for a fantastic time in Ireland
Ireland has always been a popular tourist destination, with its rich history and traditions and the fact that so much is packed onto a small island.
There really is something for everyone, and your holiday can revolve around golfing, casinos, greyhound racing or any of the other activities on offer.
As with anything, it is important to do your research beforehand especially when planning a golfing holiday to the Emerald Isle.
One thing to factor in is the general playing standard of your party and whether they are low handicap golfers or just weekend hackers.
Both will be equally welcome but some courses may prefer to entertain more experienced players who are not going to take lumps out of the course over the 18 holes.
In truth, only a few will ask for proof of a handicap and so this should not be an issue but make sure you check out the websites first.
There are so many beautiful courses in Ireland that punters are really spoilt for choice and taking advice where to play is prudent.
Links golf is extremely popular and, with Ireland’s outstanding coastline, it can be a memorable experience even if golf is not really your thing.
There are many companies offering golfing packages to Ireland and once again it pays to shop round to find the best deal, with plenty of offers and discounts available.
One way to ensure that the course you book is up to scratch is to look for the Shamrock symbol, which signals that the course is Quality Assured.
This guarantees a first-rate experience from start to finish, with staff on hand to attend to all your needs and point you in the right direction, and there are approximately 100 Irish golf courses boasting the Shamrock symbol.
Golfing trips to Ireland will obviously involve more than just playing the game and so consideration must be taken into what you want out of the nightlife.
Plying a remote west-coast course may be all well and good but if your party wants to see the lights of Dublin then you need to consider a venue closer to the capital.
This is where Ireland scores plenty of plusses as there are top courses all over the country and you are never too far from the first tee.
As in any place, the standard of hotels will vary markedly and this is something that needs addressing prior to booking.
Is the standard of accommodation that important to you or are you just there for the golf and beer?
The same question can be posed when it comes to food – is your evening meal important to you or are you happy to go cheap and cheerful?
Finally, if it is a family trip or groups of families then it is highly unlikely that every day will be taken up by golf.
In that case it would be of benefit to base yourself near to other tourist attractions to avoid disappointment for the rest of the group while you are out dreaming of becoming the next Rory McIlroy.
