The Ultimate ‘Hole in One’ Travel Guide to Ireland
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Map of Ireland ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 About Ireland ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 4 Flags of Ireland ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Language ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5 Time in Ireland ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Electricity in Ireland �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Currency ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 Banks, ATM’s, Credit/Debit Cards and Travelers Cheques in Ireland ��������������������������������������������� 6 Telephones in Ireland ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 7 Purchasing an Irish SIM Card and/or Irish Mobile/Cell Phone ������������������������������������������������������ 7 Pre-Departure Checklist �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Medical Issues ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 Vacation/Travel Insurance ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 The Unique Fairways and FunDays Pandemic Money Back Guarantee���������������������������������������� 9 What to do in case of Emergency during your Tour �������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 The Police in Ireland ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Driving in Ireland ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Renting a Car in Ireland ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 12 Taxis in Ireland �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Useful Apps to Download before your Tour �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Pubs and Alcohol in Ireland ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 15 Smoking in Ireland �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Weather in Ireland �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Visa and Passport Requirements ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Tipping & Gratuities in Ireland ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Questions before or during your Tour ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Should I bring my Golf Clubs or Hire Clubs in Ireland? ��������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Golf in Ireland ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Peters Lucky 13 Ireland Travel Tips���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19 Index
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Map of Ireland Courses Great Ireland’s with Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator Golf
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Ballyliffin Glashedy
7
0
25Km 50Km
76 71
5
18
14
50
25Mi
50Mi
72
34
66
17
82
28
20
44
Derry
Letterkenny
64
41
60
1
38
Royal Portrush Dunluce
1
48
29
43
78
Carne
20
50
Belfast
9
57
Enniskillen
27
51
54
6
13
87
36
Sligo
Portstewart Strand
2
79
4
85
21
Lahinch Old
50
39
99
Westport
Cavan
33
49
30
Drogheda
Royal County Down
5
83
31
26
33
46
53
9
3
22
44
The Golf Course at Adare Manor
90
62
45
4
10
50
Dublin
61
24
12
Galway
Athlone
65
16
69
75
47
25 29
42
55
3
8
70
14
43
37
86
Portmarnock
2
91
96
15
45
40
81
68
35
24
73
46
74 35
63
89
95
47
21
7
32
80
41
Ballybunion Old
52
75
19
5
Ennis
31 84
10
23
94
Limerick
56
88
12
Carlow
59
4
The K Club Ryder Cup Course
50
100
18
3
1
1
27
34
Kilkenny
44
6
11
37
Tralee
58
92
13
Wexford
Tralee
19
11
Waterford
26
The European Club
4
Killarney
77
23
38
50
30
49
93
97
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Contact Fairways and FunDays – Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator d International: +353 45 871110 d Toll Free from US & Canada: 1800-7799810
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25
40
36
16
2
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d info@fairwaysandfundays.com d www.fairwaysandfundays.com d @fairwaysfundays c facebook.com/fairwaysandfundays f fairwaysandfundays e w
Cork
17
32
67
50
Old Head
Waterville
Golf Courses
Tourist Attractions
1 Adare 2 Ardglass
26 County Louth 27 County Sligo 28 Cruit Island 29 Donegal 30 Dooks
51 Kirkistown Castle 52 Lahinch (X2) 53 Laytown & Bettystown 54 Lough Erne 55 Luttrellstown 56 Macreddin 57 Malone 58 Mount Juliet 59 Mount Wolseley 60 Moyola Park
76 Rosapenna (X3) 77 Rosslare 78 Royal Belfast 79 Royal County Down (X2)
