Dear golf enthusiasts,

Ireland is celebrated as one of the world’s great golf destinations, where the game is defined by wild Atlantic coastlines, natural linksland, and a deep-rooted golfing heritage. From remote seaside links shaped by wind and dunes to beautifully crafted modern courses overlooking dramatic cliffs and bays, Irish golf delivers an experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Here, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and courses that challenge and inspire come together to create a truly special journey for golfers of every level.

Amongst the hallowed links of Ireland stand the crown jewels of the game: Royal Portrush, storied host of The Open Championship, and Royal County Down, the world’s top-ranked course outside the United States. While public tee times for 2027 are already entirely exhausted, this itinerary offers a rare, exclusive opportunity to secure your place on two of the most prestigious fairways on the planet.

Please remember that this itinerary can be modified around the listed Royal Portrush & Royal County Down dates. We are more than happy to make unlimited adjustments — whether that involves refining course selections, altering accommodations, adjusting travel arrangements, or enhancing your off-course activities — until every detail perfectly matches your expectations.

We hope this itinerary captures the spirit of what promises to be an unforgettable Irish golf journey. We look forward to refining the details with you and bringing your trip to life.

Sincerely,

Jack Sallis
CEO / Founder

If this trip is something you and your golfing group are interested in, please either register your interest by joining the waitlist below, or contact our bookings manager, Lee, on:

📱 +447547192579

✉️ lee@halcyongolftravel.com

Founded in 2018 by Jack Sallis, Halcyon Golf Travel is a British Golf Tour Operator, specialising in creating bespoke golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England – destinations that we know inside out. 

Jack realised early on that sometimes the great golf trips are the ones where you venture off the beaten track and bring home great stories. But these stories, they aren’t only written on the golf course. They come from the people you meet, the streets you walk and quite often, the pubs you visit and the drinks you consume! 

It’s these moments that become the tales you’ll tell for years to come – the laughter, the camaraderie, the unforgettable experiences that make this trip uniquely yours.

This is something Jack was passionate to bring to life with Halcyon. It’s not just about guaranteeing tee times at top golf courses and booking hotels. It’s offering a personal touch, paying attention to the moments in-between and facilitating exploration. 

We are a team of passionate golfers and trusted experts, with extensive experience from playing all across England, Scotland, and Ireland. With our inside knowledge and strong industry partnerships, we tailor every aspect of your trip – from courses and accommodation to transport and dining – ensuring everything is planned perfectly, with a personal touch added along the way to ensure we create the best golf experiences for our clients.

At Halcyon Golf Travel, our mission is to deliver exceptional bespoke golf experiences in the UK and Ireland that exceed our clients’ expectations.

We achieve this through building trusted relationships, personalised attention and exceptional service.

With a passion for golf, exploration and adventure, we encourage customers to discover the best that the UK and Ireland have to offer, push their boundaries and get ready for a golfing journey that’s as unique as they are!

Enhance your golf vacation with a luxury coach and dedicated driver. Experience comfort, convenience, and personalized service throughout your journey. Relax as you're chauffeured to world-class courses, scenic destinations, and cultural highlights.

Nestled on Main Street in charming Portrush, The Marcus Hotel Portrush—the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Northern Ireland—offers a seamless blend of heritage and modern flair. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade A Victorian building, the hotel features 80 boutique-style rooms, whimsical comic-book-inspired interiors celebrating the fictional explorer “Marcus,” and curated touches like original mosaic flooring and historic photographs.

• Star rating: 4*
• Spa: No
• Air Con: Yes
• Twin rooms: Yes
• Proximity to local bars/restaurants: Walking distance
• Laundry service: Yes, for an additional charge
• On site parking: No
• Golf club storage: Yes. The hotel also accepts ShipSticks deliveries.

UPGRADE OPTION

Dunluce Lodge is a refined 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Portrush, just moments from the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club. Offering an intimate and elegant atmosphere, the hotel features beautifully designed rooms and suites, fine dining, and exceptional personalised service. Its prime coastal location provides easy access to Portrush’s beaches, the Causeway Coast, and Northern Ireland’s top golf courses.

