Ireland’s Iconic Golf, Partner-Approved Days
Why Ireland is the dream destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Golf trips shouldn’t feel like you golf and they wait. They should feel like a vacation you share, just in parallel for a few hours.
In Ireland, that looks like sea air and cafés while you chase birdies, a lake cruise on a links day, a ruin-on-a-cliff moment up north, spa and river time near the city, and a Burren walk when the wind kicks up in Clare.
You meet later over something warm and good, trade stories, and nobody feels like a tagalong. That’s the rhythm we’re after.
Here’s how we would plan for some of Ireland’s famous golf courses.
Old Head, Kinsale, County Cork
Old Head is the drama shot. A headland in the Atlantic, cliff edges, sea on three sides. It’s why golfers travel here. While you chase birdies, your partner gets a genuinely great Kinsale day. They can visit Charles Fort and enjoy a taste at Kinsale Meade.
Basing in Cork? No problem, check out St. Anne’s, Saint Finbarr’s, and explore the English Market.
Insider Tip: Book a late-afternoon tee time, the Atlantic views at sunset are unforgettable.
Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville - all in Co. Kerry
Base in Killarney and you can slot three legends without making the rest of the group live in a car. You play dunes and drama at Ballybunion, Arnold Palmer’s canvas at Tralee, and that Ring of Kerry magic at Waterville.
Meanwhile, partner days are effortless here, Lakes of Killarney boat rides, Ross Castle, short scenic walks, a garden or two, tea in town, and photo stops that actually look like the postcards. Build one pure shared day for Muckross House and the National Park.
Partner Tip: For a perfect non-golf morning, enjoy coffee in town, then a lakeside stroll before meeting up for dinner.
Royal Portrush, Co Antrim
Portrush is pedigree, full stop. While you take on links that hosted The Open, your partner has one of the island’s best day routes, Dunluce Castle for the moody ruin-on-a-cliff moment, Giant’s Causeway for a quick hexagon wander, a tasting in Bushmills, then a slow coastal drive with view breaks that feel unreal.
Meet in Portrush or Portstewart for a pub dinner and a debrief you both enjoy.
Don’t Miss: A stop at Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.
The K Club, County Kildare
Two Arnold Palmer courses and serious credentials, yes. Also, it is a real-deal country estate. You play. Your partner does spa time, a garden stroll, maybe a boat ride on the River Liffey or a hawk walk.
If Dublin is calling, it’s close enough for a museum-and-café loop without stressing the timing. Everyone meets for a long, easy dinner, comparing scorecard highs and massage-induced bliss, and nobody feels like they “waited around.”
Must-Try: Afternoon tea in the K Club’s Drawing Room, it’s a classic Irish indulgence.
Lahinch, Co Clare
Lahinch has personality, wind, and stories. While you’re out there, send your partner to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher, either walking along the cliffs or hopping on a cruise to see them from below.
Then of course, explore the Burren nearby. Pop into the Tearoom there for a cup and shop at the Burren Perfumery.
Why Go: A pure west coast gem where golf meets wild Atlantic beauty.
Adare Manor, County Limerick
Adare is your inland ace. A polished, parkland round for you, a full estate day for them. Think spa treatments or activities like falconry, archery, or fishing. Plus you have the charming village right there, ready for a stroll.
And with Adare Manor hosting the Ryder Cup in 2027, bragging rights are baked in.
Insider Tip: Even non-golfers love the falconry experience, book early, it fills fast.
How to pace it so nobody burns out
Work in some non-golf days so everyone gets full days of quality time together. On golf days we’ll arrange sightseeing or spa treatments and tastings to mirror tee times.
FAQ About Iconic Golf
Q: When is the sweet spot for weather and daylight?
Late spring through early autumn is kind. Summer has the longest daylight.
Q:Are carts common?
Ireland is a walking culture for golf. Buggies are limited and often require a medical certificate. Caddies add course knowledge and pace.
Q: Do we bring our own clubs?
You can bring your own or rent from the courses. Just let us know and we can plan accordingly.
Q: How far in advance should we book?
Earlier is safer, especially for Old Head, Ballybunion, and Royal Portrush. Tee sheets at icons tighten fast in peak months.
Q; Driver-guide or self-drive?
Can be either, but we always recommend having a driver guide for ease.
Q: What do partners actually do while golfers on the green?
Honestly, there is no shortage of options, coastal walks, castles, tastings, spa time, gardens, short boat rides, galleries, and markets. Relaxing days, and you can meet up for dinner.
Plan with North & Leisure
Tell us who’s playing, who’s pausing, and how they like to travel. We will build the tee times and the partner days so the whole trip feels like a highlight reel.