1 Adare Heritage Village 2 Aran Islands 3 Blarney Castle & Gardens 4 Bunratty Castle 5 C arrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge 6 Céide Fields 7 Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience 8 Clonmacnoise 9 C onnemara National Park 10 Croke Park Museum 11 Dingle Dolphin 12 Dublin Zoo 13 Dunbrody Famine Ship 14 Dunluce Castle 15 Fota Wildlife Park 16 Galway City Museum 17 Garnish Island 18 Giants Causeway
19 Glendalough 20 Glenveagh National Park 21 Guinness Storehouse 22 Hook Lighthouse 23 House of Waterford Crystal 24 Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens 25 Jameson Distillery 26 JFK Arboretum 27 Kilkenny Castle 28 Killarney National Park & Muckross House 29 Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) 30 Knock Basilica 31 Kylemore Abbey & Garden 32 Mizen Head Signal Station 33 Newgrange (aka Brú na Bóinne) 34 Old Bushmills Distillery
35 Powerscourt House, Gardens andWaterfall 36 Ring of Kerry 37 Rock of Cashel 38 Sliabh Liag Cliffs 39 Spike Island 40 St Patrick’s Cathedral 41 The Burren 42 The Skellig Experience 43 Titanic Belfast 44 Tower Museum Derry 45 Trim Castle 46 Trinity College & The Book of Kells 47 Tullamore DEW Distillery 48 Ulster American Folk Park 49 Westport House & Gardens 50 Wild Atlantic Way
3 Arklow 4 Athlone 5 Ballinrobe 6 Ballybunion (X2) 7 Ballyliffin (X2)
80 Royal Curragh 81 Royal Dublin 82 Royal Portrush (X2)
31 Dromoland Castle 32 Druids Glen (X2) 33 Dundalk 34 Dundrum 35 Dun Laoghaire
8 Bantry Bay 9 Belvoir Park
83 Seapoint 84 Shannon 85 Slieve Russell
10 Blainroe 11 Bunclody 12 Carlow 13 Carne 14 Carton House (X2) 15 Castlerock (X2) 16 Castlemartyr 17 Castlerock 18 Castletroy 19 Ceann Sibeal (Dingle)
36 Enniscrone 37 Esker Hills 38 Faithlegg
61 Moyvalley 62 Mullingar 63 Naas 64 Narin & Portnoo
86 St. Anne’s 87 Strandhill 88 The European Club 89 The Heritage 90 The Island 91 The K Club (X2) 92 Tralee 93 Tramore 94 Trump Ireland Doonbeg 95 Tulfarris 96 Tullamore 97 Waterford Castle
39 Farnham Estate 40 Fota Island (X2) 41 Galgorm Castle 42 Galway 43 Galway Bay 44 Glasson 45 Grange 46 Headfort (X2) 47 Hermitage 48 Hogs Head 49 Killarney (X3) 50 Killeen Castle
65 New Forest 66 North West 67 Old Head
68 Palmerstown Estate 69 Portmarnock Links 70 Portmarnock 71 Portsalon 72 Portstewart (X3) 73 Portumna 74 Powerscourt (X2) 75 Rathsallagh
Ports
Airports
20 Clandeboye 21 Concra Wood 22 Connemara
1 Belfast 2 Cork 3 Dublin 4 Rosslare Harbour
1 Belfast International 2 Cork 3 Dublin 4 IrelandWest 5 Shannon
23 Coollattin 24 Corballis 25 Cork
98 Waterville 99 Westport 100 Wooden bridge
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About Ireland
The island of Ireland is located in the north-western tip of Europe. Ireland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the Celtic Sea to the south, Saint George’s Channel to the south-east and the Irish Sea to the east. The island of Ireland is over 32,000 sq. miles/84,000 sq. km in size. The island is 301 miles/486 km from north to south and 170 miles/275 km from east to west. There are two parts of the island of Ireland:
1. The Republic of Ireland occupies approximately 80% of the island of Ireland. The capital and largest city is Dublin, which is located on the eastern part of the island. The population of the Republic of Ireland is approximately 5 million, 1 million of whom reside in the Dublin area. The head of government is the Taoiseach (Prime Minister). There is also an elected President who serves as the largely ceremonial head of state, but with some important powers and duties. The Irish Free State (later to become the Republic of Ireland) was formed in 1922 following independence from British rule. The Republic of Ireland became a member of the United Nations in December 1955. It joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the predecessor of the European Union, in 1973. The Republic of Ireland ranks among the top twenty-five wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita, and as the twelfth most prosperous country in the world according to The Legatum Prosperity Index 2019. The Irish government has followed a policy of military neutrality through non-alignment since immediately prior to World War II and the country is consequently not a member of NATO, although it is a member in Partnership for Peace.
2. Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom and is located in the northeast of the island of Ireland. The population of Northern Ireland is over 1.8 million. Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland and has a population of over 300,000. Established by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 as part of the Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Ireland Assembly holds responsibility for a range of devolved policy matters, while other areas are reserved for the British government. Northern Ireland co-operates with the Republic of Ireland in several areas, and the Agreement granted the Republic the ability to “put forward views and proposals” with “determined efforts to resolve disagreements between the two governments.”
The geography of the island of Ireland comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, with several navigable rivers extending inland. The earliest evidence of
human presence in Ireland is dated at 10,500 BC. Irish culture has had a significant influence on other cultures, especially in the field of literature. Alongside mainstream Western culture, a strong indigenous culture exists, as expressed through Gaelic games, Irish music and the Irish language.
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Flags of Ireland
Language
Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland
They say that the Irish have the “gift of the gab” (eloquence) – so what language do we speak? English and Irish (Gaeilge) are the two official languages in the Republic of Ireland while English is the language of Northern Ireland. Everyone on the island of Ireland speaks English. The Gaelic language in Ireland is spoken by locals in rural parts of the west, northwest and south of Ireland. However, residents of these regions also speak English. All road signage in the Republic of Ireland appears in English and Gaeilge.
Time in Ireland
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both in the GMT Time Zone. Daylight Time Saving occurs the last Sunday of every March (the clocks move forward 1 hour) and the last Sunday of every October (the clocks move back 1 hour)
Electricity in Ireland
he power plugs and sockets in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Currency
Republic of Ireland: v The € (Euro) is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One euro consists of 100 cent. v Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. v Coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2. v Higher denomination notes such as €100, €200 and €500 will not normally be accepted in retail outlets, so bring cash in lower denominations when you’re travelling to Ireland. Northern Ireland: v The GB£ (Pound) is the currency of Northern Ireland. One-pound sterling consists of 100 pence. v Notes are £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100. v Coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
A fun filled, exhilarating and memorable experience is guaranteed on all our tours
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Banks, ATM’s, Credit/Debit Cards and Travellers Cheques in Ireland
Banking Services: v Banks in Ireland generally open from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday through Friday with a 5pm closing on Thursday. v Some banks may open on Saturday mornings. v ATM (cash) machines are located at most banks and in cities, towns and villages, and accept most credit and debit cards. Each ATM has a list of card symbols that can be used. Traveller’s Cheques v Traveller’s Cheques are no longer widely accepted on the island of Ireland. Most banks won’t accept travellers’ cheques, so our advice is to bring cash or cards instead.
Credit/Debit Cards: v Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the island of Ireland. v American Express is accepted in some places but not all. v Credit cards can be used for purchases and also to withdraw cash from ATMs (although this usually is accompanied by a fee). You can also withdraw cash from ATMs with your Mastercard or Visa debit card. Fees will still be charged but at a lower rate to credit cards. v Ireland uses a “chip and pin” system for debit and credit card transactions. Most retailers will accept swipe cards but please note this is not always guaranteed. v It is strongly recommended that you notify your bank of your travel plans prior to your departure.
