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Springtime is giving us a preview of the weather to come here in the Pacific Northwest, and my thoughts naturally turn to golf. And when my thoughts turn to golf, they invariably wander off to dream of golfing in Ireland.

Ireland offers some of the most magnificent and challenging golf experiences to be had. Indeed, with the hundreds of courses to be found throughout the country, there is an interesting and unique golf experience for just about any level of play. One can find courses providing expansive and breathtaking views of the sea or travel inland to play courses that seem to have been created from magic, such are the stunning colors and vistas of the Inland.

For the true afficionado, a golfing tour of Ireland can only be described as heaven. With the numbers of golf course and accommodations available, there are literally thousands of combinations that can be made to make your tour unique. A quick search online brings more than 1 million opportunities to find the plan that works best for you, your skill, and your budget. There are a number of firms who will shape a tour specific to your desired itinerary. Of course, if you have the time and inclination, designing your own tour and making the arrangements is another option.

The organized tours generally consist of a 6 or 7 day stay and opportunity to play 4 or 5 different courses. You are transported by coach or car, and all tee times and accommodations are taken care of (including a full Irish breakfast each day). Double occupancy rates are adjusted if your traveling companion would rather be visiting castles while you play. There are also options for you to drive the tour on your own, making your own arrangements for a rental car.

If your budget permits, you may want to look at the several opportunities to stay at a castle hotel and golf resort. There are also many manor accommodations at or near golf resorts and the more traditional hotel golf resorts. Naturally, your choice will depend somewhat on your budget.

One thing to be aware of before you make your plans is that many of the courses do not allow golf carts, but do allow for pull-trollies. Caddies are generally self-employed rather than employees of the course; booking their services can be a bit dicey in the high season. You’ll want to be sure your tour director has made the necessary reservations if those services are needed.

As with any golf outing, be sure to check what kind of apparel is allowed or required at the courses you’ll be visiting. One site I visited noted that polo shirts, light trousers, and even tailored shorts may be required at some courses. And, since this is Ireland, you do want to be sure to have comfortable rain gear with you.

For the 2007 season, you can expect to pay a bit over euro 3,000 (approximately $4,050 U.S.) per person for a deluxe 7 day, 5 course visit, or just over euro 2,200 ($2,975 U.S.) for the standard tour. These are general figures, drawn from looking at a number of tours available, but give you some idea of the cost.

I hope from this short article you get a bit of the flavor of golf travel to Ireland. I’m going back to my daydreams now, and I’ll leave you to yours. See you at the tee box.