New Golf and the Good Life Discoveries for 2025

Whitney Hedrick

January 7, 2025

5 Minute Read

Every year, our team crosses the pond to reconnect with our golf, accommodation, and transportation partners. Along the way, we usually uncover new experiences to share with future H&B travelers. This year, after months of combined exploration, we’ve returned with plenty of fresh finds to recommend.

From enlightening tours in Belfast to stunning drives through the Scottish Highlands—and even some unique golf adventures in Iceland—this year’s discoveries truly have something for everyone. Some are brand-new to the scene, while others are simply new to us. But all left a lasting impression, and we can’t wait to share them with you during the 2025 golf travel season and beyond.

My colleagues and I have gathered our favorite discoveries from this year into this guide. To kick things off, I’ll share a few of mine.

My Discoveries

This year, I spent nearly a month in Scotland and Ireland exploring Golf and the Good Life. Here are a few of my favorite new and new-to-me finds:

Belfast by the Glass – An immersive journey through Belfast’s rich history told through expertly crafted drinks and engaging stories. Set in one of the city’s historic buildings, each "stop" on this tour was equal parts delicious, educational, and entertaining. It’s the perfect way to toast to Belfast’s vibrant culture while learning about its storied past. However, I must add a fair warning: The beverages come strong and fast. Hydrate.
Cellar Bar at The Merrion Hotel – Tucked away beneath the spectacular Merrion Hotel, the Cellar Bar falls in the "new-to-me" category, as it has been a favorite of H&B travelers for years. The bar combines history, charm, and a fantastic menu and is a great choice for a pre-dinner drink or a light bite after golf. Most importantly, it offers a cozy, laid back contrast to the lively pubs and busy sites of Dublin.
Outdoor Pursuits at Turnberry – If you think Turnberry is just a great hotel and golf, think again. Riding horseback along the stunning Ayrshire coast was an unforgettable way to connect with Scotland’s natural beauty. But what might stand out most was trying my hand at clay pigeon shooting for the first time—a thrilling and surprisingly fun experience. Both activities offer a unique way for tourists to enjoy Turnberry and the surrounding area while the golfers are out on the course.

Skellig Chocolate - Ring of Kerry – Driving through the Ring of Kerry is always breathtaking, but discovering Skellig Chocolates made it even sweeter. Nestled along the Skellig Ring portion of the route, this small chocolatier offers handcrafted treats that are as beautiful and delicious as the surrounding scenery. The truffles are a can't miss. It's another great reason why the Skellig Ring is worth the extra time while exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Knoops - Edinburgh – Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! I stumbled upon Knoops while strolling the colorful Victoria Street in Edinburgh––the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. Knoops serves up some of the most indulgent hot chocolate I’ve ever had and I counted over 20 options on the menu. It’s the perfect way to warm up–or even cool down with a milk shake–and savor the magical setting just outside.

New Discoveries by Connor Evers

This year, I took a road trip through Scotland with my dad, mixing golf with some amazing experiences along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Falconry at Dunrobin Castle – Watching these magnificent birds soar above the castle grounds was an unexpected treat. We just happened to arrive at Dunrobin Castle right before one of the daily falconry exhibitions (typically 11:30am and 2:30pm during the summer season). The falconers shared fascinating insights into the history and training of the birds, while showcasing their talents in the sky. More than once, they zoomed by just inches from our head. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates wildlife and Scotland’s heritage.
Inverness to Glencoe – Given it's a little out of the way, this drive isn't something many groups will do, but I really wish more would! The landscapes are jaw-dropping, with rugged mountains, serene lochs, and sweeping valleys. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films, was a highlight that made the journey even more memorable. If you have a day off in The Highlands or some extra time on a transition day, this detour is more than worth it.
Brora Golf Club – Obviously this one is in the "new-to-me" category, as Brora has become a fixture of many of our golf trips to The Highlands of Scotland. Somehow, it managed to elude me until this trip. I'm happy to report that it more than lived up to the hype. The stunning coastline, old-world charm, and sheep wandering the fairways create a unique atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. It’s a truly special place that captures the essence of Scottish golf.

Tune-in for More – To hear more about these discoveries plus many others, tune-in to the episode below of our Golf and the Good Life podcast. D.J. and I dedicated the entire episode to our favorite stops during our respective trips. It covers everything from a speakeasy in Edinburgh to our shared love of Nando's.

