Discover the untamed beauty of Ireland’s Northwest coast of Donegal.  Our expertly guided journey ensures you experience the heart of Irish tradition and the warmth of its people. With seamless travel and insider access to hidden gems, this tour offers a truly immersive adventure, including five rounds of golf at fabulous links courses. Join us and let the magic of Ireland’s west captivate your spirit. 

Airfare to Ireland is additional.  Caddie Tours will offer group airfare from Raleigh-Durham as a brand new gateway to Dublin on Aer Lingus, Ireland, and National Airline.

I'm delighted to be teaming up with my tour director, detail-oriented Niall Leogue from Caddie Tours.  Niall is a pro and has dedicated his life to tourism.  He is exceptional and detail-oriented, and I can't recommend him more for assisting you in planning your trip, from flights to hotels and even travel insurance, so don't hesitate to get in touch!

Thank you for your interest—I look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable musical adventure through Ireland!

Credit cards incur processing fees on all transactions, while check or ACH payments have no fees.

John O'Reilly

 Depart from Raleigh-Durham Airport on Aer Lingus flight 84 departing at 8.25 pm for Dublin.  

DAY ONE

Welcome to Ireland! Arrive at Dublin Airport, where you will be greeted by your

friendly and knowledgeable tour driver/guide. After clearing customs, we’ll make our way to Kells, Co. Meath, to have breakfast at The Headford Arms Hotel before we arrive at the Mill Park Hotel, nestled just outside the historic town of Donegal. The Mill Park Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere and a perfect base for exploring the stunning landscapes of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way. With spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a friendly team dedicated to your comfort, your stay will be both relaxing and memorable. Spend the afternoon unwinding or taking a leisurely stroll into the square known as the Diamond before gathering for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B, D)

DAY TWO

After breakfast, we drive for an hour north to play at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club in northwest County Donegal, Ireland, which lies a few miles beyond the famous tweed outlets of Ardara. So you might think getting there is just a matter of following the signs. But even with GPS, virtually anyplace can be tough to find in this remote part of northwest Ireland, and it can be especially difficult to find Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, an unassuming-looking course tucked amongst the caravans and dunes down by the shore. When you finally arrive at Narin and Portnoo, yours may be the only car in the lot. If that’s the case, just head to the first tee! But don’t be “shocked” by the electric fences guarding Narin and Portnoo Golf Club’s first and last greens. These are intended to keep livestock at bay, as the club leases the land from local farmers. You will soon find out that Narin and Portnoo Golf Club is as stimulating, exciting, scenic, and especially enjoyable a golf course as you will ever have the good fortune to play. After a gentle start that allows you to get into the flow of the game, you arrive at Narin and Portnoo’s 5th, and begin a lengthy stretch of holes, all the way through the 17th, that are as much fun as any we have played in Ireland. Terrifically old-fashioned and natural, Narin and Portnoo Golf Club is links golf as it was meant to be. The clubhouse at Narin and Portnoo, not much larger than the adjacent caravans, consists mainly of a changing room and a bar area, with the “pro shop” tucked behind a corner of the bar. This is an everyman’s Irish club, with no hint of pretentiousness, and a magnificent welcome awaits! They say that the farther you get from Dublin, while still remaining in Ireland, the greater the welcome, and Narin and Portnoo Golf Club is proof of that! For those clients who want to get close to the “real Ireland,” and play a course you will never forget, you have to make the trip to Narin and Portnoo Golf Club! Return to the Mill Park Hotel and explore many of the fine pubs and restaurants in town for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B)

DAY THREE

After breakfast, we’ll travel north to play St. Patrick's Links. It's approximately 90 minutes to the Northern tip of the Island. Golfers have been travelling to Rosapenna since the late 19th century, when the Old Tom Morris Links was ranked 3rd in the British Isles, behind only The Old Course at St Andrews and The Royal County Down Golf Club. With the addition of the hotel soon after the Old Tom Morris Links opened in 1893, Rosapenna is the true first golf resort in the world.

The St Patrick's Links is routed in the adjoining dune system just south of the existing two courses at Rosapenna. Originally encompassing 36 holes, Tom Doak has fashioned 18 unrecognisable and unforgettable holes over the same tract of land. The result? A sprawling links that is destined to become a modern great. It sits on the most magnificent piece of links land - massive scale, west coast of Ireland scenery, with enough variety in dimension to present a real diversity of golf holes. The routing takes golfers on a journey through massive dunes, to high above Sheephaven Bay, along the coast, then back over some more gentle dunes... and that's just the front nine! With plenty of width and an eclectic mix of naturalised bunkers, the course is unlike anything in the UK & Ireland... or anywhere else for that matter. Return to the Mill Park Hotel and explore many of the fine pubs and restaurants in town for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL (B)

DAY FOUR

After breakfast, travel through Killybegs, one of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports, with its picturesque harbor and vibrant seafaring culture. Continue through the village of Teelin to the awe-inspiring Slieve League Cliffs, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Admire the dramatic views as the cliffs plunge nearly 2,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering vistas that surpass even the iconic Cliffs of Moher. We will journey through the ruggedly beautiful Glencolmcille, known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, before arriving in Ardara. Visit Triona Design, a family-run business where you can observe traditional hand-weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations. We will conclude the day with a scenic drive through Glengesh Pass, a winding mountain route with breathtaking views, and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Donegal Town, rich in history and charm. Return to the Mill Park Hotel and explore many of the fine pubs and restaurants in town for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B, L, D)

