I'm not a golfer and even so, this itinerary to Ireland is incredible and I would hop along in a heartbeat!

Day 1: City of Cork

Steeped in history and brimming with character, Cork is one of Ireland’s most captivating cities.

Cork is not only a city of heritage—it’s also the undisputed culinary capital of Ireland. Your food tour will meander through its cobbled lanes and riverside walkways to discover a world of gourmet experiences. From Michelin-starred dining to artisan bakeries and traditional Irish fare, Cork’s culinary scene is built on centuries-old traditions and the bounty of County Cork’s rich agricultural lands.

Day 2: Old Head: A Coastal Masterpiece

Carved into the raw beauty of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline, this course is nothing short of legendary. Set upon a breath-taking 220-acre promontory, surrounded on all sides by crashing waves and infinite ocean horizons, it offers what many consider to be the most dramatic golf setting in the UK and Ireland.

With the vision of John O’Connor and his brother Patrick, the club has evolved into a globally recognized and coveted golfing destination—a place where the majesty of nature meets the precision of championship course design. Rugged, windswept, and utterly unforgettable, this is golf at its most elemental.

Each hole delivers a visual and technical feast, but none more so than the iconic 17th hole, "The Lighthouse"—a soaring, cliff-edge par 4 that has become a rite of passage for all who play here. With the ever-shifting sea breeze and panoramic ocean views, it offers a challenge as thrilling as it is humbling.

Yet despite its grandeur, the course remains a fair test for all, rewarding creativity and courage from both seasoned pros and ambitious amateurs. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, every round here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the wild, untamed spirit of links golf.

(Required handicap: Gentlemen 24 & Ladies 36)

Day 3: Mozzarello & Meadows

Step off the beaten path and into the lush heart of West Cork for an exclusive visit to Ireland’s only buffalo dairy farm, home to a herd unlike any other. Hosted by the local farmer, this intimate experience offers a rare glimpse into the artisanal world of buffalo mozzarella—crafted fresh each morning at dawn.

Stroll through rolling pastures, breathe in the crisp country air, and watch majestic water buffalo graze peacefully among wildflowers and native wildlife. Learn the remarkable story of how these animals came to thrive in Ireland, explore the milking parlour and cheese dairy, and witness the delicate artistry behind each handmade wheel.

The journey ends on a delicious note—with a private tasting of fresh, creamy mozzarella, a true farm-to-table indulgence.

Adare Manor - On my bucket list of properties to stay at.

The property’s beautiful estate includes walled gardens and unspoiled parklands. Enhanced through careful landscaping, it creates a magical backdrop for a range of on-site activities, including an 18-hole championship golf course, padel tennis, swimming pool, archery, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, fishing on the River Maigue, and several walking trails.

In this stunning Irish setting and with a hearty dose of fresh air, indulge in wonderful country pursuits. Highlights could include:

• Irish Gundog Experience – Enjoy a unique gundog experience which celebrates Adare Manor’s sporting heritage, by meeting some gorgeous and impressively trained Irish Labradors. This charming activity will allow you to watch the dogs demonstrate their obedience, agility and ability to work as part of a team, before learning how to handle the dogs yourself.

• Falconry: The aptly named ‘sport of kings’, often including falcons, owls and eagles; in full flight they are spectacular. Venture into the walled garden and experience flying one of these magnificent birds of prey and then feeling it land on a gloved fist with all the weight of a feather.

• Fly fishing: Accompanied by an expert ghillie, spend a few hours fishing on the estate. Whether you are an expert or complete novice, their expert guidance will ensure an enjoyable, and hopefully successful, fishing trip. The fast-flowing River Maigue runs through the heart of the estate and is home to an abundance of trout and salmon when in season.

And SO much more.

Day 4: The Old Course, Ballybunion

Few courses require introduction, but Ballybunion’s Old Course stands as a true icon of the golfing world—celebrated for its undulating fairways, windswept dunes, and breathtaking Atlantic vistas. Steeped in history and natural beauty, this legendary links invites players to experience golf in its purest form.

The revered Tom Watson, Ballybunion’s captain in 2000, famously remarked upon his first round: “A man might think the game of golf originated here... there appears to be no manmade influence. It looks like the course was laid out in the 10th century.” He went on to declare it “one of the best and most beautiful tests of links golf anywhere in the world.”

For golfers who seek a course where nature, history, and challenge converge, Ballybunion remains unparalleled.

 (Required handicap: Gentlemen 24 & Ladies 36)

Day 5: Where Champions Play: A Golfer's Paradise

Experience golf at its most refined on one of Ireland’s most exhilarating courses—an 18-hole championship masterpiece reimagined by legendary architect Tom Fazio. Every green and tee has been meticulously sculpted, creating a parkland course where every hole could be the signature. It’s no wonder the world’s eyes will turn here when the Ryder Cup arrives in 2027.

After your round, retreat to The Carriage House, a jazz-age inspired clubhouse exuding quiet opulence. Indulge in world-class cuisine, savor a rare Irish whiskey, or enjoy a fine cigar in the intimate lounge. For sweeping fairway views, the Terrace offers the perfect sunset perch.

For connoisseurs of golf and grandeur alike, this is a destination designed to impress—on and off the green.

Day 6: Island Enchantment: A Private Castle Retreat

Hidden away on its own tiny, boat-access-only island, this 16th-century castle offers a rare glimpse into Ireland’s storied past—wrapped in exquisite restoration and timeless romance.

Once a crumbling ruin, the castle has been lovingly brought back to life by private owners Pat and Mary, using original stonework and historic detailing discovered on-site.

Now a secluded summer residence, this atmospheric escape is accessible only by water, making any visit feel like stepping into a storybook. Surrounded by still waters and whispering trees, it’s a serene, off-the-grid experience that few will ever witness—and none will forget.

Private, personal, and profoundly magical, it’s Ireland at its most intimate.

Day 7: Edge of the World: The Cliffs of Moher Experience

A crown jewel of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cliffs of Moher rise nearly 700 feet above the roaring Atlantic, offering a view so vast and untamed, it has been likened to a prehistoric lookout at the edge of Europe.

Designated a Special Protection Area, the cliffs are also a sanctuary for thousands of cliff-nesting seabirds—nature’s silent spectators to centuries of history.

Wander along the rugged paths carved by wind and time, and if the skies are kind, continue on to the historic O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th-century Victorian viewing point perched at the cliffs' highest elevation.

There are two additional golf courses on this itinerary plus some more really special experiences. Message me if this sounds like your bucket list!