New Discoveries by Mike Walters

Iceland was the star of my travels this year, and wow—what an experience! The golf was unlike anything I’ve ever played, with courses weaving through volcanic fields and landscapes that felt otherworldly. Each round felt like a new adventure, from the dramatic backdrops to the unique courses.

Reykjavík was equally unforgettable, offering world-class seafood, incredible hospitality, and a vibrant city vibe. And then there were the famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle––to say that I was blown away would be an understatement.

The locals were thrilled to welcome us, as Iceland doesn’t see nearly as many traveling golfers as Scotland or Ireland. Trust me, this isn’t the last you’ll hear about golf in Iceland. Stay tuned!

New Discoveries by Chris McConn

As we can all relate, life sometimes gets in the way, and I hadn’t been back to Scotland in several years. It felt great to return and be reminded that, no matter how much I've seen over the last 25+ years, there’s always something new to discover. Case in point:

The Eden Course at St. Andrews – Despite all of my golf trips to St. Andrews, I’d never played the Eden before. I’m so glad I finally did. With perfect fall weather and blazing sunshine, the course was a delightful surprise. The Harry Colt layout was thoroughly enjoyable and perfect for knocking off my links golf cobwebs. If you're looking to squeeze in an extra round at St. Andrews, don't sleep on The Eden.
Dunbar and the Belhaven Brewery – It had been so long between rounds at Dunbar Golf Club, it may as well have been new to me. Though, the fuzzy memories from 20+ years ago quickly returned. Dunbar is a classic links that offers one of the most enjoyable seaside strolls in Scotland. I enjoyed it so much that I tossed my name onto the waiting list for Overseas Membership.
Less than 2 miles from the 1st tee at Dunbar is the home of one of my favorite beers: Belhaven Best. I made a point to stop at Belhaven Brewery on my way back to North Berwick. They offer tours twice daily during the season, and it was fun to see the process behind my go-to beer in Scotland. More golfers should discover the Dunbar and Belhaven combination––it's a duo that's hard to beat.

New Discoveries by D.J. Jones

As has become routine, I made several trips across the pond in 2024. One of those was particularly special because my better half, Katie, joined me for the first time. Sharing with her the places that are so near and dear to my heart—read: Jannetta's and Tailend in St. Andrews—was an absolute joy. Seeing some of these familiar spots through her fresh eyes added a new perspective, and naturally, we made a few discoveries along the way:

New Portrush Accommodations – Curran Gate Apartments, The Rosses at Royal Portrush, and the Dunluce Lodge are three brand new or new-to-us accommodation options in Portrush. Each property has its own unique appeal, from elevated self-catering at Curran Gate and the exclusive-use Rosses Point, to the 5-star experience coming soon at Dunluce Lodge. Curran Gate was an outstanding home base for two nights, thanks in large part to the hospitality of proprietor, Deidre Devine. In short, for those considering Northern Ireland golf trips, the town of Portrush will soon have world-class accommodations to match with its famous links.
St. George’s Market - Belfast – An unexpected upside to a couple of extra days in Belfast, thanks to Hurricane Milton passing through Florida, was finally getting the chance to visit St. George’s Market. It did not disappoint. The vibrant atmosphere, with local artisans, delicious food, and even a little live music, was a great way to connect with Belfast’s local culture. If you're in town over a weekend (the market is open Friday-Sunday only), you won't regret a stroll through St. George's.
Harry Potter Walking Tour - Edinburgh – Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or just love history, this tour is a fun way to explore Edinburgh’s magical side. Our guide brought the Harry Potter story to life while weaving in fascinating details about the city’s history and architecture. The tour began at the Greyfriars Bobby statue and lasted approximately 2 hours. Best of all: The tour is technically free, though gratuity for the guide is customary.
Rosslyn Chapel – This historic chapel blew me away with its intricate stonework and fascinating stories. Every detail, from the carvings to the architecture, holds a mystery or legend. The chapel is approximately 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh, and is the ideal choice for a half day excursion from the city. Fans of The Da Vinci Code, in particular, shouldn't miss it. The chapel plays a pivotal role toward the end of the book and movie.

Whether you’re seeking a new favorite course, a unique Good Life experience, or a perfect blend of both, we’re excited to share these discoveries with H&B travelers in 2025 and beyond.