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 I just wanted to drop a brief note to say "thank you," Marc, for the outstanding arrangements for our trip to Ireland. We were sorry to leave yesterda... 
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Ireland: Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions
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The beauty of Ireland as a golf destination lies in its array of great golf courses, accommodations, restaurants and pubs, allied to its appealing culture, colourful history and extensive range of things to see and do. Each region of the country offers so much for the visitor beyond just great golf courses and we can work out the ideal inclusions as part of your vacation.
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EAST & SOUTH EASTERN IRELAND
As part of a golf trip in this region, much of your time is likely to be spent in or close to Dublin City and no visit to the capital is complete without a trip to Trinity College to view the Book of Kells. Other key attractions include the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample one of the finest pints of Guinness you are ever likely to encounter; the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield; Christ Church Cathedral; and the historical Kilmainham Gaol, home for the last days of their lives to many key Irish historical figures of the early 20th century. Just north of Dublin, the Passage Tomb at Newgrange, dating back to 3,200 BC provides a fascinating insight into prehistoric Ireland; while just south of Dublin in County Wicklow, you should if possible include a visit to Glendalough, an amazing early Christian monastic site; and beautiful Powerscourt House and Gardens.
Further south of Dublin in an area known as the Sunny South East, both Kilkenny and Waterford are interesting regions with much to offer. The medieval city of Kilkenny is a beautiful place to stay for a few days in linking your trip from Dublin to the southwest and you could also take in a vist to Mount Juliet, host to the 2002 & 2004 American Express World Golf Championship. Interesting attractions in Kilkenny include Kilkenny Castle, the seat of the Butler family in Ireland; St Canices Cathedral; and the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown. Neighbouring Waterford is synonymous with Waterford Crystal and the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre here offers a fascinating insight into its manufacture.
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NORTH EASTERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland has many stories to tell about its troubled past but apart from the fascinating and harrowing historical element, there is much beauty for the visitor to enjoy. The County Antrim Coastline in particular is breathtaking, with the Giants Causeway a must-see for any visitor. Playing Royal Portrush & Portstewart provides the ideal opportunity to visit the famous Bushmills Distillery in nearby Bushmills; while if you have the time, courage and inclination to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, it is sure to leave you with a story worth telling.
Belfast is another vibrant city, which has undergone quite a transformation in recent years and today it offers an excellent range of restaurants and shops. In terms of things to see, Belfast Castle is well worth a visit, while the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, located near Belfast tells the interesting story of life in early 20th century Ulster. As you travel south from Belfast, if you are a golfer, your likely destination is Newcastle in County Down, home to Royal County Down Golf Club. Highly recommended in this area would be a visit to either Tollymore Forest Park or Castlewellan Country Park. Both locations offer stunning scenery and beautiful walks.
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WEST & NORTH WESTERN IRELAND
Often the path less travelled in terms of golf, the region has much to offer the visitor. Galway is a vibrant city and with many excellent restaurants, shops and pubs, is a great place to spend a few days. Moving west towards Connemara, you will come across some of the most ruggedly beautiful scenery in Ireland and you should include a visit to the Connemara National Park near Letterfrack. Other recommended inclusions would be a boat trip to the Aran Islands; a visit to the imposing Kylemore Abbey; and the Quiet Man Heritage Centre in the village of Cong.
Travelling north from Connemara, Westport is another lively town and an excellent base from which to play the likes Enniscrone, Carne and Connemara. Here, Westport House & Country Park is worth a visit; while for the energetic, climbing Croagh Patrick, Irelands holy mountain, is an ideal way to dust off some cobwebs from the night before. Another interesting stop is in store at the Ceide Fields Visitor Centre near Ballycastle in Co. Mayo. Like Connemara, Donegal offers rugged landscapes in abundance and visitors can enjoy this and more at Glenveagh Castle & National Park near Letterkenny.
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SOUTH WESTERN IRELAND
Offering so much superb scenery and many must-see attractions, it is impossible to find the time to take in everything in this region of Ireland. The main city is Cork and apart from the superb shopping here in the city itself, visitors should be sure to include the likes of Blarney Castle and Gardens; the Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton; Cobh: The Queenstown Story, where the sad tale of Irish emigration and famine is recounted; and of course Fota Wildlife Park, which provides a wonderful opportunity to see a range of wild animals in their natural environments.
Killarney is a popular destination, particularly as a base for golfers. Given the quality of golf courses in the area, you are likely to have little spare time to take in the sights apart from en-route to the golf courses but you should try to include the likes of the Dingle Peninsula; the spectacularly scenic Gap of Dunloe, where you can travel through the Gap on pony and trap and return through the Lakes of Killarney by boat; Killarney National Park; and the beautiful Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms.
A typical golfing itinerary in the Southwest would see you spend at least part of your time in the Shannon area, from where you can play the likes of Lahinch & Doonbeg. Here again, there are many options in terms of what to see. If you are travelling with the family, a trip to the Ailwee Caves in Ballyvaughan is appealing, while some other key things to include would be Bunratty Castle & Folk Park; the spectacular Cliffs of Moher near Liscannor; Craggaunowen Living Past, which tells the story of the Celts arrival in Ireland, their dwellings, farming and hunting methods; and of course the famous Burren region, which is best explained at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora.
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