How to Play Scotland and Ireland in the Same Golf Trip

The choice between Scotland and Ireland golf trips is often an impossible one. So much so, that we covered in great detail the pros and cons to each country in this previous post. But even with that insight, there’s a good chance you’ve asked a question that we hear every day from prospective travelers...

Is it possible to do Scotland and Ireland on the same golf trip?

We understand the logic here. If seeing one is great, both must be spectacular.

The short answer is: yes, it is possible to play golf in Scotland and Ireland on the same trip. But it’s not ideal for everyone. Here are a few important things to consider before attempting this kind of itinerary.

Darren Szot, PGA with his Club at Cordillera members at Prestwick during their H&B Expedition to Scotland and Ireland.

How long is your trip?

Scotland and Ireland are quite close on the map. In some parts, close enough to see with the naked eye on a clear day. But jumping between the two still requires a fair amount of time. If you’re only across the pond for six or seven days, the key question to ask yourself is whether you want to burn a significant portion of one of them traveling between countries.

If you have the luxury of extra time, using some of it to travel between Scotland and Ireland can be a worthwhile investment. The benefit, of course, is the chance to experience two of the best destinations for golf in a single trip. On the other hand, if spare time is in short supply, you may find those hours are better used elsewhere, like sightseeing, recharging in the hotel spa, or playing a golf course that otherwise may not have made the itinerary.

The Logistics

By its very nature, a combined Ireland and Scotland golf trip will add some complexity to your journey. Despite their relative proximity, some areas within the two countries are not easily suited for a multi-country trip. At least, not without transferring to a larger city, boarding a plane, and essentially restarting your trip from scratch mid-way through.

The main exception is a golf trip to the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to convenient ferry service between Belfast and Scotland, courses like Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Royal Troon, and Turnberry can all be experienced in a single trip. Perhaps most importantly, you can usually do so while enjoying the service of the same Driver-Host for the entirety of your H&B Expedition.

This is not to say that other combinations aren’t possible. But if you’re looking to visit, say, Southwest Ireland and The Highlands of Scotland, you’re going to want an expert in your corner. You’re also going to need a golf travel company who is willing to customize every detail of your experience, because a multi-country itinerary is anything but standard.

As it turns out, planning this sort of highly customized golf trip is precisely what our Expedition Planning Managers do every single day. They’ll share which destinations within Scotland and Ireland are best suited for a multi-country trip, what order you should experience the two countries, and the logistical hurdles presented by such an itinerary.

Of course, eliminating those hurdles is why you’ve turned to Haversham & Baker in the first place. The fact is, few golf travel companies have the expertise and resources to pull off this kind of trip. Even fewer will ask the most important question at the beginning of the planning process...

Is this the right trip for your group?

For many H&B members each year, the combination of Scotland and Ireland yields an unforgettable experience across the pond. On paper, hitting both countries in the same golf trip sounds like a brilliant idea. In reality, this isn’t the right trip for everyone. Your Expedition Planning Manager will be the first to say if that’s the case for your trip. But with the right group, precise planning, and enough time at your disposal, it’s possible to enjoy a golf trip to Scotland and Ireland that’s uniquely yours.