Ireland - a magical destination to explore with Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator
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Telephones in Ireland
There are a number of tips in relation to using a telephone/mobile phone/cell phone in Ireland: v The international dialling code for the Republic of Ireland is +353. v The international dialling code for Northern Ireland is +44 v If you are dialling an international number from either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, dial “00” before your country code – for example dial 001 and then the relevant telephone number if calling the United States. v There are now very few public telephones in Ireland. v Hotels will offer in-room telephones that will allow you to make international calls. However, the rate charged for this is normally very high. v We recommend contacting your mobile/cell phone provider in advance of travelling to Ireland to ascertain if there are any add on packages available when using your phone in Ireland. v Mobile/cell phone coverage is excellent throughout the island of Ireland. 3G coverage is the norm in many rural parts of Ireland and 4G/5G is readily available in all urban areas
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There are a number of essential pre-departure tasks to perform and a number of essential items to bring with you to Ireland. Pre-Departure Checklist
Pre-departure Tasks: 3 Check that your passport is in date 3 Ensure that you have a visa to enter Ireland (if required) 3 Notify your bank of your travel plans if you plan on using your Debit/Credit card while in Ireland 3 Take out suitable Vacation/Travel Insurance 3 Check on the weather forecast in Ireland (www.met.ie) and pack accordingly 3 Contact your mobile/cell phone company to add an international travel package
Essential items to bring with you: 3 Passport 3 Driving Licence (if renting a car) 3 Golf clubs (if golfing) 3 Golf shoes with soft spikes/spikeless (if golfing) 3 Power adapter (the power plugs and sockets are type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz) 3 Comfortable footwear 3 Camera 3 Sunblock 3 Suitable clothing 3 Medication and Prescription for replacement medication (if relevant)
Medical Issues
v You should always obtain travel insurance to cover any potential overseas medical costs including medical repatriation/evacuation and legal costs, before you travel. Be sure to check for any exclusions that might affect your policy and that the policy covers all the activities you plan on doing in Ireland. You should also make sure that your travel insurance has medical cover. v If you are a resident of an EU country or Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which covers you for most medical care. v There are plenty of pharmacies in Ireland, and they’re a good first stop for travellers seeking medical advice or a local referral. Pharmacies generally operate from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, but many pharmacies in urban areas open late and on weekends. v Bring a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses with you and your optical prescription just in case. v As with most of western Europe, there are no vaccinations required to visit Ireland.
Ireland has great healthcare, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you go.
v If you are bringing medicines with you into Ireland, carry them in their original, clearly labelled container, along with your prescription or a letter from your doctor. As a rule of thumb anything over a three-month supply of medicine will be questioned and any syringes or needles, should be declared and explained in a letter from your doctor.
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Vacation/Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that anyone travelling to Ireland (or to any other country) takes out Travel/Vacation Insurance. There are many firms to choose from and many levels of cover available. The main advantage of taking out Travel/Vacation Insurance is that it offers you (and your family if relevant) protection as well as a sense of security while you are on a foreign land.
Most travel insurance policies include:
3 Protective cover against trip cancellation due to illness/injury,
3 Medical costs in the event of injury or illness suffered during the vacation, 3 Repatriation if you suffer a serious injury/illness during the vacation
3 Loss of luggage, 3 Delayed flights,
Many Travel Insurance companies also offer cover against Trip Cancellation in the event that for any reason you decide to cancel the vacation.
When obtaining a quotation for vacation/travel insurance, you will need to provide the following information:
3 All actions you will engage in during your vacation 3 Your travel locations (whether travelling to the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland)
3 The travel season that you will be touring 3 Your physical health 3 Any specific prescription medications you are taking
It is essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of all Travel/Vacation Insurance policies to ensure that they offer a suitable level of cover.
The Unique Fairways and FunDays Pandemic Money Back Guarantee
Fairways and FunDays offer a Unique Money Back Guarantee if your visit to Ireland is affected by Covid-19 or any other Pandemic*
Our Pandemic Money back guarantee covers:
3 If your flight to Ireland is cancelled due to a Health Pandemic 3 If there is a Government ban in relation to travel to Ireland due to a Health Pandemic
3 If golf courses in Ireland are closed due to Government guidance 3 If there is a mandatory quarantine period exceeding 24 hours on arrival in Ireland
Book your tour to Ireland with complete confidence with Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator
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In the unlikely event that you require emergency assistance during your time in Ireland (Police, Medical, Fire, Coastal Services etc), call 999 immediately. The 999-emergency number will work in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. What to do in case of Emergency during your Tour
When calling emergency services, you will be asked to provide the following: 3 The exact address of the incident or emergency and/or any noticeable landmarks nearby. 3 Directions to the scene of the emergency 3 The telephone number you are calling from 3 Details on the incident itself, the number of persons involved, the description, any visible injuries
In the unlikely event that you do experience an emergency situation on your tour it is imperative to contact the emergency services first before contacting our office. Please feel free to contact your designated Fairways and FunDays Tour Director if you require non-emergency assistance at any time during your tour.
and knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions.
Try to stay calm and listen to the call taker’s instructions. It is also
important to keep your own phone on as the emergency services may need to contact you for further information.
