YOUR GUIDE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Ireland Travel Tips Golf, money, getting around & the questions our clients ask us most
WORLD'S BEST GOLF TOUR OPERATOR · 2024 & 2025
WE LCOME Before You Travel
Ireland is the only place we sell, so we get asked the same good questions every week. Here are the answers in one place. Anything not covered, just ask us.
Ireland at a glance
03 Passports & entry
04
Before you fly
05 Money & phones
06
Golf in Ireland
07 Your clubs: bring or hire?
08
Getting around
09 Pubs & tipping
10
Weather & what to pack
11 Health & emergencies
12
Peter's Lucky 13
13 Your questions answered
14
Contact us
17
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 02
THE BASICS Ireland at a Glance
CURRENCY € Euro £ Sterling in Northern Ireland
PLUGS Type G 3-pin, 230V. Bring an adapter
TIME ZONE GMT 5 hrs ahead of New York in summer
LANGUAGE English Road signs also in Irish
EMERGENCY 999 / 112 Police, ambulance, fire
DR IVING On the left Give way to the right on roundabouts
DIAL CODE +353 +44 for Northern Ireland
T I PP ING Optional Only for good service
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 03
PASSPORTS & ENTRY Getting In
Your passport should be valid for your whole stay
Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the EU don't need a visa for the Republic of Ireland
There is no Irish ETA or online form to fill in for the Republic
Not sure about your nationality? Check irishimmigration.ie before booking flights
GOLFING IN NORTHERN IRELAND? Royal Portrush and Royal County Down are in the UK. Most visitors (including US and Canadian citizens) now need a UK ETA before crossing the border, even by road. Apply online at gov.uk/eta . It only takes a few minutes, but do it well before you travel.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST Before You Fly
TO DO
TO PACK
Passport in date ✓
Type G plug adapter ✓
UK ETA if visiting Northern Ireland
Good rain gear ✓
✓
Layers & a warm top ✓
Tell your bank you're travelling
✓
Soft-spike golf shoes ✓
Walking shoes ✓
Travel insurance sorted ✓
Medication + prescription ✓
Roaming plan or eSIM ✓
Some cash for tips ✓
Proof of handicap ✓
Book caddies early ✓
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 05
MONEY & PHONES Cards, Cash & Calls
MONEY
Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. Contactless and Apple/Google Pay are normal
Amex isn't accepted everywhere, so bring a backup card
Carry some cash for caddies and tips . Small notes are best, as shops rarely take €100+
Northern Ireland uses sterling (£)
PHONES & APPS
Coverage is good. Check your roaming plan or buy an eSIM before you go
Hotels have free Wi-Fi, so WhatsApp is the easiest way to keep in touch
Handy apps: FREENOW or Uber (taxis), Met Éireann (weather), Google Maps
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 06
ON THE COURSE Golf in Ireland
Soft spikes or spikeless shoes only
Dress code: collared shirts, no denim, no sports jerseys or gym shorts
Some top links ask to see a handicap certificate . Bring proof with you
Buggies/carts are limited on links and some need a medical cert. Tell us early
The famous links book up 12+ months ahead
TAKE A CADDIE Not compulsory at most courses, but on a links you've never seen it makes a real difference. Expect around €90–€120 per bag , plus a tip, usually in cash. We can book them for you.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 07
YOUR CLUBS Bring or Hire?
01 Bring your own Most airlines take golf bags as checked luggage. Check the fee and use a hard case or a well-padded travel bag. 02 Ship them ahead Ship Sticks will collect your clubs from home and deliver them to Ireland, then back again. 03 Hire at the airport Clubs to Hire have desks at Dublin and Shannon. Collect on arrival, drop back before you fly.
04 Delivered to your first course Clubs 4 Hire drop a set at your first course and collect from your last.
05 Rent at each course Most clubs have rental sets. Book in advance, as numbers are limited.
Pre-booking is essential for all hire options. Fairways and FunDays isn't affiliated with any of these companies.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 08
GETTING AROUND On the Road
CHAUFFEUR DRIVE Most of our groups travel with their own driver. No navigating, no left-hand driving, and everyone can enjoy a pint after golf.
DRIVING YOURSELF?
Drive on the left . Give way to traffic from the right on roundabouts
Limits are in km/h in the Republic and mph in Northern Ireland. Many country roads are now 60 km/h
Most hire cars are manual. Book an automatic early
Many US credit cards don't cover car hire insurance in Ireland, so check first
Drink-driving limits are strict. Don't drink and drive
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 09
PUBS & TIPPING The 19th Hole
Ask a local where they drink. That's usually where the music is
Most pubs close around 11.30pm , a bit later at weekends
No smoking indoors anywhere. Pubs have outdoor areas
You need to be 18 to drink. Carry ID if you look young!
