Mythical Giants, Doomed Liners, & Thrones
For the most part we’re quite lucky with golf vacations. Fate has dealt us a decent hand. Golf courses and destinations of non-golf interest tend to co-operate with each other.
For so long the attractions of Northern Ireland for the non golfer were tragically overlooked. Not any more. The Antrim Coast combined with Belfast has a lot to offer and a terrific variety in depth too
The Giants Causeway
By far the most famous visitor attraction of the north is Ireland’s self-styled ‘8th wonder of the world’, the Giant’s Causeway. These are millions of post volcanic, hexagonal basalt columns, that meet the wild ocean in a series of bays and headlands. They are unique. You have a degree of freedom to explore them.
Geologists try and have us believe that they were formed as a result of ancient volcanic activity …. but honestly …? Do they really expect us to believe that? Everyone knows that the Causeway was built by a mythical giant called ‘Fin McCool’ which is perhaps an altogether more romantic explanation.
A visit should last about 2 hours minimum
Dunluce Castle
Sitting atop a steep cliff looking out to sea, Dunluce Castle is one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. With evidence of settlement from the first millennium, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Historical and archaeological exhibits are on display for public viewing. It’s can be reduced to a drive-by but its probably worth 45 mins for a nominal entry fee on the day
Carrick-u-Rede, Ropebridge
A narrow single track straddles mainland Ireland with a neighbouring rock in the sea. In other words, this is your chance to walk over the Atlantic, which should you need any reminding, is that frothy water swirling 70 feet beneath you. The bridge was used by ancient fishermen (never really sure we’ve ever understood why?). No one’s ever fallen off the bridge, but there have been a fair number of people baulk at the return (which is where today’s fishermen come to the rescue). Just close your eyes and recite some stirring poetry, it’s a lot less undignified, and cheaper, than having to call out the rescue boat!
Belfast
The city of Belfast has a well storied troubled past and we’d be guilt of perhaps trying to sugar-coat things a bit were we not to acknowledge this. Tensions are still never far below the surface even if we’re nominally at peace. One of the groups who used to move between the city’s divided communities were the Belfast taxi drivers. Many firms have since themselves up to offer ‘cab tours’ that take you into the main areas of both sides. Plenty of people wax romantically about Ireland, but few will ever have spent that much time there. This tour is unvarnished in its stark presentation of reality but gets you closer than those who otherwise speak so knowledgably on the subject
Titanic Centre
Everyone knows the story of the doomed liner, but Belfast has a unique association with the Titanic. “She was alright when she left us” they’re fond of reminding folk. The Titanic was indeed built in Belfast at the Harland and Wolfe ship yard.
The Titanic Centre was opened for the millennium and takes the story a little bit more from the city that built her and the people who adopted her. Naturally a lot of the artefacts are at the bottom of the ocean so they have to make use of inter-active items and holograms etc. The reproduction of the grand staircase is the centre-point
The Dark Hedges
The box office blockbuster ‘Game of Thrones’ was predominantly filmed in Northern Ireland on location. Indeed, there are dedicated day tours for anyone who is interested and one of these would clear be worth considering if you are. The most famous site however for the casual interest is that of the ‘dark hedges’, a narrow lane flanked by beach trees which have over-grown to form a tunnelled canopy. ‘The Dark Hedges’ are only a 10 min detour between Portrush and Belfast and can easily be picked up accordingly, but they have become incredibly popular and over-crowded
Contexts'
Geographically, Northern Ireland for the non-golfer is really about two locations. The city of Belfast and the Antrim Coast.
Both are reasonably easy to wrap up, and are only an hour apart.
There are few options for public transport exploration that make much sense, or which we could enthusiastically encourage anyone to use. We’re really looking at needing to drive, the upside to this however is that the main points of interest all tend to be very close to a golf course, so the two tend to combine quite well
There is little point seeking to disguise Ireland’s troubled past, and whereas Dublin might have been the epi-centre for independence/ rebellion 125 years ago, during the second half of the 20th century the focus shifted to Belfast and Derry/ Londonderry in the north, particularly so in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Although it needn’t be to everyone’s palate there is an opportunity to take a look at the darker side of Northern Ireland if you have an interest in more recent political history, for even though this can be a little bit disturbing most folk find it incredibly interesting.
Throughout the troubles the city’s taxi drivers crossed the boundaries of the segregated communities, and upon peace they formed a tour business that takes into the heart of some of the most notorious places. A typical ‘Divided Communities Tour’ lasts 90 minutes and will get you much closer to the chalk face then many of the people who would otherwise profess to speak with such authority on the subject will ever have been.
