Planning a seaside self-catering holiday with golf courses nearby so that you can enjoy your favourite pastime during your days off?
Golf and Ireland go hand in hand, don’t they? Think of some of the legendary Irish players of past and present; Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and of course relatively recent prodigy Rory Mcllroy, to name but a few. However, Ireland has much more to offer than just this sport. There is plenty to do throughout this great island, not just for golf enthusiasts but for the whole family to get involved in to enjoy a busy yet relaxing break.
You may be thinking about renting an independent country cottage for your family so that you know you have good quality accommodation to make yourselves at home in. This suits people with a car who are happy to arrange their own days out from their holiday home and also a few rounds on a golf course. It is not unusual for mum to take the kids to the beach whilst dad plays a few rounds.
Sometimes, golf clubs have their own holiday accommodation to rent, perhaps chalets or log cabins beside the course.
Bigger holiday parks with lots of cottages or lodges may also have a golf course or putting green included in their list of facilities.
Going to Ireland on holiday means that there is a good chance of finding golf courses close to any accommodation so that it’s probably best to find somewhere to rent that will please the family and check the distances to the nearest golf courses.
Portrush in Northern Ireland is one of those seaside resort towns in that may be small in stature but big in history, massive in sensational views and enormous in things to do. The perfect environment for you and your family to stay for a short while. Situated on a mile-long peninsula that extends into the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Portrush offers unforgettable panoramic views of the nearby and world famous Causeway Coast as well as the iconic Donegal hills, which have been mentioned in many an Irish folk song. But it’s not just about the scenery. This is a family holiday after all! Your kids will love the thrills and spills of Waterworld; Northern Ireland’s number one indoor water attraction that’s right in the heart of the town centre, whereas beach lovers can take their pick of three sandy areas including the unique Whiterocks Beach which is overseen by caves, arches and beautiful limestone cliffs.
Ok. So we have to mention golf. Portrush is famous for it. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to two links courses; the challenging 7000 yard Dunluce Course, a championship 18 holes that rank among the world’s best and the Valley Course, a shorter but equally as scenic hidden gem. Why not stay next to this 120-year-old club in a charming holiday cottage and hear the clink of those first tee shots from your comfy deckchair, perched on your private terraced patio? Or if you’re sick of golf, you could relax with the family indoors and watch your favourite boxset on the plasma TV in your spacious living room. Pyjamas and duvets encouraged. Intimate family time achieved.
You can’t embark on a trip here without a stay in Republic of Ireland’s beautiful capital of Dublin. However, make it a long one as there is so much for the family to do in this amazing coastal city. Must-see places include the historic Dublin Castle, an inspired adventure back in time for young and old and an enjoyable trip around Ireland’s most prestigious university, Trinity College. Maybe it will inspire your kids to work harder at school. Who knows! Dad will also relish a look inside The Guinness Storehouse and a pint of Ireland’s most famous drink afterwards in the top floor Gravity Bar. Just make sure he doesn’t stagger off to another one of the many traditional Irish pubs afterwards. As well as its vibrant city life, Dublin boasts an array of bustling yet picturesque port and fishing towns like Skerries and Dun Laoghaire, which feel a million miles away from the city but are in retrospect just around the corner. Think about your own self catered holiday apartment here, with a modern fully functional kitchen and a lush green garden that provides scintillating views of the bay. Picture yourself relaxing freely in your own little luxurious stress-free haven, and yet when the time comes to get up and go, you’re just a short walk away from a plethora of family fuelled activities, as well as the local pub. You are in Ireland after all aren’t you?
If golf is a main reason for your trip to Dublin, then lots of coastal courses are here right at your fingertips. The Royal Dublin Golf Club, located 4 miles away from the city centre and on a small piece of wildlife friendly land called Bull Island, is arguably the most famous in the area. A tricky course with impeccable greens and typically stunning Irish coastal views, it is a favourite haunt of ex US President Bill Clinton and iconic rockstar, Bono. Just watch out for those ‘fore’ shouts when you’re standing and staring at the long stretch of glorious sands on Dollymount Beach, trying to pick out the rest of the family building sandcastles and eating ice lollies.
Delve more in a south west direction and you’ll stumble upon the delights of County Kerry; the ideal sanctuary for families wanting that all important mix of relaxation and inspiration for fun filled activities. Accommodation in this part of the world is easy to find. A lot of the cottages having been elevated for those extra special photo worthy opportunities of the amazing coastline, as well as of the countryside and the mountains. Can you think of anything better than enjoying your homemade Irish breakfast in your bright and fully insulated kitchen and watching the world go by? Well maybe being slumped on your reclining sofa, next to that hypnotising open fire in your high-ceilinged living room. Pure, unadulterated bliss. But don’t hang around and dilly dally too much. There’s a great buzz of activity in County Kerry that you and the family need to explore. Not only is it a sporting haven with seas that are perfect for sailing and windsurfing in, as well as golf courses like the world-famous Waterville Golf Links on your doorstep but also there’s the lively tourism hub of Killarney and Dingle. For you sci-fi fans, Dingle was also a setting for part of the popular Star Wars: The Force Awakens film that was released last year. A great fact, that is.
Yes, County Kerry is awash with arguably the finest scenery in Ireland but let’s not forget about the kids. Treat them to a day out in Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, where the fantastic Gentoo Penguin display and various touch tanks will keep children entertained for hours. As well as new species arriving this year like corn snakes and juvenile saltwater crocodiles, the aquarium also holds the country’s largest collection of sharks. Just keep your fingers crossed and hope they don’t all spill out into the Irish Sea!
As you can see, Ireland is a country well worth visiting on your family holiday. Whether you want to just relax on your private terrace, play a round of golf or do a whirlwind tourism tour, it provides in great abundance what you most desire. This highly popular country brought us a never-ending group of widespread and influential personalities like James Joyce, George Best and U2. Why not book your coastal cottage today and come join that list?
Holiday homes in Kerry, Ireland