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The Police in Ireland
There are two police services on the island of Ireland:
3 Republic of Ireland – An Garda Siochana (translated to English means “The Guardians of the Peace”) 3 Northern Ireland – Police Service of Northern Ireland (P.S.N.I.) Police officers are unarmed in the Republic of Ireland while they are armed in Northern Ireland. Police officers in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are always courteous and helpful to visitors. You should immediately call “999” in the event of an emergency that you require the services of the Police (whether in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland).
Driving in Ireland Driving in Ireland is relatively straight forward but there are a few laws and rules of the road that you need to keep in mind. 3 In Ireland, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. 3 You must yield to all vehicles coming from your right and always turn left on entering a roundabout. 3 You must be at least 17 years old to drive in Ireland. 3 Always allow ample time for your journey. 3 If you are travelling a long distance on one day make sure to plan a stop/stops on the route. There is always somewhere nice to stop in Ireland! 3 Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are in kilometres. The speed limits are as follows: v 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, v 80km/h (50mph) on regional and local roads,
Speeding in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland will result in considerable on the spot fines and/or a court appearance. 3 All vehicle occupants are required to wear seat belts at all times. 3 Use of mobile/cell phones while driving is strictly prohibited. 3 At all times, you are required to carry a valid driving licence; your car must display both proof of insurance and a motor tax disc and, if the car is over four years old, the National Car Test (NCT) disc must also be displayed. 3 The minimum insurance that you must have before you drive a car in Ireland is Third Party cover. 3 If renting a car, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your vehicle rental agreement. 3 In the Republic of Ireland, the traffic light sequence is different to most other European countries. Red is the same and means stop, but straight after the red light comes the green ‘for go’ light. The amber light only comes before a red light to warn us to stop unless it is unsafe to do so. 3 Although Ireland produces some wonderful beers and spirits, drink driving limits are strictly enforced. Whether you are a local or a tourist you must adhere to these regulations. Our recommendation is, don’t drink if driving.
v 100km/h (62mph) on national roads, v 120km/h (74mph) on motorways.
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Renting a Car in Ireland
In addition to our advice in relation to driving in Ireland, we have some specific tips in relation to renting a car in Ireland 3 Car Hire/Rental companies in Ireland are generally based in airports and cities. 3 You will need a valid driving licence and a credit card to rent a vehicle in Ireland. 3 9-seater vehicles are the largest vehicles that you can rent in Ireland 3 Most rental companies will not rent to drivers under 25 but there is no upper age limit. However, if you are over 75, you will be asked to meet additional requirements. This information is generally included in the terms and conditions on the company’s website. 3 Try to book in advance to get better offers or deals and to ensure availability during high season.
3 In Ireland, the majority of rental cars are standard shift (manual transmission). Automatic cars are available, but you should book well in advance of travelling to avoid disappointment. 3 It is a legal requirement in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for all children to be seated in appropriate child car seats. If required, these seats should be reserved in advance from your car rental company. 3 Ensure that you carefully study the inclusions of your rental in terms of: v insurance cover, v mileage allowance, v fuel policy, v breakdown assistance, v return policy 3 Always carefully examine your rental vehicle at collection and note any damage that is on the vehicle. Bring any damage to the
attention of the staff at the Car Rental company BEFORE you depart the rental facility.
Ireland - Truly a Golfers paradise!
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Taxis in Ireland
It is likely that you will at some stage require the services of a taxi driver during your time in Ireland. There are several important points: 3 Taxis are readily available throughout the island of Ireland. 3 Taxis in Ireland will always be clearly marked with a Taxi roof sign. The registered number of this taxi will also appear on this roof sign. 3 Most taxis in Ireland only accept cash. 3 Taxi drivers are required to issue receipts for payment. If after payment the taxi driver does not offer you a receipt you may request one. 3 Taxi Ranks are easily identifiable and are normally the best place to get a taxi from. 3 You can “flag down” a taxi that is available. Taxis that are available illuminate their roof sign.
3 All hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, golf courses and activity centres have contact details for local taxi companies and will be more than willing to order a taxi on your behalf if required. 3 Taxis are metered in Ireland and the fare is calculated from this. The meter will be visible at all stages during your journey. 3 Taxi drivers in Ireland are required to clearly display their photograph and credentials in the taxi (normally on the dashboard to the left of steering wheel).
