SUGGESTED 11-DAY “HIDDEN GEMS” OF IRELAND GOLF ITINERARY     DAY 1: ARRIVAL. Guests arrive at either Belfast or Dublin airport and are met by a top class driver/guide in a 29-seat air-conditioned luxury private coach, before being transferred directly to the luxurious Slieve Donard Hotel for overnight, bed and full Irish breakfast. A welcome dinner is included tonight.     DAY 2: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. After breakfast, 18 holes of golf at Royal County Down, one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland - with traditions dating back for more than one hundred years. Situated in Newcastle, where in the immortal words of Percy French, "The Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea”, Royal County Down is not only a fine test of golf but has accompanying scenery that is spellbinding. “Royal County Down is a pure links, in the truest sense of the word. My advice to anyone playing this great course is to keep it very straight off the tee - stray from the fairways at your peril! It is a tremendous test of golf and the outward half especially is as fine a nine holes as I have ever played" TOM WATSON In the afternoon guests are transferred via the Glens of Antrim to the town of Bushmills where, guests can enjoy a visit to the oldest legal distillery in Ireland – Bushmills. After a wee dram, travel the short distance to the hotel and relax in the warmth of the Bushmills Inn.     DAY 3: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING.18 holes of golf included today at Royal Portrush, the venue for the first professional tournament in Ireland in 1895, and in same year the first Ladies Championships were held. Fred Daly, the only Irishman ever to win “The Open”, in 1947, was a Royal Portrush member. The course was redesigned by Mr H. S. Colt in 1947. A real favourite amongst many golfers. In the afternoon travel west into County Donegal, and to the base for the next 2 nights - the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The balance of the day free to relax in the hotel bar or enjoy the leisure facilities, or take a short stroll into the town of Buncrana for dinner.     DAY 4: GOLF.  Serious golf today at Ballyliffin! This morning 18 holes on the Old Course, a pause for an optional lunch in the clubhouse, and in the afternoon a real treat - 18 holes on the Glasheady Links. Ballyliffin was once the best-kept secret in golf and has been described as “the Ballybunion of the North.” Situated close to Malin Head on Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula, Ireland's most northerly links comprises 365 acres of spectacular dune land and is practically surrounded by rolling hills and mountains - the only other boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. Return to the Inishowen Gateway Hotel for overnight.     DAY 5: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. Today guests travel further west and onto the rugged Fanad Peninsula. En route you can enjoy a panoramic view of what has been regarded as the most beautiful beach in the world, Warden Beach, adjacent to Ballymastocker Bay and the Knockalla Mountain. At the foot of a winding drive down to the beach lies the Portsalon Golf Club and 18 holes are included here - a “golfing oasis in a land of mystical beauty.” Portsalon is one of those little-known gems, friendly and informal, with stunning views to mellow the most ardent golfer. Guests will wonder why there are no crowded fairways… After golf travel the short distance to Downings and the base for tonight - the Rosapenna Golf Hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.     DAY 6: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. 18 holes this morning on one of the courses at the Rosapenna Golf Club. The Old Tom Morris Course, designed by Old Tom Morris of St. Andrews in 1893 and later modified by James Braid and Harry Vardon, or the Sandy Hills Links Course, designed by Pat Ruddy and opened for play in June 2003. Later travel south to Donegal Town where guests check into The Mill Park Hotel (www.millparkhotel.com), Donegal Town, and dinner is included tonight.     DAY 7: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. 18 holes today at the Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh. The outstanding links course here offers a genuine challenge to the accomplished golfer and is an all-round 'true' test of golf. Being one of the longest courses in Europe, it is ideally suited to big hitters of the ball. Often described as the “Muirfield of Ireland”, it is similar in terrain with two loops of nine holes yet it is on a peninsula like the great St. Andrews. The reputation of the course, designed by the legendary course architect Eddie Haskett, has been further enhanced by the new design of Pat Ruddy. Continually featured in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Ireland & Great Britain, this is a real challenge not to be missed. Travel south to the town of Sligo for overnight at the Sligo Southern Hotel & Leisure Centre. Take advantage of the hotel’s leisure facilities or relax in the hotel bar.     DAY 8: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. Today golf is included at the Strandhill Golf Club. Founded in 1931, this club had a nine hole course which opened for play in 1940. Play on the present 18 holes commenced in 1973. Christy O'Connor Jnr. on his first visit to the course, described it as "the hidden jewel of the west.” The course is relatively short but very challenging, and has successfully hosted many Provincial and National finals. The clubhouse has been updated on a number of occasions to its present standard and is now regarded as one of the best in the west. And with Knocknarea Mountain in the background, the rolling Atlantic and the setting sun…. After golf, head south to Westport and check into the 4 star Knockranny House Hotel for an overnight stay.     DAY 9: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. This morning 18 holes are included at the Westport Golf Club. This club played host to the 2002 Smurfit Irish P.G.A. Championship and is a magnificent 18-hole parkland course with breath-taking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. The 18th - the new feature hole on the Carrowholly Course - is a monster par 5, with water all the way up the right-hand side, culminating in a massive undulating green. A warm welcome is guaranteed and when you are less than a mile from one of Ireland's tidiest town, you cannot go wrong! Overnight tonight is included at Byrne’s Maldua Guesthouse in Clifden, an award winning, family-run 5 RAC diamond guesthouse.     DAY 10: GOLF/SIGHTSEEING. A final 18 holes at the Connemara Golf Club - 27 championship links holes on the edge of the Atlantic. The back nine of this tough, challenging course has been described as "the equal of any in the world”, and the stiff test which course designer Eddie Hackett has set the golfer makes it very difficult to achieve the par 72. A true championship links to be enjoyed by both high and low handicappers. After golf we travel east via the city of the tribes, Galway. Overnight at the Galway Bay Golf and Country Club in Oranmore, Galway.     DAY 11: DEPART. Guests depart today and a transfer is included to Shannon or Galway airport – however if time allows then maybe an extra 18 holes of golf today at the Galway Bay Golf Club. Scenic and challenging, this 18-hole par 72 championship course has breathtaking views, being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, with the Clare Hills and Aran Islands in the distance. Apart from the hazards of the sea, the course also incorporates lakes, trees, stone walls and wild flowers in this unique challenge, aptly referred to as a “Parkland by the Sea.”     Please contact us for prices and inclusions. All of our itineraries are possible with from 1 to 100 people. Call us today Tel +353 74 9548891 Fax +353 74 9548928 Email info@saoirefailte.com