Belfast is OK, but for a major a city its only pretty average. The chances are that most non golf trips to Northern Ireland have begun in Dublin (flights) and in truth, we’d probably suggest that we’d encounter the greater interest and range in the larger city
Improving and getting better is probably the best way to describe Belfast’s food offer, and indeed that of the wider province. The political situation meant that investment was always a problem in Northern Ireland, so the offer tended to be local
Northern Ireland probably doesn’t sit at the gastronomic high table but it’s not so bad that anyone is going to struggle
Truth be told, the offer tends to be more of the same, but one notable exception can be the city of Derry/ Londonderry (even the place name you choose to use can be interpreted as an expression of sympathy)
With a catholic majority, the city was always going to be something of a ‘flashpoint’. It’s about 75 mins from Portrush and is usually best ‘done’ joining a walking tour conducted in the name of Martin McCrossan that whisks us through the city’s turbulent history including the city walls, the apprentice boys siege, and the ‘bloody Sunday’ site from the 1970’s. Unlike some of ‘the Troubles tours’ (which tend to concentrate on the 20th century) the McCrossan tour goes much deeper into the city’s history and doesn’t restrict its presentation to conflict alone, it will touch on other aspects of Derry/ Londonderry’s development
Testimonial
From BB Canada
“I told Alun the courses I was interested in playing and he prepared a stay and play package with 14 days of outstanding golf, but also tremendous site seeing opportunities for my wife.”
From JC Illinois
“His attention to detail is amazing--I think our travel plan booklet ran to forty-eight pages, with gorgeous descriptions of cities and sights, plus maps showing where to go to catch trains, or walk from trains to hotels, sights and golf courses, etc.”
From DF Alabama
“I will cherish the memories for a long time- especially the wonderful times spent on and off the golf course with two of my brothers and brother-in-law. None of the memories and golf would have been possible or enjoyed without your tremendous planning and logistical support.”
AS from Colorado
“Alun and Faraway Fairways created possibly the most memorable golf trip we have ever experienced. EPIC is the only word that comes to mind.”
AC, From Florida/ New York, 2025
“We were hopeful to secure a 4 ball at St. Andrews while avoiding the massive expense other operators had quoted. He was very clear about the plan for achieving a tee time at the Old Course through the ballot, including detailed instruction on how it could be done, and what our odds were. He suggested mid- to late April as the best chance of success and advised that this is also the least rainy part of the year. We took his advice and trusted the process. Well, he was right on all counts!”
From SB, Minnesota
“We wholeheartedly recommend Alun and Faraway Fairways if you’re looking for a golf trip that is effortless, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable—even for a non-golfer in the mix! My husband and I will be daydreaming about this trip for years to come. 5.5 stars!”
From JB, California
“The best part was that the service was surprisingly affordable. They were thousands of dollars below other quotes that I received, in fact the prices were very similar to what I would have paid if I would have booked everything on my own.”
From JCA, Maryland
“I would and will highly recommend your company to anyone looking to plan an unforgettable golf trip. Thank You for putting together a fantastic trip for J.C. and me”
From WF Connecticut
“I think all eight of us would agree that Alun at Faraway Fairways did an absolutely wonderful job of putting this “golf vacation of a lifetime” together for us. His focus on the details was extraordinary from the choice of courses and the timing of the tee times, the amazingly beautiful accommodations along with some excellent meal selections, and the transportation options he provided to get us from place to place.”
From DR South Carolina
“You are about to tee it up in your Major. Seek wisdom, integrity and professionalism. Alun Davies and Faraway Fairways will not disappoint you. They cannot assure a calm sunny day with temperatures in the 70’s on the Old Course.”
From MM, California
“One fantastic trip you organized, and more importantly took ownership of in terms of daily communication and stewardship during our 2+ weeks in Scotland and Ireland. The logistics were spotless…100% of the transports were on time and excellent, the lodging choices spectacular and the golf was off the charts in terms of quality and arrangements made”
DH from California
“You cannot go wrong with the support Faraway Fairways offered. I did this trip solo and all last minute but I have already begun to plan the next trip which will include my best golfing buddies.”
Enquiry
We don't need to make this an ordeal by 101 filtering questions! In reality there are probably little more than half a dozen things we need to know to build out a proposal. The guidance below might help you frame answers
Duration - usually best expressed as a range up to a maximum
Time of year - can be anything from a specific date range to a named season
Travel class - Faraway Fairways uses 'Luxury', 'Premier' or 'Affordable' for generic purposes. You might choose to reference the international 'star' rating system. We're only looking for something to help steer us into the right sector
Self drive or hired driver - In broad terms, self driving is normally less expensive, and much more flexible, but some folk just don't want to do it
Must play courses/ must do places - a few name checks is all that's needed