DAY FIVE

After breakfast, we will make our way south to play at Cruit Island, about 40 minutes farther north from Portnoo on the Donegal Coast, lies a golf course that can best be described as simply an indisputable fact–the greatest 9-hole course on earth. This is Cruit Island Golf Club (pronounced “Crutch” Island), a layout that wins the title of “THE most Hidden Links” not only in Ireland but perhaps the entire British Isles. Connected to the coast by a short causeway, the setting at Cruit Island Golf Club rivals and perhaps even exceeds in some ways places like Old Head and Pebble Beach, with a green fee that is literally 1/10th of the price. A round here at Cruit Island Golf Club could well be the most memorable round you will ever experience. Case in point–the following quote comes from Mr. Michael J. Considine, who was instructed under no circumstances not to miss his appointed round at Cruit Island, no matter how difficult it was to squeeze it in. Here were his remarks: “CRUIT ISLAND — what a place — indescribable — photos will not do it justice; 6th hole could be the most scenic hole in the world; you were right — this was a highlight of the trip; sunset round in scenic solitude; could not believe this hidden gem in the middle of nowhere (the gents at Narin & Portnoo tried to talk us out of driving to Cruit Island after our round, but we refused to listen to their enticements of rest and Guinness); we marched in at dusk to a standing ovation in the clubhouse; memorable indeed.” Your experience will be much the same.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B)

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DAY SIX

After lunch, we drive an hour south to Rosses Point County Sligo Golf Club, designed by Harry S. Colt in 1927. This course should automatically be mentioned in the same breath as the other great, old, and historic Irish golf courses. More commonly referred to as Rosses Point, set right in the heart of Yeats Country, County Sligo Golf Club combines spectacular, challenging golf with playability for the average golfer, and if not for its location in the northwest, away from the other famous links, County Sligo Golf Club might well be regarded as one of Ireland’s top 3 golf courses. The first two holes at County Sligo Golf Club climb a towering hill, leading to two incredible downhill tee shots on the 3rd and 5th. The rest of the County Sligo course plays down along the shore, with beautiful, flat-topped Ben Bulben towering over the links, providing one of the most scenic backdrops to be found in Irish golf. County Sligo Golf Club culminates with what we think is the most difficult par-4 in Ireland, the 17th. It is an uphill, dogleg-left, 450-yarder, with the prevailing wind right to left, and a hill just off the left of the fairway that is guaranteed to ensure no shot whatsoever if you venture even a yard too far left (as we did!). County Sligo Golf Club calls to mind Royal Dornoch in Scotland with its impeccable grooming around the elevated greens, many of which are turtle-back in design, with fringes shaved close, repelling even the slightest mishit or offline approach back down the slopes. The County Sligo Golf Club clubhouse, a quaint Tudor design with two large putting clocks, is one of a handful of real classics in Ireland. County Sligo, like Ballybunion and Royal County Down, should be a “given” to include on an Ireland golf tour, limited only by location, but you won’t regret a visit! County Sligo Golf Club is a very special place indeed!

Return to The Mill Park Hotel, Donegal Town.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B)

DAY SEVEN

After breakfast, we drive 10 minutes to reach Donegal Golf Club for the final round on the tour, located out on the Murvagh Peninsula near Donegal town, suggesting none of the immense difficulty you are about to encounter on this challenging and beautiful course. One of the longer tracks in Ireland, Donegal Golf Club is somewhat of a hybrid: the front nine is traditional links, with an exceptionally memorable stretch from the 5th to the 8th. At the same time, Donegal’s back nine is more inland in flavor, not quite links and not quite parkland, with hazards and features from both styles of golf. Donegal Golf Club’s most famous hole is the “Valley of Tears” par-3 5th, a lengthy carry over the valley to a beautifully situated but tough-to-hit green nestled in the dunes. Pat Ruddy has been brought in to shore up the back nine and has made terrific use of a natural burn to make for some more highly memorable holes. Sitting right in the middle of one of our favorite clusters of golf in Ireland, Donegal Golf Club is an ideal “home base” for playing other great Northwest Ireland links like Ballyliffin, Narin & Portnoo, and County Sligo. Join your fellow travelers for the farewell group dinner at the hotel tonight.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL DONEGAL (B, D)

DAY EIGHT

After breakfast, I recommend driving 90 minutes to visit the city of Derry and explore

with a local guide, and you will learn about the city’s history as you walk on the historic 400-year-old walls. Your guide will cover everything from the 6th-century Christian Settlement to the Siege of 1689 and the modern-day troubles. I recommend walking across the Peace Bridge, crossing the River Foyle, for a tour and lunch at the Walled City Brewery.

OVERNIGHT: THE MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL TOWN (B)

DAY NINE

Sadly, our adventures are over, and we‛re very sorry to see you go! Your coach driver will get you to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight and clear customs and immigration, avoiding the long lines you might encounter in America. There is ample duty-free shopping available at the airport for any last-minute gifts or mementos. Thank you for trusting us once again with your vacation and we certainly hope you had a great time.