Cycle Golf Ireland 2010

May 27-June 8

If you come to Ireland to golf, you may hear the story about Mick O'Loughlin, a County Clare butcher who spent more time playing at the Lahinch Golf Club than behind his meat counter. "He can't be making much money," a visitor remarked, upon hearing where Mick could usually be found. Came the reply: "Maybe not, but he's sure making plenty of friends." There is no better way to see the southwestern part of Ireland than to cycle from one premier golf course to the next. This tour will combine the best that Ireland has to offer in golf and cycling.

In the last 10 years, Ireland has invested nearly $400 million in a gambit to become Europe's premier golf destination. While its you-know-who neighbor to the northeast still has more courses, Ireland's 330 … and counting … are gorgeously scenic, designed by golf's greatest, and guarantee the welcoming warmth of Mick O'Loughlin and friends.

DAY 1:
Evening depart from US to Shannon International Airport. Dinner and breakfast served in flight.

DAY 2:
AM arrival in Shannon. Two and a half hour transfer to the lively town of Killarney, population 10,000. Killarney is located in the southwestern corner of Ireland with its three famous lakes reflecting the ever changing skies above the great mountain ranges. Killarney has been the inspiration of poets and painters for many centuries, and now it is also a thriving commercial and tourist center. The food and singing pubs are at their best here. It will allow us time to get our bikes and recover from our jet lag. Optional afternoon of cycling or golf. Cycling is a great way to explore the famous lakes of Killarney, St. Mary's Cathedral, franciscan Friary, Deenack Lodge, Ros Castle, Muchross Abbey and Kellegy Church. Shopping in Killarney is wonderful...always an option.

DAY 3:
Killarney Golf Course or Ring of Kerry “Killarney is one of those rare golf courses on which great golf and real visual splendor combine to provide an unforgettable experience.” -Tony Jacklin
There are two courses here: the Killeen Course, host of the 1992 Irish Open, and Mahoney's Point, set along the shores of Lough Leane. Killeen is longer. Mahoney's puts a premium on accuracy. despite the abundance of seaside links, many well traveled golfers name Killarney their favorite place to play in Ireland.

DAY 4:
Killarney to Sneem. Cycle. Today we’ll start our bike tour around the Ring of Kerry. From Killarney we’ll take the famous boats from the Lakes of Killarney to the Gap of Dunloe. ‘The views of the lakes and the Killarney National Park are spectacular from the Lake and the Gap. Our final destination for the day is the village of Sneem. We’ll spend the night at the Bank House with Margaret and Noel, and if we’re lucky, see Maureen O’hara on a summer vacation. Sneem has a pitch and putt golf course, panda bear statues, a great place to buy hand knit Irish sweaters, and was just recently the winner of the Irish Tourist Board National Tidy Town Competition. Distance: from 15-35 miles.

DAY 5, 6 & 7:
Sneem to Portmagee. Cycle. From Sneem we'll follow the beautiful coast south through the quaint villages of Castlecave (a small resort with fine sandy beaches and the imposing reins of Staigue Fort, one of Ireland's finest archaeological remains), cxatherdaniel (home of the Daniel O' Connell "the Liberator" who lived and worked there during his political life), and Westcove. The descent into the village of Waterville is unforgettable; cliffs overlooking sandy beaches and the mighty Atlantic. From Waterville the major town along this road is the Irish speaking village of Ballinskelligs. Irish children come here in the summer to an Irish College to learn to speak Gaelic (the traditional Irish language). A side trip down to the southwest to Bolus Head is definitely in order...we'll explore the remains of Kilreleis Monastic settlement and a great old cemetery where you might find some of your ancestors. The last pass before Portmagee is Coomanaspig Pass. When we arrive at the top, Finnans Bay will open up before our eyes--One of the most beautiful views in Ireland. Distance: 15-45

—Waterville. "Waterville is a beautiful monster. One of the golfing wonders of the worls" -Claude Harman.
Waterville is one of the oldest Irish clubs (founded in 1897) and is considered one of the best in Ireland. It is considered a championship links...beautiful yet pure...a mystical experience. Links land is a geological rarity. Less than one percent of all courses in Europe are championship links. Waterville is honored to be included among the very best of these prestigious Golf World surveys. There is one thing you should know before you play...the first hole of this course is aptly named "Last Easy" At 7,184 yards from the tips, Waterville is the longest course in Ireland or Briton, and it is generally regarded as the toughest test. Now the good news, the scenery is so majestic you may not care what your score is approaching the yardage. Six holes run along the cliffs by the sea surrounding the other 12, which have a tranquil, if not soft, feel to them.

Day 8 & 9:
Portmagee to Dingle. Cycling. Today we head to the village of Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula. This peninsula has been described as having "more interesting antiquates, historic sites, and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland. With its Irish speaking district and rich cultural heritage, it is an area of more than ordinary interest." Dingle is the most westerly town in Ireland. Lying partly at the foot of a steep slope on the north side of the Dingle Harbor, and it is bounded on three sides by hills, which towards the north, culminated in Mount Brandon. Though this town is used to tourists and seems progressive, it still retains much of its old world atmosphere. Some of its 53 pubs are the same as they were 100 years ago, and we are guaranteed to have some of the best traditional music in Ireland. Distance 17-65 miles.

Dingle. Golf, optional activities. The Dingle golf course is a smaller course, but is situated in one of the most scenic areas of Ireland. There's lots of local color here and few tourists. The afternoon will be spent with optional activities: An archaeological tour of the peninsula, cycling out to Sleigh head where we'll find beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and small quaint Irish speaking hamlets (both "Far and Away" and "Ryans Daughter" were filmed out here), or a swim with the famous porpoise Fungi. This guy got lost several years ago and ended up in the Dingle Harbor and never left. He is now the main attraction. Grab a wet suit and swim with him.

Day 10
Dingle-Ballybunion-Shannon. "Ballybunion is a course on which many golf architects should live and play before they build golf courses. I consider it a true test of golf." -Tom Watson

An early morning departure from Dingle to Ballybunion for a morning round. There are two separate courses here: The Old Course and the Cashen Course. Ballybunion is one of the finest courses in the world. The Old Course was a virtual unknown until Herbert Warren Wind sang its praises in 1968, and today Ballybunion is universally regarded as one of golf's holiest grounds. After golf we'll transfer to Doolin for an evening of wonderful Irish music.

Day 11:
Shannon to Lahinch. Lahnich will make the finest and most popular courses that I or I believe anyone else ever constructed. An afternoon of golf at what I consider, the hardest golf course I ever played!!!!This is another of the great courses in the west of Ireland with the famous Cliffs of Mohr as a backdrop. Night in Lahnich with Victor and Margaret at the Greenbrier B&B.

Day 12:
Transfer to Shannon for departures back to the US or elsewhere!

Please note the cycling distances. We try to accommodate all levels of cycling and we want you to feel comfortable with your own cycling level. There is lower mileage for those not wanting too much of a challenge and more mileage for those who want it all. There is always the sat wagon for support!

Itinerary Subject to Change