Explore Ireland 2015

Trump International

Travelling along the Irish coast takes you through many quaint and picturesque towns and villages, all interest filled. Doonbeg, in West County Clare, is a beautiful place to stop and enjoy its slow pace and dramatic scenery. Built around the 16th century castle, there has been a settlement here since medieval times.

This is a beautiful town. Another reason to head to Doonbeg is not just to enjoy the town but to visit a very special local destination. When you drive past so many great looking golf courses along the Wild Atlantic Way, they just seem to call you in and come have a game. Plus there’s something a bit exotic about having a round at an international course, so we are going to have a play of golf the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel.

Trump International Golf Links and Hotel, set on the Dooonbeg’s high rolling sand hills, is one of Irelands top golfing destinations. Opened in 2002 and recently purchased by the Trump Corporation, its 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Australia’s own Greg Norman and offers a challenging round for every player.

Don’t worry if you didn’t bring along your golf clubs, shoes or proper golf attire. There is a shop that offers everything – from clubs to shoes.

Rated as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world, the Trump International Golf Links is a joy to be on. The 72-par course’s 18 holes twist and turn over 2 kilometres around the crescent shaped Doughmore Bay, capturing the essence of the Wild Atlantic Coast. The course has a totally natural feel because there was very little earthwork required as the Greg Norman design embraced the existing topography.

This is a true links course. A links course is the oldest style of golf course, and like this golf course, a links is traditionally on an area of coastal sand dunes with undulating surfaces and generally few trees and few water hazards.

Traditionally links courses were also chosen on sandy sites that were typically unsuitable for arable farming but would allow good coverage of the various local bent and fescue grasses. Which of course you need to get that firm turf and allow the ball to run when it hits the ground.

First recorded game of golf in Ireland was in the early 1850s, and Ireland is now home to two-thirds of the world’s total links courses. Officers of the Scottish Black Watch looked at building a golf course on this site in the 1890s but settled for a location closer to the railway station in Lahnich.

The membership philosophy at Trump International Golf Links is simply that this is the ultimate home club for the discriminating international golfer.

Trump International Golf Course offers a 5-star location complete with fine dining experience in the Oceanview Restaurant. And for those wanting to enjoy the stunning location and maybe have a few rounds, then the 5-star accommodation will leave you pampered and totally rested and relaxed.

Truly a game of golf in Ireland is just too good to miss. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a hack, it’s just a top day out.

And heading on one of the top 100 courses at the Trump International Golf Links is a very special experience that we urge to try out.

For more information, visit www.ireland.com or http://www.trumphotelcollection.com/ireland/.