TIPPING GUIDE · only if you're happy
10–15% if service isn't included
Restaurants
Round up the fare
Taxis
€1–2 per bag
Hotel porters
A tip on top of the fee
Caddies
Around €10 per person per day
Your driver
Never. A referral is the best thanks
Us
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 10
WEATHER Four Seasons in a Day
Mild and changeable. It rarely gets very hot or very cold, but expect wind on the links and a shower or two.
APR – MAY 12–16°C 54–61°F Sunniest months
JUN – AUG 17–20°C 63–68°F Light till 10pm in June
SEP – OCT 13–17°C 55–63°F Quieter & good value
PACK FOR IT
A proper waterproof jacket and trousers. Golf goes ahead in the rain
Layers, a warm top and a hat for the wind
Check the forecast on met.ie the week before
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 11
HEALTH & EMERGENCIES If You Need Help 999 Police, ambulance, fire & coast guard.
Works in the Republic and Northern Ireland (so does 112).
In an emergency, call 999 first , then let your Tour Director know
Your Tour Director is there 24/7 for anything else
Pharmacies are in every town and are a good first stop for minor problems
Bring medication in its original packaging with your prescription
Get travel insurance that covers medical costs, cancellation and golf. It isn't included in your tour
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 12
FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF GOLF Peter's Lucky 13
Make the most of every minute Enjoy the links. There's nothing like it Find a pub where the locals go
Plan early for the best courses & hotels
1
2
Play a hidden gem or two
3
4
Bring the non-golfers
5
6
Take a caddie at least once
Swing easy when it's windy
7
8
Leave the lob wedge, love your putter
10 Stay in the right locations
9
Take the road less travelled
12 Don't try to see it all in one trip
11
13 Ask an expert. Ireland is all we do
Peter Lawrie, former European Tour winner and Ireland international, is Director of Golf at Fairways and FunDays.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 13
FAQS Your Questions Answered
Do I need a visa? Q
Not for the Republic if you're from the US, Canada, Australia, NZ or the EU. For Northern Ireland most visitors need a UK ETA (see page 04).
Do I need to bring cash? Q
Cards work almost everywhere, but bring some euro for caddies and tips, and sterling if you're heading north.
Do I need a handicap certificate? Q
Some of the top links ask for one. Bring proof of your handicap and you're covered.
Can I use a buggy or cart? Q
On many links, no, or only with a medical certificate. Let us know early and we'll plan around it.
Do I need a caddie? Q
Rarely compulsory, but we'd recommend one. Expect about €90–€120 per bag plus a tip. We book them for you.
What if it rains? Q
We play. Golf in Ireland goes ahead in all but the very worst weather, so pack good waterproofs.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 14
FAQS CONTINUED A Few More
When is the best time to go? Q
May to September for the best weather and long evenings. April and October are quieter and better value.
How far ahead should I book? Q
For the famous links in summer, 12 to 18 months. The earlier, the better your tee times.
Can non-golfers come? Q
Of course. We plan sightseeing, spa days and shopping for them while you play.
Do I need to drive? Q
No. Most of our groups have a private chauffeur for the whole trip.
Is travel insurance included? Q
No. We strongly recommend a policy that covers medical, cancellation and golf.
Who do I call during my tour? Q
Your Fairways and FunDays Tour Director, any time, day or night.
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 15
ABOUT US Why Fairways and FunDays
AWARDS World's Best Golf Tour Operator 2024 & 2025
TRIPADVISOR 5.0 ★★★★★ 279 reviews · Travellers' Choice
“If you're looking for a team that treats your trip like it's their own, look no further than Fairways and Fundays.” STEVE M · TRIPADVISOR
“It's the only trip I've ever taken where I didn't have to do ANYTHING in the preparation or the execution.” DAMON OAKS
“Fairways and FunDays was an incredible company to deal with! 5 stars across the board!” MICHAEL C
FAIRWAYS AND FUNDAYS
IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS · 16
ANY QUESTIONS? JUST ASK We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland
+353 45 871110 TOLL FREE US & CANADA 1800 779 9810 info@fairwaysandfundays.com fairwaysandfundays.com Tag @fairwaysandfundays in your photos, and leave us a review on Tripadvisor when you get home.
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