The Best of the Southwest
Southwest Ireland features a wild coastline lined with dunes, cliffs, and some of the best links in the world. Beginning at Waterville and going up the coast to Lahinch, Dooks, Tralee, and Ballybunion, this stretch of land and sea defines what golf in Ireland is all about: raw beauty, unpredictable weather, and mesmerizing terrain.
For seven days in August, we’ll make Killarney our home base at the historic Great Southern Hotel, exploring six world-class courses. Each day brings a new test and a different view of the Atlantic, with lodging, transport, and tee times handled so you can focus on the experience.
It’s a week built for players who dream of Ireland at its most authentic—rugged, scenic, and truly unforgettable.
The Full Irish
August 16
Arrivials + Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
August 17
First taste of links golf at Waterville
August 18
Play 18 at Old Tom’s Lahinch
August 19
Go back in time at Dooks
August 20
Unforgettable views from the dunes of Tralee
August 21
Ballybunion puts an exclamation point on the trip
A Week of the World’s Best
pricing
$7,450 Single Occupancy / $6,550 Double Occupancy
If selected, a 50% deposit is due immediately to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due May 13.
Included in this experience
- Luxury accommodations in a six-night stay at the Great Southern Hotel
- Six rounds of golf in seven days
- Private transportation to/from airport and golf courses
- Gifts from TGJ & partners
Trip Itinerary
Sunday, August 16
Arrival in Killarney
Land at Shannon Airport and transfer to Killarney, where we’ll check into the historic and charming Great Southern Hotel in the town center. That afternoon, get the trip started right at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club’s Killeen Course, a scenic parkland layout wrapped around lakes and mountains—and a six-time host of the Irish Open. It’s a gentle start, played against a backdrop that’s anything but.
Monday, August 17
Waterville
The road to Waterville runs along one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, where green hills tumble into the Atlantic. Waterville is one of the most well-regarded links in the world. Designed by Eddie Hackett and refined by Tom Fazio, its dunes and greens are as challenging as they are memorable. Keep an eye out for the famous “Mass Hole” and “Liam’s Ace,” two of the most storied holes in the country.
Tuesday, August 18
Lahinch
North along the coast, Lahinch awaits—a course often called the “St. Andrews of Ireland.” Designed by Old Tom Morris and host of the 2026 Walker Cup, it’s everything a classic links should be: quirky, strategic, and endlessly interesting. Expect blind shots, unpredictable bounces, and a front-row seat to the Atlantic’s full power. After the round, stop for a pint and a few stories about the day’s best (and worst) shots.
Wednesday, August 19
Dooks
Tucked between the Reeks mountains and the ocean, Dooks is one of Ireland’s oldest courses and still one of its most welcoming. Shorter in length but long on charm, it’s the kind of place that makes you smile before you even reach the first tee. With wide horizons and the smell of salt in the air, it’s a day to breathe deeply and take in the scene.
Thursday, August 20
Tralee
Arnold Palmer said, “I designed the front nine, but God built the back.” You’ll understand what he meant when you see it. Tralee delivers a mix of artistry and awe—massive dunes, clifftop tees, and holes that seem to hang above the Atlantic. Every view is postcard-worthy, and the golf is just as good.
Friday, August 21
Ballybunion
We close the week at Ballybunion, the crown jewel of Ireland’s Southwest. Revered by architecture enthusiasts, Ballybunion’s dune-lined corridors and seaside holes demand imagination and nerve in equal measure. It’s the perfect final test and the kind of round that leaves you smiling on the ride home. That evening, we’ll return to Killarney for one last night to toast the trip and the community that brought us here.
Saturday, August 22
Departure
After breakfast at the Great Southern, transfers will take you back to Shannon Airport. The flight home may be long, but the memories—of wind, laughter, and that one perfect strike—will travel even farther.
How to Register
- You must be an active TGJ Premium member to register for and attend the Ireland Southwest event. Not yet a Premium member? Join here.
- Premium members can place reservation requests from December 3 at 9 a.m. ET to December 5 at 9 a.m. ET.
- You may request up to four spots.
- Singles are encouraged to place reservation requests.
- Entries must be paid within 24 hours of receiving the notification email to avoid forfeiting your position in the event.
- To secure your spot if selected, a 50% deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance (50%) will be due by May 13. You’ll receive a reminder email with a secure link to complete your final payment ahead of the due date.
See You in Ireland
August 20-25, 2026
Need to know
- Field size:
- 16
- Registration Date:
- 12/3-12/5
- If selected, a 50% deposit is due immediately to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due May 13.
Airfare and gratuity for caddies/bus driver are not included.
An additional thank you to our event partners:
FAQs
Event Registration & Waitlist Policy
TGJ Premium member events have a limited number of spots. Here’s how registration works:
How to Request a Spot
- Reservation requests open at a set time and close at the deadline.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select your party size and enter your details.
- You must be a Premium member and logged in to your golfersjournal.com account to submit a request.
Selection & Payment
- The field is chosen by random drawing. Selected members will be notified via email or text.
- If selected, you have 24 hours to complete registration and payment.
- Failure to pay will result in automatic forfeiture of your spot.
- To secure your spot if selected, a 50% deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance (50%) will be due by May 13. You’ll receive a reminder email with a secure link to complete your final payment ahead of the due date.
Automatic Waitlist
- All unselected members are automatically added to the waitlist—no extra steps are needed.
- If a spot opens, a new member will be randomly selected from the waitlist.
- There is no set order to the waitlist.
- Members who miss the initial registration window are welcome to join the waitlist at anytime prior to the event.
How will I be notified?
Winners will be notified by email & SMS (if BTS text message alerts are enabled).
Sign up for text alerts to be notified first about event selections here.
How many spots can I purchase?
You may purchase up to four spots.
Does my guest have to be a member?
Yes, all guests must be active Premium TGJ members. The best way to bring a non-member guest is to gift them a Premium TGJ membership.
Can I attend as a single?
Yes, almost 50% of event attendees are singles. Bring a friend or come make some new ones. Otherwise, you will be paired with another BTS member at random.
Will I be walking or riding during the event?
Yes, almost 50% of event attendees are singles. Bring a friend or come make some new ones. Otherwise, you will be paired with another BTS member at random.
Can I request to be paired with another twosome?
Yes. If you’d like to be grouped with a specific player or twosome, please submit your request via the Guest Details Form in the Players’ Room after completing your registration.
While we aim to mix up the tee sheet so everyone gets to meet and play with new members, we’re happy to accommodate pairing requests when possible.
Are there Handicap or Skill Requirements?
Most Irish clubs require a handicap of 24 or lower for men and 36 or lower for women, with some premier courses recommending 18 or lower for men and 28 or lower for women.
That said, all skill levels are welcome to join our trip. We only ask that you:
- Have fun
- Respect the game and your fellow players
- Keep pace with the group ahead
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we’ll use a double-bogey max scoring format during rounds.
What is the cancellation policy?
All pricing is listed per person.
If you need to cancel your spot, please email us at events@golfersjournal.com.
- Refunds will be issued only if your spot is filled by another participant.
- Once filled, refunds will be processed minus a 5% processing fee.
- Inside 30 days of the event, a 10% cancellation fee will apply to filled spots.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us keep these events running smoothly.
What is not included?
Unless otherwise specified, the following are not included in the event price:
- Airfare or travel costs
- Meals
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caddie fees and gratuity
