Tag: ireland

The Irish Tourist Economy

Mhairi

Our UK PerryGolf office may be based in Scotland, but as Ireland is another of the world’s most popular golfing destinations, we are constantly in contact with our suppliers over there.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in New York City
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in New York City

With the presence of St. Patrick’s Day (and festive ‘tourist drive’ parades being held in New York and Los Angeles), we are always reminded of the Irish culture and it was very interesting to read a recent report on the present economic stance of the country.

With the realization that Ireland is now perceived as a very expensive country to visit, many of the higher-end accommodations are looking to lower their rates quite markedly alongside the special offers in place for customers.  With this proactive approach, and Ireland making a concerted effort to promote the country once again, hopefully golfers will not feel they have to miss out on some of the best courses in the world.

For further reading, click here.

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O’Callaghan Hotels, Dublin

PerryGolf Staff

Dublin City Centre is the perfect place to be based for a few nights as you can play some of the great courses in the surrounding area – Portmarnock, European Club, The Island, K-Club and County Louth to name but a few.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin City Centre

It’s also a city blessed with five star properties; however, as is the case with all major cities, these can prove to be on the expensive side for the average traveller.  There are however excellent, yet relatively inexpensive options in the city centre  courtesy of the O’Callaghan Group; a privately owned Irish group of hotels.  They own four properties, all in ideal locations within the city centre; either overlooking Merrion Square or Stephen’s Green; making them perfect for exploring the city’s fantastic shops, sights, restaurants and bars.

The Davenport Hotel
The Davenport Hotel

The 4 star properties include the traditional Davenport, the contemporary Alexander, the boutique style Stephen’s Green and the charming Mont Clare.

With something for every type of traveller, and at great prices, one of the hotels is bound to suit.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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The Birthplace of Guinness

PerryGolf Staff

A trip to Dublin is a must when visiting the Emerald Isle.  Whilst there, I recommend you take in all that the city has to offer; whether it be the history, local sights, the amazing cuisine or the local liquor.  On a recent trip there, I decided to do some sightseeing associated with the latter.  Everyone is familiar with Ireland’s number one export “Guinness” and the associated side effects.  I therefore decided to educate myself on the origins of this beer and the brewing process.

The Guinness Factory
The Guinness Factory
The Galaxy Bar in the Guiness Storehouse
The Galaxy Bar in the Guiness Storehouse

The museum is shaped to resemble a pint glass and is set over 7 floors, enclosed in one of the original brewing storehouses in Dublin.  The tour educates you about every single aspect of the brewing process and the history/origins of this national drink.  If, like me, the idea of climbing seven floors makes your knees shake, please do not let this put you off,  as at the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold…and this is no exception.  Upon scaling the dizzy heights you are rewarded with a free pint of Guinness in The Gravity Bar, where you can relax and take in the best view the city has to offer.

Click here to read all about the Guinness Storehouse.

By Jonny Ferguson.  Jonny has been with PerryGolf for over 2 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Should I take a Caddie?

PerryGolf Staff

A question we are often asked by our clients is if they should take a caddie or not; and with the average caddie fee being around $60-$70 per round (not including tip) it is a good question.  This is especially relevant in Scotland where caddies do not double-bag, and Ireland where fees are per bag.

A caddie providing useful advice
Caddies are invaluable where experience of the course is required

At PerryGolf we always recommend that our clients take caddies as they add significantly to the enjoyment of a round.  Apart from the obvious benefit of them carrying your bag, looking for your ball, raking bunkers and cleaning clubs, etc, they make negotiating, particularly links-style courses, much easier.  They obviously assist in club selection based on distances, but links courses are often played in windy conditions where experience is absolutely essential.  They are also able to help you tackle the blind shots that can arise on a links course as well as reading the (at times) severely undulating or large greens.  I am sure many will agree that a caddie has saved them a few putts on the double greens of the Old Course at St. Andrews!  All of this comes before you have even heard some of the great stories they have to tell from past experiences.  They can give a visitor real enjoyment beyond the golf and give some local-insider knowledge to a trip… not least the best pubs to visit!!

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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The Village of Kinsale, Ireland

PerryGolf Staff
The village of Kinsale
The village of Kinsale

No trip to the South West of Ireland would be complete without a visit to the village of Kinsale. It’s a beautiful fishing village only 20 minutes from Old Head Golf Links, arguably Ireland’s most scenic golf course with Cork and the world famous Blarney Castle only 20 minutes in the other direction. It is however more commonly knows for its fantastic restaurants, with the village often being referred to as the gourmet capital of Ireland. With seafood as the unsurprising speciality, you’re spoiled for choice everywhere you look whether you’re after a Michelin Star meal or simply a great bowl of chowder for lunch.

By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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