• Star rating: 5*

• Spa: No

• Air Con: Yes

• Twin rooms: Yes

• Proximity to local bars/restaurants: Short drive to Portrush centre

• Laundry service: Yes

• On site parking: Yes

• Golf club storage: Yes

Ranked #5 in Northern Ireland

Castlerock Golf Club on the North Coast of Northern Ireland is a classic seaside golf club boasting two distinct layouts — the championship Mussenden Links and the charming Bann Course. Set amidst rolling dunes with views toward the Atlantic and Donegal hills, it’s been recognised as one of Ireland’s hidden gems for links golf. The original holes were shaped by Ben Sayers and later refined by Harry Colt, with recent renovation work by Dr Martin Hawtree enhancing the strategic challenge while restoring the beauty of the natural terrain.

• Practice facilities: Putting green and other practice areas are available, with club hire and trollies offered to help visitors prepare before tee-off.
• Buggies: Golf carts are available for hire; pull trollies and GPS trollies are also available. Contact the Pro Shop to reserve equipment in advance.
• Dress code / mobile phone policy: Traditional golf attire is expected.
• Half way house: Yes — the clubhouse and food service areas provide refreshments and meals before or after play, with a welcoming atmosphere overlooking the links.
• Caddies: A caddy programme is offered, and caddies can be booked up to 48 hours in advance through the club office to enhance your round.

Ranked #14 Worldwide

Hosted The Open Championship (1951, 2019, 2025), The Senior Open (6 times) & The Amateur Championship (1960, 1993, 2014)

Royal Portrush Golf Club’s Dunluce Course, nestled on Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast, is one of the world’s finest links courses. Host of The Open Championship, it offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and world-class design by Harry Colt. With dramatic dunes, coastal winds, and rich history, it delivers a truly unforgettable golfing experience.

• Practice facilities:  Driving Range, Chipping Green & Putting Green

• Buggies: Yes (medical). Must be pre booked.

• Dress code / mobile phone policy: Golfing attire, no denims. 

• Half way house: Yes

• Caddies: Yes. Book in advance.

Halcyon Pro Tip: Add the Valley Course to your itinerary for an unforgettable 36-hole day. Recently transformed through a major redesign, the Valley Course now offers an exciting and refreshed challenge that perfectly complements the renowned Dunluce Course.

Ranked #13 in Ireland

Hosted The DP World Tour's Irish Open (2018)

Ballyliffin Golf Club, located on the remote and stunning Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, is Ireland’s northernmost golf destination. The Glashedy Links, a Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock design, is a modern masterpiece with towering dunes, elevated greens, and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Both courses demand precision and strategic shot-making, especially in the ever-present coastal winds.

• Practice facilities: Driving range, Short game area & Putting green

• Buggies: Yes

• Dress code / mobile phone policy: Golf attire to be worn at all times. No metal spikes

• Caddies: Yes, please pre book in advance

Ranked #3 in Northern Ireland

Hosted The DP World Tour's Irish Open (2017) 

Portstewart Golf Club offers a thrilling links golf experience with stunning views over the Atlantic. Featuring dramatic dunes, challenging fairways, and a breathtaking opening hole. Wind, undulating terrain, and fast greens demand precision, making it a must-play for any golfer visiting Northern Ireland.

• Practice facilities:  Driving Range, Chipping Green & Putting Green

• Buggies: Yes (medical note required)

• Dress code / mobile phone policy: Golfing attire, no denims

• Half way house: Yes

• Caddies: Yes (advanced booking required)

Halcyon Pro Tip: Portstewart has two other courses (The Riverside & The Old) should you be looking to play multiple rounds. The Old is a municipal course which has 8 fantastic coastal holes well worth playing.

Ranked #8 in Northern Ireland

Ardglass Golf Course, set along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline, offers a breathtaking and challenging links experience. With dramatic cliffside holes, stunning views of the Irish Sea, and the world’s oldest clubhouse, dating back to the 1400s, it’s a must-play course that blends history, scenery, and true links golf.

• Practice facilities:  Driving Range, Chipping Green & Putting Green

• Buggies: £35 per buggy book in advance Electric Trolley £20, Pull £8, Club hire £60

• Dress code / mobile phone policy: Golfing attire, no denims. 

• Half way house: No

• Caddies: Yes. Single (£70) Plus Gratuity Double bag £120 Plus gratuity

The Slieve Donard Hotel in County Down, Northern Ireland, offers a luxurious and memorable stay with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the renowned Royal County Down Golf Course. Upgraded rooms have beautiful views of the iconic Golf course and Dundrum Bay.

