The Executive Golf and Leisure arrived in Belfast after a
short 25 minute flight from Glasgow Airport. A quick 30 minutes taxi drive from
Belfast International airport to the city center, the team checked into the 4
Star trendy FitzWilliam Hotel, quick freshen up and over to the very famous Crown Liquor Saloon, a unique setting, rich
in history, with a religious influence at the front entrance. All the team agreed
it is a must visit when in Belfast City and don't be surprised if you are there
until closing time.
Back to the Fitzwilliam Hotel, just a stones throw across the road, a quick change of clothes, the team met with the management
team for a cocktail reception in the very beautiful Penthouse Suite. A small
kitchenette, 6 table dining space and the views overlooking the city are truly
breathtaking, where you can also enjoy the same experience.
The team then took a short drive over to the 5 Red Star
Merchant Hotel for a show-round, a hotel of two styles the Merchant Hotel
offers a collection of Victorian boutique rooms and a collection of quirky Art
Deco rooms, and not to mention the luxury spa with outdoor Jacuzzi. While
eating breakfast or dining in the main restaurant, you will be mesmerized by the ceiling. On the ground floor, you
will find the atmospheric Bert's Jazz
bar and restaurant. The Merchant Hotel offers a wide variety of entertainment
and relaxation, it really does tick all the boxes.
With the icing on the cake and the candles lit, we all
enjoyed a meat feast in Hadskis Restaurant, with a wide variety of scrumptious
dishes, Hadskis will cater for all cravings which can be enjoyed in the main
restaurant or at the chefs table, however they really do specialise in beef,
with a range of steaks and different cuts from sirloin, to succulent short rib,
or a 1kg fillet steak sharing dish, it would be rude not to order beef.
DAY 2 - COUNTY DOWN & DUBLIN
The day started with a one hour transfer to Montalto, a
10 bedroom exclusive luxury, property on a country estate. Beautiful tranquil
setting just 30 minutes' drive from Royal County Down Golf Club. With great
adaptability, they will attend to your needs and requirements with onsite
fishing and the opportunity to bring in clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, and
falconry.
After a short visit to County Down, it was time to move
on to Dublin, first stop the very famous Portmarnock Golf Club. A clubhouse
rich in history, huge trophy collection and Walker Cup memorabilia. The team was
host by the club manager for a stunning lunch using local produce. Following
lunch the team were invited to play the golf course. With beautiful views,
Portmarnock offers 27 holes on a unique peninsular setting, after golf we
relaxed with a pint of the famous black stuff - smooth and luxurious, Guinness
really is best enjoyed in Dublin.
A short 30 minute drive into the city, the group were
welcomed by the management team at the 5 Star FitzWilliam Hotel Dublin City
Center. Located on St Stephens Green, they really were in the thick of it. The
staff and customer service really was top notch. After again a quick freshen up
the team were invited for a 3 course dinner in the hotel restaurant, they
enjoyed a delicious starter and main however the dessert really was the star of
the show, if you can squeeze it in - DO IT!!!
DAY 3 - DUBLIN
After a beautiful breakfast in the Fitzwilliam Dublin, the
team received a very warm welcome from Eoin the general manager at Royal Dublin
Golf Club, a quick tour around the clubhouse just like Portmarnock rich in
history ended in the dining room to enjoy the spectacular view of the golf
course with warm oven baked scones. After taking in the view and navigating their
game-plan, the team booted up for 18 holes on Royal Dublin, which they found
very enjoyable. Very much like Portmarnock the course was flat, with cleverly
positioned fairway bunkers and undulating green-side aprons protects this
course from a sub-par round.
Back on the road again, the team traveled across country
to the 2006 Ryder Cup Venue the 5 Star K Club Resort. With a quick show around
the owner, Mr Smurfit's beautiful on-site home which is available for exclusive
use, the star of the show really was the basement floor - a Mediterranean
styled swimming pool and HUGE wine cellar/cave with dining area, again this
manor house ticks all the boxes for entertainment and relaxation.
A short drive over to the 5 Star K Club Hotel, the team
had time to relax and enjoy their enormous rooms. To finish the evening they
were greeted by Michael the general manager in the hotel bar, followed by a
three course 5 Star, fine dining experience, enjoyed listening to many of
Michael's stories and experiences he has created over the years of managing one
of the most prestigious properties Ireland has to offer. The K Club really does
know how to do luxury - by far one of the most comfiest beds the team have
experienced.
DAY 4 - DUBLIN
The team parted from the rest
of the group, with an intense schedule starting at the unique, family owned
European Club. A tough but well-designed golf course, with the famous sleeper
lined bunkers. Back onto the Viano van the team traveled back into the city
for a show-round the very beautiful, and incredibly luxurious 5 Star Merrion
Hotel. When looking for the absolute finest rooms, dining and spa look no
further than the Merrion Hotel, it offers a fine collection of art with a
champagne accompanied tour of the masterpieces on-site.
After a beautiful lunch in the
Cellar Bar at the Merrion, the team took a very short drive to discover the quirky
trendy, but much relaxing 5 Star Dylan Hotel. The hotel offers a variety of
rooms that cater for all needs whether it be a city break or your residency for
a week-long tour.
After enjoying the Dylan the
team ventured to their final visit of the day, The Island Golf Club, another peninsula
golf course protected by high standing dunes, with beautiful views of the Irish
Sea.
This has been a very educational and inspiring tour, and the team would like to extend their thanks to Tom Cotter for organising and hosting the tour, to all the Hotels, Restaurants and Golf Courses and their management teams for their warm welcome and wonderful hospitality.
The team at Executive Golf & Leisure are fully equipped with all the necessary information to look after all your needs and requirements for a tour of Belfast and / or Dublin.
If you are interested and would like some further information about these locations please contact the team on:
Mairead@execgolf-leisure.com
Tel: +44 (0)1786 832244
Toll Free USA: 1877 295 2247
Toll Free Canada: 1866 392 5021
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