3 It is not compulsory to tip taxi drivers in Ireland but you may wish to “round--up” a fare if you are happy with the service received. 3 If you anticipate frequently using a taxi during your time in Ireland you may wish to register for “Free Now.” This service allows you to order taxis from the Free Now App on your smartphone and allows you to make payments by Credit/Debit Card.
Fairways and FunDays offer Free, No Obligation Ireland Vacation Consultations - Contact us Today
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Useful Apps to Download before your Tour
There are a number of really useful free Apps to download to enhance your experience in Ireland. Most of these Apps are available on iOS and Android:
v Fairways and FunDays App – the App of Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator filled with helpful information and your complete Tour Itinerary! v Wi-Fi Map App – provides an interactive map of the locations of all free Wi-Fi hotspots v TripAdvisor – an excellent resource to offer advice on places to eat, visit, shop etc.
v Free Now – a superb App that allows you to quickly order a taxi and if required pay for this taxi by credit/debit card v Met Eireann App – a great weather App from Ireland’s National weather forecast service v xe.com – an excellent currency converter App
v WhatsApp – a superb free Call/ Messaging App that will allow you to call or message loved ones for free using Mobile Data or Wi-Fi v RTE News Now – the news App of the national Irish broadcaster allows you to keep up to date with all national and international news stories, weather and sports
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Pubs and Alcohol in Ireland Ireland is famous for its great pubs where you will get to meet locals, enjoy live music, watch sporting events on TV, and in many pubs enjoy delicious traditional cuisine. But there are some points to be aware of: 3 It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 and to give alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 unless in a domestic home and with parental consent. 3 While there is no national legislation prohibiting drinking in public it is frowned upon. 3 Bars and pubs in the Republic of Ireland are permitted to open the following hours: v Monday to Thursday – 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. v Friday and Saturday – 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. v Sunday – 12.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. C hristmas Day is the only day of the year that pubs close in the Republic of Ireland 3 Bars and pubs in Northern Ireland are permitted to open the following hours: v Monday to Saturday - 11:30am to 11:00pm v Sundays and Christmas Day – 12.30pm to 10.00pm v Good Friday – 5.00pm to 11.00pm P ubs and Bars in Northern Ireland are open every day of the year. 3 Certain Pubs and Bars in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland who sell food or who have live entertainment have extended opening hours.
3 Young people under the age of 18 are not allowed in licensed premises during extended hours (except in certain circumstances). It is the responsibility of the licence holder to make sure this does not happen. See the section below on ‘Children’ for more information. 3 Children (anyone under the age of 18) are only allowed in pubs and bars if they are with a parent or guardian for restricted hours.
v 10:30am – 9.00pm from October to April v 10.30am – 10.00pm from May to September
18 is the standard age for persons to remain in a bar/pub after these hours. However, some premises extend this to 21 years of age. 3 Bar staff are entitled to request age verification if they believe a person is under the age of 18/21. Passport, Driving Licence or National Identity cards are the only documents acceptable for this. 3 Off-licence sales of alcohol is only permitted between the hours of:
v 10.30am - 10.00 pm Monday to Saturday v 12.30pm to 10.00pm Sundays.
Whatever your preferences, we’ve got it covered!
