Pace of play in Ireland

The Irish play the game a bit more quickly than most visitors are used to, so be prepared to keep pace with the locals. Match play is the standard in Ireland, so consider playing a hole-by-hole match against your friends rather than counting each shot as in stroke play. This will help you play quickly and ensure a fun-filled round.

Handicap cards

Your USGA-certified handicap card is your passport to the courses on this tour. If you’re unable to provide your card, please bring a letter from your local pro proving your on-course proficiency.

Caddies & carts

Motorized golf carts are referred to as “buggies” in Ireland; “carts” refer to pull-carts. Both caddies and pull-carts are available at all courses for an additional fee. Motorized golf carts are available at some courses for an additional fee.

Baggage allowance & club transport

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage, and some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. The cost of checking your golf bag is additional, and is not included in your final invoice. You should expect to pay an additional fee at the airport. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage and golf bag transport policies. Airlines do permit one carry-on bag, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height), as well as one personal item such as a purse. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on baggage. The porterage provided on your tour includes one suitcase and one golf bag per person. Please note, however, that there may be times when you’ll have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight baggage provides a distinct advantage.

Dress code & etiquette

You should pack:

• Soft spikes—these will be required at all courses.
• Extra balls—these tend to be more expensive abroad.
• Collared golf shirts
• Tailored pants or Bermuda shorts
• Sports jacket—Royal Dublin and Royal County Down require jackets in certain clubhouse rooms.
• Raincoat—Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable.

You should know:

• Certain courses don’t allow clothing featuring logos.
• Cellphone use may be prohibited at some courses.
• Shorts and hats aren’t allowed in the clubhouse at Royal Portrush.
• Royal Portrush’s dress code requires that ladies wear shirts with modest necklines and either collars or sleeves are always safe.

Passport

In order to enter Ireland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Ireland. Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.

Electricity

Ireland operates on 240 volts.

Transportation

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Dublin. Included transportation is by private motor coach. All of the cities and towns on this itinerary are accessible on foot, but you may want to break up periods of walking by using public transportation.

Time zones

Ireland falls on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5 p.m. in Ireland.

Currency

The euro and the British pound are the currencies you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Ireland, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/debit cards and credit cards. They may be used at ATMs, which are widely available in major cities (mostly on the Cirrus and Plus international networks). We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. Additionally, if you take a caddie, plan to tip at least the equivalent of $25 per round (more if the caddie’s done an outstanding job or saved you strokes).

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