“What great craic!” (Pronounced ‘crack,’ craic is an Irish term for fun, laughter, good company, and an all-around great time!) It's a perfect expression for the Ireland experience described in the blog!
I come to you from the beautiful Emerald Isle of Ireland! I was fortunate to represent Upon A Star Travel & Concierge on a FAM (familiarization) trip to Ireland with EI Travel Group for a golf-intensive adventure.
I flew overnight from DFW to Dublin on a nonstop flight. Upon arrival, I hopped on the Dublin Express bus which drops you right in the heart of Dublin for just €10 per person. (Note: Taxis are also available from the airport and aren’t terribly expensive. Good option if you have a lot of luggage or don’t feel comfortable with public transportation!)
I spent my first night in Dublin's famous and lively Temple Bar area at The Morgan Hotel. While in Dublin, I explored St. Stephen's Green, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Jameson Distillery. Dublin is a very walkable city with a safe and efficient public transportation system.
The next morning, our adventure with EI Travel Group began! One of the first things they explained was that this experience was designed to give us the same perspective our travel guests would have on an organized tour with them, so we got to experience this exactly as you would. The itinerary also focused on exploring some areas of Ireland that are sometimes overlooked when planning golf vacations.
Dunboyne: Castles, Golf, and Irish Hospitality
We made our way about an hour outside Dublin to the small town of Dunboyne where we spent a few nights at Dunboyne Castle Hotel. This was a lovely property with a wonderful restaurant and spa. It was also just a five-minute walk into the charming town of Dunboyne where we enjoyed authentic live Irish music one evening.
During our stay, we played Killeen Castle Golf Club and the Montgomerie Course at Carton House. Both properties also offer beautiful hotel accommodations that I would highly recommend.
These are considered parkland-style courses, meaning they are inland rather than the traditional Irish links-style courses. Both were in excellent condition and certainly put our golf skills to the test!
Galway: Spectacular Views and World-Class Golf
Next, we headed west to Galway and stayed at the stunning Hawthorn on Galway Bay. This hotel had undergone a complete renovation less than a year before our visit, and it was spectacular!
From the exceptional service and spa to the delicious food and world-class Galway Bay Golf Resort next door, everything about this property was impressive. And the views overlooking Galway Bay were absolutely beautiful.
Sligo: Traditional Irish Charm and Incredible Links Courses
Our next stop took us north to Sligo, where we spent three nights at The Glasshouse Hotel. The hotel is perfectly situated along the Garavogue River which flows toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Sligo is exactly what I envision when I picture a traditional Irish town. Charming coffee shops, lively pubs, and wonderful restaurants were all just steps from our hotel.
While in this part of the country, we played Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club, and Strandhill Golf Club. All three courses were unbelievable!
Although each was a links-style course, they all had their own unique character. Strandhill was my personal favorite. It's located in the small coastal town of Strandhill known as one of Europe's great surfing destinations. The huge waves rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean are quite a sight!
Strandhill is also known for its traditional seaweed baths, a unique Irish wellness experience that is still offered at several locations around town.
Athlone: A Memorable Final Stop
For our final night, we headed southeast to Athlone and stayed at the Hodson Bay Hotel. I only wish we had more time to enjoy both the hotel and the surrounding area!
The hospitality of the staff was unmatched. The hotel sits along the shores of Lough Ree offering beautiful waterfront views and incredible sunrises.
Guests arrive not only by car but also by boat traveling along the River Shannon into Lough Ree and docking near the hotel!
Athlone is also home to Sean's Bar widely recognized as the oldest pub in Ireland and often described as the oldest pub in the world!
The People Made the Experience
The hotels and golf courses were truly among the best I've experienced in my many years of travel. But what made this trip especially memorable were the people.
Our bus driver, guide, singer, fellow golfer, and all-around craic creator, Edel, along with EI Travel Group owner and tour operator Keith, made this adventure something special.
Their knowledge of Ireland's culture, history, and the people in each town was incredible. Every day, they introduced us to someone local who shared something unique about the area.
From "Shambles" guiding us through the ancient Carrowmore Tombs to a local merino wool sock maker who presented us with handmade socks, it was these thoughtful little touches that made the experience with EI Travel Group so magnificent.
Ireland Is So Much More Than Golf!
While this particular adventure was primarily golf-focused, EI Travel Group can partner with Upon A Star Travel & Concierge to create an unforgettable Irish vacation tailored to just about any interest.
Whether you're interested in history, castles, distilleries, traditional Irish music, culinary experiences, hiking, golf, or a combination of it all, Ireland has so much to offer.
I'm already planning a group trip for 2027 to return and discover even more of this breathtaking country!
Ready to experience Ireland for yourself? Whether you're dreaming of a golf getaway or an entirely different Irish adventure, the travel advisors at Upon A Star Travel & Concierge would love to help you plan your own unforgettable experience.
Travel more. Explore the world. Make memories. Play lots of golf!
Ready to plan your next vacation? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor or contact us via our website.