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Smoking in Ireland
Weather in Ireland The climate of Ireland is mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. Ireland’s climate is defined as a temperate oceanic climate. January and February are the coldest months of the year and mean daily air temperatures fall between 4-7 °C (39 - 45 °F) during these months. July and August are the warmest, with mean daily temperatures of 17 to 18 °C (63 to 65 °F) near the coast, to 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) inland. The sunniest months are May and June, with an average of five to seven hours sunshine per day. Extreme weather events in Ireland are comparatively rare when compared with other countries in the European continent. December has the least number of daylight hours (7 hours 30 minutes per day) while June has the most (17 hours per day). Met Eireann is the national weather service of Ireland and up to date weather reports can be found on thier website www.met.ie. Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. South African visitors can visit the Republic of Ireland without a visa but require a UK visa in order to enter Northern Ireland. v Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a full list of countries whose citizens do NOT require a visa to visit Ireland. If your country is not on this list, contact your local Irish embassy/consulate before you travel to find out your visa requirements. If you’re planning on travelling to Northern Ireland, contact your local British embassy/ high commission or consular office. v The Short-Stay Visa Waiver Scheme allows visitors from certain countries who have a valid UK visit visa to also visit Ireland without the need for an Irish visa. The scheme is valid until 31st October 2021. v Please contact INIS (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service) www.inis.gov.ie if you are unsure of any issues in relation to Visa Requirements
There is a smoking ban in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland meaning it is illegal to smoke in an enclosed place of work. So everywhere from pubs and restaurants, to shops, offices and public transport, are smoke-free. There are exceptions, including some hotels and guesthouses that provide smoking rooms at their discretion. Pubs, nightclubs and hotels generally have a designated outdoor smoking area. Make sure to always put your cigarette butt in the ashtrays provided or you could face a fine for littering.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Most people need a valid passport to enter the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland but there are some exceptions: v If you are a UK citizen, you can also use official photo identification. v If you are an EU citizen, you can also use a national identity card. Air and sea carriers require some form of photo identification (usually either a passport or driving licence), so ALWAYS check what form of ID is required with your individual airline or ferry company before travelling. Visa requirements to enter Ireland depend on your citizenship. v If you are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) member state (27 countries of the European Union, together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and many other countries including USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, you do not need a visa to visit the
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Tipping & Gratuities in Ireland First and foremost, tipping is NOT compulsory in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. A tip/gratuity should only be given when you are happy with the service received. If you are happy with the service that you received, this is a guide to an appropriate tip/gratuity:
v Spa Treatments – 10% of final bill v Taxi drivers – optional but if you are happy with their service you may opt to round up your fare to the nearest even amount. v Caddies - €/£10 plus provided that you are happy with their service v Private Tour Driver – if you are happy with the service of your driver €/£10 per person per day is a rough estimate of what is regarded as a reasonable tip/gratuity v Tour Operator – no tipping required. Recommending Fairways and FunDays to family and friends is a perfect alternative!
v Hotel Porters - €/£1-2 per bag for bringing luggage to your room. v Hotel housekeeping – optional but you can leave €/£1-2 per day for exceptional service. v Hotel concierge - €/£1 plus for a concierge who offers great advice and service. v Restaurants where a service charge is not included on your bill – 10-15% of bill. You can also round up to the nearest even amount. v Fast Food Restaurant – no tipping required v Bartenders – no tipping required v Hair Salon – 10% of final bill
If you find that bringing your clubs through airports is too inconvenient and too expensive, there are several options: 1.Clubs 4 Hire: www.clubs4hire.com 3. Ship Sticks: Should I bring my Golf Clubs or Hire Clubs in Ireland? Questions before or during your Tour There is no such thing as a silly question. Please contact a member of the Fairways and FunDays team at any time before or during your tour. As Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator and given the fact that Ireland is the only destination that we sell, our experienced and passionate team members are best placed to deal with any questions or concerns that you have.
www.shipsticks.com This company will collect your
With this company, they deliver the clubs from your home to the first course you will play and collect them from the final course you play – cost is approximately €70 - €90 per week 2. Clubs to Hire: www.clubstohire.com With this company you collect the clubs in Dublin or Shannon Airport on arrival and return them to their Airport shop before you depart Ireland – cost is approximately €70 - €90 per week
clubs and courier them to Ireland (and return) – cost is approximately €350 return 4. Rent Clubs at each course that you play Cost is approximately €/£60 per round. Pre-booking is essential for any of the above options. Please note, Fairways and FunDays has no affiliation to any of the companies listed above and take no responsibility for the service that they provide.
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Golf in Ireland With over 400 golf courses on our small Island, Ireland is truly a golfer’s paradise! Not only has Ireland a considerable number of golf courses which feature amongst the best and most famous courses in the world, no other country offers a uniquely special environment to play golf like Ireland. Perhaps the biggest appeal of golf in Ireland is the abundance of world class links and parkland courses in such close proximity. No other destination in the world offers the golfer the opportunity to play the best of both links and parkland courses.
