When to Begin Planning a Golf Trip to Ireland

The Timeline for Planning Your Journey

If you’re considering a golf trip to Ireland, one of the most important decisions that you'll make is when to start planning.

Demand for Ireland’s top golf courses has never been higher. For private club golfers seeking access to the likes of Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, or Old Head, early planning isn’t just recommended—it’s required.

These courses don’t just fill up fast, they often sell out within days of releasing their tee sheets. In some cases, it’s a matter of hours. If your group isn’t prepared with a well-thought-out plan before those tee sheets open, the opportunity may be gone before it even begins.

The timelines below reflect the realities of today’s golf travel landscape and are based on our decades of experience designing custom golf trips to Ireland for the members of over 1700 private clubs.

Northern Ireland: 18+ Months in Advance

Northern Ireland is home to two of the top ten golf courses in the world. And with Royal Portrush set to host The Open Championship again in 2025, demand has only increased.

Royal County Down typically opens its tee sheet for the following year in April. But to secure ideal dates, most H&B travelers begin the planning process by the preceding fall.

Royal Portrush follows a similar pattern, though its specific release dates may vary. With limited availability for visitors, early inquiries are essential.

Both courses are often fully booked within days of opening their tee sheets... or less.

Recommendation: Start planning 18–24 months ahead for Northern Ireland golf trips—especially if Royal County Down or Royal Portrush is a priority.

Planning timeline for a golf trip to Ireland by region

Southwest Ireland: 12-18 Months in Advance

Southwest Ireland remains the most popular region for links golf in Ireland. With multiple top-100 courses and some of the best scenery in the country, it’s no surprise this region fills up quickly.

Old Head Golf Links is often the crown jewel for Southwest Ireland golf trips, and tee times can book out soon after their release in the spring.

Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Tralee also open their tee sheets in early spring for the following year and are highly competitive.

Old Head in particular tends to sell out within days—sometimes less—once tee times are released.

Recommendation: Begin planning 12 to 18 months in advance to access ideal tee times and preferred accommodations.

Dublin & East Coast: 12 Months in Advance

The Dublin region is perfect for shorter trips or those who want a blend of Golf and the Good Life in Ireland's capital. But proximity to the city also means increased demand.

Portmarnock Golf Club has limited visitor availability and fills quickly with both international and local play.

The same applies to The Island, Royal Dublin, and County Louth especially during the peak season.

Recommendation: Begin planning approximately 12 months in advance for golf trips centered around Dublin.

Northwest Ireland: 6-9 Months in Advance

The Northwest offers dramatic coastal golf with fewer crowds and more relaxed tee sheet timelines. While these courses are every bit as rewarding, they remain more accessible due to lower visitor volume.

But that's starting to change...

St. Patrick's Links is the region's first top-100 course and is drawing more golfers to the area.

As the last remaining region in Ireland where one can find easier availability and value for the dollar, demand is slowly rising for the Northwest.

Recommendation: For golf trips to Northwest Ireland, begin planning 6-9 months in advance.

Guide to when to begin planning a golf trip to Ireland

Why Early Planning Matters

As noted, the best tee times at Ireland’s top-ranked courses are limited and in high demand. But it's not just the golf that drives the need to book early. Accommodations at renowned hotels fill up quickly. And the best driver-hosts, an essential part of many H&B itineraries, are reserved well in advance.

Starting early means:

Better tee time availability
Preferred accommodations
Ideal travel pacing and routing

And most importantly, it ensures your group is ready when those coveted tee sheets open—because when they do, there’s no time to hesitate. By June 1st of the year prior to your trip, your window of opportunity at many of the marquee courses will have already closed.