An Irish Golf Journey

Hosted in collaboration with Jimmy Tropicana

25th - 31st July 2026


A curated seven-day golf experience

through Ireland’s most storied links landscapes hosted by gorse & thistle, in Collaboration with Jimmy Tropicana

Price - $9,885 USD

The Experience

This is a thoughtfully designed golf journey through Ireland, created for players who value atmosphere, tradition, and exceptional travel as much as the golf itself.

Hosted by Gorse & Thistle in collaboration with Jimmy Tropicana, the experience blends championship links golf, refined accommodation, and the quiet moments that define golf at its purest.

  • A fully hosted 6-day journey through Ireland

  • Championship links courses

  • Luxury accommodation and private ground transport

  • Carefully chosen dining and cultural moments

  • On-ground hosting by Gorse & Thistle throughout

  • Local caddies included

  • Individual rooms with breakfast daily

Group size is intentionally limited to preserve the pace, intimacy, and quality of the experience.

DAY 1: Saturday 25th July
Arrival in Ireland and Welcome to Donegal

  • Arrive at Dublin Airport, where your dedicated Gorse & Thistle Tour Host awaits to provide a seamless private transfer north to Donegal.

  • Your home for the first two nights is The Ebrington Hotel, a refined riverside retreat set along the banks of the River Foyle. Once a historic military barracks, the hotel has been transformed into a contemporary luxury property that balances clean modern design with deep local heritage. Spacious rooms, understated elegance, and sweeping river views set the tone for the week ahead.

  • In the evening, gather with your Tour Host for a relaxed welcome reception & dinner. Enjoy introductions, itinerary highlights, and a first taste of Irish hospitality as anticipation builds for the exceptional golf awaiting you along Ireland’s northern coastline.

DAY 2: Sunday 26th July
Golf at Ballyliffin Golf Club – Glashedy Links

  • Travel along a spectacular stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way to Ballyliffin Golf Club, Ireland’s northernmost golf outpost and one of its most revered links destinations.

  • Play the Glashedy Links, Pat Ruddy’s dramatic modern classic. Rolling fairways weave through towering dunes, while constant Atlantic breezes demand imagination and shot-making. Panoramic ocean views accompany you throughout a round that consistently ranks among Ireland’s finest.

  • Return to The Ebrington Hotel. Unwind at your leisure, perhaps with a local whiskey or craft cocktail overlooking the River Foyle, before enjoying dinner in the city or at the hotel.

DAY 3: Monday 27th July
Golf at Portsalon Golf Club & Transfer to Shandon Hotel & Spa

  • Depart for Portsalon Golf Club, one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. Founded in 1891 and later refined by Pat Ruddy, Portsalon is a classic links defined by natural movement, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking views across Ballymastocker Bay, once voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

  • Following your round, continue west to the Shandon Hotel & Spa, perched high above Sheephaven Bay. This elegant coastal retreat offers sweeping sea views, warm Donegal hospitality, and a tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy time in the spa, a sunset stroll, or dinner overlooking the rugged coastline.

DAY 4: Tuesday 28th July
Golf at Sandy Hills Links, Rosapenna

  • Play at Sandy Hills Links at Rosapenna, another Pat Ruddy creation and a thrilling modern interpretation of traditional links golf. Towering dunes frame narrow fairways and fast-running greens, rewarding creativity and courage.

  • After golf, return to the Shandon Hotel & Spa for a relaxed evening. Let the rhythm of the Atlantic, refined comfort, and exceptional local cuisine restore you for the days ahead.

DAY 5: Wednesday 29th July
Golf at St Patrick’s Links & Castle Stay at Lough Eske

  • Begin the day with an optional morning coaching session hosted by Jimmy, offering tailored guidance and insights to sharpen your links play ahead of the afternoon’s round.

  • Play St Patrick’s Links, Tom Doak’s widely acclaimed masterpiece and one of the world’s newest great links courses. Set beside Trá Mór Bay, the course unfolds across vast dunes and expansive fairways, offering strategic freedom and unforgettable ocean views at every turn.

  • Following your round, transfer inland to the enchanting Lough Eske Castle, a five-star lakeside estate nestled at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains near Donegal Town.

DAY 6: Thursday 30th July
Golf at Narin & Portnoo Links & Farewell Evening

  • Venture west to Narin & Portnoo Links, beautifully reimagined by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Each hole is carved through dunes and coastal terrain, revealing sweeping Atlantic vistas and a pure expression of Donegal’s wild golfing soul.

  • Return to Lough Eske Castle for your final evening in Ireland. Descend into the castle’s historic cellars for a private whiskey tasting, showcasing the true character and craft of Donegal spirits.

  • Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner, fireside drinks, and shared stories from a week of exceptional golf and unforgettable landscapes.

DAY 7: Friday 31st July
A Fond Farewell

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the castle before your private transfer to Dublin Airport.

  • Depart Ireland with lasting memories of its untamed linksland, refined hospitality, and the signature care and attention of Gorse & Thistle.

The North West

The North West of Ireland is where the game feels most exposed and most alive. Golf here is dictated by the Atlantic, played across vast, untamed landscapes that have resisted modernization. Rounds are walked, weather is embraced, and the day moves to the rhythm of the land rather than the clock. Clubhouses are warm, meals are unhurried, and the experience lingers long after the final putt.

This journey is designed in that same spirit, unforced, immersive, and deeply memorable.

Evenings Well Spent

Accommodation throughout the journey has been selected with the same care as the golf.

Guests will stay in a collection of historic castles, elegant manors, and refined country hotels, each chosen for its sense of place, comfort, and service. Evenings are unhurried, rooms are generous, and every property offers a quiet counterpoint to the day’s golf.

All accommodation is included and arranged by Gorse & Thistle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Airport should I fly to in Ireland?

We recommend to fly into Dublin Airport.

Do I need a passport or visa to enter Ireland?

US citizens need a valid passport to enter the Republic of Ireland, and it must be valid for the duration of their stay. While no visa is required for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days, you should be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.

Do I need travel insurance?

It’s a personal choice, but we recommend purchasing travel and medical insurance before your trip.

Can I ship my clubs in advance?

Yes. You can ship your clubs ahead of time so they are waiting for you at your first hotel or golf course on arrival. This eliminates airline baggage fees, reduces travel stress, and ensures a seamless start to your trip.

What are conditions like in July?

July is prime golf season:

Cool temps (55–75°F)

Firm, fast links conditions

Long daylight hours

What should I pack?

Waterproof jacket & pants

Golf rain gloves

Layers (merino or light fleece)

Soft spikes

Casual evening attire

Will it rain every day?
No – Irish weather changes quickly. You may experience all four seasons in one round!

What currency is used?

In the Republic of Ireland Euro (€) is used. In Northern Ireland Pound Sterling (£) is used. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Are caddies available?

Yes – professional local caddies are included.

Availability may vary by course.

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