A guide price to a caddie fee is Ireland is approximately:
v Senior Caddie €/£70 plus tip v Double Bag Caddie €/£100 plus tip v Forecaddie €/£100 plus tip
v Handicap certificates are not required at most courses. However, it is essential that all players are aware of proper golf course etiquette and have adequate golfing skills that don’t impede with other players on the course. v It is essential to wear suitable attire on all golf courses. Denim, collarless shirts, sports jerseys and sports shorts are strictly prohibited at all golf courses in Ireland. v Buggies/Carts are available to rent at most golf courses in Ireland. These should be pre-reserved as golf courses have a limited supply of buggies/carts. An increasing number of links courses in Ireland do not permit buggies/ carts due to damage caused to the courses and dangers from high dunes. Some links courses only permit buggies/ carts with a medical certificate outlining the players requirement for a buggy/cart.
We have several key tips in relation to playing golf in Ireland:
v Tee times should be reserved in advance of travelling to Ireland. At more famous courses, it is often necessary to reserve tee times up to 12 months in advance of your visit. v Golf shoes are compulsory on all courses. If your shoes have spikes, only soft spikes are permitted. v Caddies are available at most golf courses but must be booked in advance. With the exception of a small number of golf courses caddies are not compulsory. A good caddie will greatly enhance your experience especially when playing links courses where local course knowledge is essential.
Fairways and FunDays offer dream Ireland Tours regardless of your group size or budget
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As a former Tour Professional who has represented Ireland for many years, it is a great honour for me to again represent Ireland as Director of Golf for Fairways and FunDays. There are few places in the world that offer a selection of world-famous Links and Parkland courses - Ireland is Peter’s ‘Lucky 13’ Ireland Travel Tips
one of these places. However, Ireland offers so much more for the golf traveller. In addition to playing some of the world’s best golf courses, our team always encourage our clients to enjoy the luxurious accommodation, delicious food, spectacular sightseeing and exhilarating evening entertainment that Ireland offers - we call this the “Ireland 24/7 Experience.” These are my “Lucky 13” tips for golf and leisure visitors to Ireland:
1. Make the most of every second of your time in Ireland 2. Plan well in advance to get availability at the iconic courses and the best hotels 3. Enjoy the unique experience that links golf offers 4. Play some of Ireland’s Hidden Gems 5. Visit a pub where the locals go 6. Don’t be afraid to bring non- golfers on your tour - Ireland has something for everyone 7. Take a Caddie for at least one of your games!
8. Swing easy when its windy on the golf course! 9. For links golf leave your lob wedge at home and love your putter! 10. Choose hotels that are in prime locations 11. Consider taking “The Road Less Travelled” in Ireland - don’t be afraid to get lost! 12. Don’t try to see all of Ireland in one visit 13. Get advice from an expert - Ireland is the only destination that we sell. Our team are always glad to help whether you are a client or not.
About Peter:
Peter Lawrie is one of Ireland’s most successful Tour Professionals of all time. Peter was named Rookie of the Year in 2003 and joined the likes of Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer when he won the Spanish Open in 2008. Peter has enjoyed a plethora of Top 10 Tour finishes and remains one of Irish golf’s most influential figures. Peter was appointed Director of Golf at Fairways and FunDays in 2019.
On behalf of Fairways and FunDays, we look forward to welcoming you to Ireland. We can promise you an unforgettable experience – magical memories are guaranteed.
Mr. Peter Lawrie, Director of Golf, Fairways and FunDays
Contact a member of the experienced Fairways and FunDays team Today
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Contact Information Fairways and FunDays – Ireland’s Best Golf Tour Operator
Telephone: International: +353 45 871110 Toll Free from US & Canada: 1800-7799810 Website: www.fairwaysandfundays.com Email: info@fairwaysandfundays.com Twitter: @fairwaysfundays Facebook: facebook.com/fairwaysandfundays Instagram: instragram.com/fairwaysandfundays
Make sure to Tag “Fairways and FunDays” on any of your Social Media posts. We offer a monthly prize for the best photograph in which Fairways and FunDays is tagged. Also, please remember to review Fairways and FunDays on TripAdvisor at the end of your Tour!
Fairways and FunDays – Named Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator
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