How to Play Scotland and Ireland on the Same Golf Trip

Tips for Combining Both Countries onto One Itinerary

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 combine Scotland and Ireland into one golf trip?

Pairing Scotland and Ireland into one unforgettable golf trip is a growing trend, but it’s not the ideal itinerary for every traveler. This type of trip involves more logistical planning, but with the right approach, you can experience the highlights of both countries in one go.

In this post, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider and share a few ideal regions for a combined Scotland and Ireland golf trip.

We also covered the topic in-detail in a recent episode of our Golf and the Good Life podcast. Tune-in below or wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Considerations for a Two-Country Golf Trip

Time Commitment

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 five or six days, the key question to ask yourself is whether you want to burn a significant portion of one of them traveling between countries.

A minimum of 7–8 nights is required for a Scotland-Ireland golf trip, though longer is always better. While it may sound appealing to tackle both countries in a shorter timeframe, the experience is often richer and more enjoyable with sufficient time to savor each destination.

Does it Fit Your Group?

Our philosophy is to avoid overloading an itinerary. Attempting both countries may seem exciting on paper, but without careful planning, it can feel like a whirlwind that sacrifices the relaxation and enjoyment you’re after. It’s essential to consider the nature of your group and their priorities for the trip.

Does it Fit Your Group?

One of the biggest challenges of a Scotland-Ireland combined golf trip is fitting everything into the time allowed. Choosing to experience both countries often means that some outstanding courses and landmarks will be left off the itinerary.

For instance, you might miss out on places like Western Gailes or Ardglass – courses that would otherwise be included in a single-country trip, but may be lost due to time constraints. It’s essential to consider if the excitement of playing across two countries outweighs the potential trade-off of skipping some great courses and sites that would add value to your experience.

Navigating Travel Logistics

Traveling between Scotland and Ireland involves ferry rides, flights, and luggage transfers, all of which eat valuable time overseas and are an opportunity for something to go sideways with your trip.

When planning a combined Scotland and Ireland golf trip, it's important to take the logistics into consideration and identify ways to minimize the potential headaches. In the end, you may decide that it's not worth the added stress or time lost and instead save the 2nd country for your next trip.

Group Captain Dave Lloyd & Friends from Woodland Hills Country Club enjoy The Open at Royal Troon during an H&B Expedition to Scotland and Ireland.

Suggested Areas for a Combined Scotland-Ireland Golf Experience

West Coast of Scotland & Northern Ireland

One of the most popular and convenient combinations, the west coast of Scotland pairs perfectly with Northern Ireland. Accessible by ferry, this route allows golfers to experience iconic courses like Turnberry, Royal Troon, Royal Portrush, and Royal County Down. Best of all, if you base yourself in Belfast, this duo can be accomplished with just one hotel change.

Edinburgh & Southwest Ireland

If the allure of Ireland’s southwest has captured your attention, frequent flights between Edinburgh and Cork make this pairing achievable. But it comes with one caution: Southwest Ireland has enough outstanding golf to fill an 8-day trip on its own. In order to make the combination trip happen with just 8-10 days, be prepared for a condensed schedule that misses some great courses.

Edinburgh & Dublin

For those seeking a blend of golf and vibrant city life, an Edinburgh-Dublin itinerary offers just that. Couples often enjoy this route for the mix of culture and iconic courses like Muirfield, North Berwick, Portmarnock, and The Island. Frequent flights between the two cities simplify the logistics, and returning to the U.S. from Dublin is nice thanks to customs preclearance.

Bonus: Southwest Ireland & Northern Ireland

Though not a Scotland-Ireland combo, Ireland is one island with two countries. Pairing these two Irish regions is a great alternative for travelers with more time and interest in exploring the full Irish experience. Covering both northern and southern courses requires a lengthier stay – 2 weeks to do it properly – but the diversity of the courses makes it worth the journey. Perhaps best of all, it doesn't require a mid-trip flight or ferry ride.

Multi-country Golf Trips to Scotland & Ireland

Group Captain John Shingledecker & Friends from Worthington Hills Country Club take in the Portrush sunset on an H&B Expedition to Scotland and Ireland.

Final Thoughts: Is this the Right Golf Trip for You?

While combining Scotland and Ireland in one trip is a thrilling idea, it’s not for everyone. Planning a two-country golf itinerary is an adventure in itself, and for some groups, the better choice may be a single-country focus. Carefully consider the time you have, the goals of your group, and whether you’re ready to embrace the logistical demands of a dual-country journey.

If a combined trip checks all of the right boxes for your group, get ready for one epic experience.