• Star rating: 4*

• Spa: Yes

• Air Con: Yes

• Twin rooms: Yes

• Proximity to local bars/restaurants: Within walking distance (around 1 min)

• On site parking: Yes (complimentary)

• Golf club storage: Yes (the club also accepts Ship Sticks deliveries)

Ranked #3 Worldwide

Hosted The DP World Tour's Irish Open (1928, 1935, 1939, 2015), The Amateur Championship (1999) & The Walker Cup (2007)

Royal County Down, located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, is one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. Set against the stunning Mourne Mountains, it features a challenging links layout with narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. Known for its natural beauty and historic design, it’s a must-play destination.

• Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting greens and chipping facilities.
• Buggies: Not available.
• Dress code / Mobile phone policy: Proper golfing attire should be worn. No caps in the club house. No phone calls in public areas inside the clubhouse. No mobile phones permitted on the course or in the clubhouse.
• Halfway house: Yes.
• Caddies: Caddies & Fore-caddies available. There is a minimum requirement of 1 Fore-caddie per group.

Halcyon Pro Tip: You must try the house transfusion cocktail at the turn.

1. Travel Insurance
   Halcyon Golf Travel strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip for any reason. There are many providers online offering this service, and when selecting a policy, please ensure it includes cancellation cover for added peace of mind.

   Halcyon Golf Travel has partnered with TravelSafe, who offer a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy. More details can be found here.
   

2. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 
   The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers, including those from the EU, US, and Australia. It costs £20 per person and must be obtained before travel. Ensure you apply in advance to avoid delays. For full details, visit the official UK government website.
   
   Only required for travel into the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland). This includes layovers.

3. Carts
   Golf in the UK and Ireland has a strong walking culture and riding a cart is not the norm. Whilst many courses have carts available to use, many courses have a very small inventory and you can only ride with a medical exemption. If you wish to ride a cart, please check with your Halcyon travel advisor to confirm this is available at your selected golf courses.
   
   The average price for a cart is £/€ 50.

4. Caddies
   Most golf courses offer a caddie program with single caddies available to assist you throughout your round. The standard cost for a single caddie ranges from £/€65 to £/€85, plus gratuity. If you feel the service has been exceptional, we recommend paying a total of £/€120, inclusive of gratuity.
   
   Forecaddies are also available, with prices ranging from £/€120 to £/€160. For exceptional service, we advise paying £/€200, inclusive of gratuity. If using a forecaddie, push carts are available as a convenient alternative to carrying your bag. 
   
   All caddies are paid in local currency and payments are typically made in cash after the round.

5. Dress Code
   Golf courses in the UK and Ireland typically follow a traditional dress code, and it is important to adhere to these guidelines. Collared shirts, tailored trousers, or shorts are standard for men, while women are expected to wear golf-appropriate attire such as polos, skirts, or tailored shorts. Denim, sports jerseys, and non-golf shoes are generally not permitted on the course. 
   
   Many clubs require soft-spiked golf shoes on the course and have specific dress codes for the clubhouse. One of the most common rules is “no golf shoes or trainers inside the clubhouse”, especially if they’re wet. It’s a good idea to bring a smart pair of shoes, such as loafers or brogues, for wearing indoors. 
   
   Your Halcyon travel advisor will make you aware of any course specific dress codes you need to know about.

6. Handicaps
   Most golf courses have handicap requirements and may ask for proof of handicap when you check in. Typically, the handicap limits are 28 for men and 36 for women. Halcyon Golf Travel will inform you of any courses with strict handicap limits. We recommend traveling with a handicap card, whether it’s a physical copy or a digital version, to avoid any issues during your trip.

7. Gratuities
   In the UK and Ireland, tipping culture is different from other parts of the world, particularly the USA. When dining at restaurants, a tip of around 10% for good service is customary. However, some restaurants automatically include a gratuity, so be sure to check your bill before adding a tip. 
   
   For transportation, we suggest tipping your driver £/€20 per person per day. This can be paid directly to the driver on your last day.

8. ShipSticks
   If you plan to use ShipSticks to send your clubs to the UK or Ireland, please follow the link below. Many courses and hotels are accustomed to receiving clubs via ShipSticks, but be sure to let us know once your clubs have been shipped so we can ensure they are expected.
   
   If you are playing on your arrival day, we recommend sending your clubs directly to your first course. If not, it’s best to have them sent to your hotel.
   
   Halcyon Golf Travel has partnered with ShipSticks to offer you a flat rate fee which is less than you'll find online. Please follow the link below for this exclusive offer.
   
   ShipSticks - Halcyon Golf Travel