The Castle Itinerary: 7 Days of Golf & Culture

Embark on a masterfully balanced 7-day expedition based at the historic Barberstown Castle, where ancient Irish heritage meets world-class competition. This exclusive tour is designed for the discerning golfer, featuring five days of championship play at legendary clubs alongside two days of immersive cultural discovery in the heart of Dublin and Kildare. Experience artisanal hospitality and premier access as you traverse the most iconic parklands and links courses in Ireland.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT BARBERSTOWN CASTLE & WELCOME DINNER

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Dublin and transfer to Barberstown Castle Hotel. Check in, relax in your room or explore the castle grounds at your own pace.
Late Afternoon: Free time to unwind after travel, meet fellow guests in the lounge, or enjoy a casual drink by the fire.
Evening: Welcome dinner at Barberstown Castle with a hosted staff briefing covering the week’s golf schedule, cultural highlights, and practical information.

This gentle first day eases you into Ireland, with time to settle into your castle surroundings and get to know the Emerald Isle Golf Tours team.

Day 2: Carton House Golf & Maynooth Cultural Immersion

Morning: Short transfer to Carton House, a Fairmont managed 5-star resort near Dublin, is highly regarded for its 1,100-acre Kildare estate, offering two championship courses: the parkland O'Meara and the challenging links-style Montgomerie. Golfers consistently praise the manicured, fast greens and scenic, historic surroundings. It is a premier venue for competitive play, hosting events like the KPMG Women's Irish Open, and has previously held the title "European Golf Resort of The Year!"
Afternoon: Post‑round drinks or lunch at Carton House, followed by a visit to nearby Maynooth Village to stroll its streets, browse shops and soak up local life.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed Irish pub experience in Maynooth or back near the castle, with traditional food and optional live music.

Day 2 combines elite tournament golf at Carton House with an authentic taste of Irish village culture in Maynooth.

Day 3: The Island Golf Club & Guinness Storehouse

Morning: Depart for The Island Golf Club, one of Ireland’s most thrilling pure links experiences, set among dramatic dunes and coastal scenery.
Afternoon: Play 18 unforgettable holes at The Island, then transfer into Dublin city to visit the legendary Guinness Storehouse.
Evening: Explore the Storehouse, finishing with a perfectly poured pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin before returning to Barberstown Castle.

Founded in 1890 near Dublin, The Island Golf Club is a premier, rugged links course surrounded by the sea on three sides, famous for its massive sand dunes and secluded, natural atmosphere. Often compared to Royal County Down for its scale and Lahinch for its quirkiness, the 18-hole championship course features demanding, tight fairways and fast, true greens. "The best course in Ireland you've never heard of. Play it, and tell no one."

This day delivers the ultimate double—world-class links golf and Ireland’s most famous stout under one unforgettable skyline.

Day 4: Tulfarris Golf Resort

Morning: After breakfast at Barberstown Castle, transfer to Tulfarris Golf Resort on the shores of Blessington Lakes for a scenic parkland round.
Afternoon: Enjoy 18 holes at Tulfarris with sweeping lake and mountain views, followed by lunch or drinks in the clubhouse.
Evening: Return to Barberstown Castle for a relaxed evening in the bar or by the fire, reviewing another memorable day on tour.

A day at Tulfarris offers a masterclass in parkland golf, where the tranquil waters of the Blessington Lakes meet championship standards of play.

In his YouTube video, One of The Worlds largest Golf Youtubers, Peter Finch described Tulfarris Golf Club as a spectacular course, particularly highlighting the dramatic 18th hole. Playing alongside pro Simon Thornton, Finch featured the scenic, 18-hole championship course located on the Blessington Lakes, praising the challenging layout and overall, well-maintained, and enjoyable conditions.

Watch the video here!

Day 5 pairs iconic Portmarnock links golf with a classic Dublin night out in the city’s most famous quarter.

Day 5: Portmarnock Links & Temple Bar Night Out

Morning: Head to Portmarnock, the Top Rated Links Course on The East Coast, for a bucket‑list round on one of Ireland’s most historic and respected links courses by the sea. Located on a picturesque, narrow peninsula just north of Dublin City, Portmarnock Golf Club is consistently ranked among the top links courses in the world.
Founded in 1894 and steeped in tradition, it features a 27-hole layout known for its,, honest, fair, and challenging design that has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Irish Open and the Walker Cup.
Pádraig Harrington is a strong advocate for hosting The Open Championship at Portmarnock Golf Club, calling it a "logical" choice for the tournament. As a Dublin native, he has described the venue as one of his top 10 courses and expressed hope to play his final Open there before his exemption ends in 2032
Afternoon: Enjoy post‑round refreshments in the clubhouse, with time for photos and reflection on a true championship experience.
Evening: Transfer into Dublin’s Temple Bar district for a lively night of cobbled streets, live music and traditional pubs before returning to Barberstown Castle.

Druids Glen in County Wicklow, often called the "Augusta of Ireland," has hosted prestigious tournaments featuring elite golfers, including Irish Open winners and Ryder Cup legends. Key figures who have played or won on its renowned courses include Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell, Colin Montgomerie, and Sergio Garcia.

DRUIDS GLEN HOTEL & Golf Resort +3

Irish Open (1996-1999): The course hosted four consecutive Irish Opens, with Colin Montgomerie winning in 1996 and 1997, and Sergio Garcia winning his first professional title there in 1999.

Day 6: Druids Glen Championship Golf

Morning: Travel to Druids Glen, often called the “Augusta of Ireland,” to take on its beautifully manicured, tree‑lined championship course.
Afternoon: 18 holes at Druids Glen, followed by a relaxed lunch and time to soak in the peaceful Wicklow countryside setting.
Evening: Return to Barberstown Castle for a final night in your historic base, with the option of a celebratory farewell drink in the bar.

Your final full day of golf is a colourful, parkland contrast to the links, rounding out your Irish golf portfolio in style.

Day 7: Full Irish Breakfast & Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely full Irish breakfast at Barberstown Castle, sharing stories from the week and taking final photos of the castle.
Late Morning: Check out and meet your transfer for the journey to Dublin Airport, timed to suit your flight schedule.
Afternoon/Evening: Depart Ireland with relaxed travel and fond memories of golf, culture and castle hospitality.

The tour concludes with a classic Irish send-off—hearty breakfast, smooth transfers and a promise to return to Ireland’s fairways.

Booking Your Professional Golf Experience

Emerald Isle Golf Tours provides a seamless booking process tailored for the discerning golfer. Once your inquiry is reviewed, our dedicated concierge team coordinates every aspect of your itinerary—from championship tee times to your luxury stay at Barberstown Castle. Experience the artisanal hospitality that Emerald Isle Golf Tours is renowned for across the world's most iconic fairways.