Planning a golf trip to Ireland with your mates should be exciting, not a logistical nightmare. Yet here you are, trying to find somewhere that'll house 12, 16, or even 18 golfers without breaking the bank or scattering everyone across three different hotels.
Ireland's golf courses are world-class—we're talking about links that have hosted major championships and parkland layouts that'll take your breath away. But finding accommodation that actually works for large groups? That's where things get tricky. You need space for post-round analysis (complaining about your putting), somewhere to store golf bags that won't block hallways, and ideally, a location that doesn't require a 90-minute drive to your tee time.
Here's what you need to know about securing large group accommodation for golfers in Ireland that'll make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Why Standard Hotels Don't Work for Golf Groups
Most golf groups quickly realize that booking hotel rooms isn't the answer. Sure, you can reserve a block of rooms at a chain hotel, but you'll pay €120-180 per room per night, and you're still scattered across different floors. Where does everyone meet for breakfast strategy sessions? Who's storing the dozen golf bags cluttering the lobby?
Large group accommodation for golfers Ireland works differently. You're looking at self-catering properties—manor houses, converted estates, or purpose-built group lodges that can sleep 12-30 people under one roof. According to Fáilte Ireland's accommodation data, these properties have grown 40% in popularity among golf groups over the past five years, and there's a good reason why.
The math makes sense. A property sleeping 16 people might cost €2,500-4,000 per night depending on season and location. Split that among your group, and you're looking at €156-250 per person per night—competitive with hotels, but you're getting exclusive use of an entire property with communal spaces, kitchens, and usually better locations near golf courses.
The East Coast Advantage: Ireland's Golf Heartland
Why Meath, Dublin, and Kildare Make Perfect Golf Trip Sense
Most golf groups automatically think of Southwest Ireland when planning their trips, but the east coast offers something arguably better—density and diversity of courses without the long transfers between rounds.
Counties Meath, Dublin, and Kildare pack more quality golf courses into a compact area than anywhere else in Ireland. You're looking at over 40 championship-standard courses within a 90-minute radius. That means less time in vehicles, more time on fairways, and the flexibility to play different courses every day without marathon drives.
The east coast delivers both links and parkland golf. You can play windswept coastal links one day, then tackle tree-lined parkland layouts the next. This variety matters when you're on a week-long trip—playing seven consecutive links courses in howling wind tests even the keenest golfers' enthusiasm.
The Meath Golf Hub
County Meath sits right in the sweet spot. You're 25 minutes from Dublin Airport, an hour from the capital's courses, and surrounded by some of Ireland's finest parkland layouts.
Royal Tara Golf Club, Laytown & Bettystown (links golf just 20 minutes away), County Meath Golf Club at Trim, and Headfort Golf Club in Kells all sit within easy striking distance. These aren't holiday courses—they're proper championship venues that'll challenge scratch golfers while remaining playable for higher handicappers.
Headfort deserves special mention. Two parkland courses designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr sit in the grounds of a historic estate. The "New Course" regularly appears in Ireland's top 100 rankings, and the tree-lined fairways and elevated greens provide exactly the type of strategic golf that makes for great post-round debate.
County Meath Golf Club at Trim offers another excellent parkland test. Mature trees, water hazards, and cleverly positioned bunkers mean you need to think your way around, not just bomb drivers. Green fees here run more reasonably than Dublin's premium courses, making it smart both strategically and financially.
Dublin's Championship Venues
Dublin brings serious golf pedigree. Portmarnock Golf Club has hosted multiple Irish Opens and sits on a links peninsula overlooking Dublin Bay. This is genuine championship links golf—the course has tested the world's best players and will absolutely test your group.
Royal Dublin Golf Club, founded in 1885, offers another classic links experience. The front nine plays out toward the sea, while the back nine returns along the shore. On clear days, you'll see Howth Head and Ireland's Eye island—stunning golf in a spectacular setting.
The Island Golf Club provides a slightly different links experience. Less exposed than Portmarnock or Royal Dublin, it's carved through dunes and offers more sheltered golf when the wind howls. The course has hosted European Tour qualifiers, so you're playing a layout that's proven tournament-tough.
For parkland golf in Dublin, Druids Glen down in Wicklow (technically just outside Dublin but within the catchment) has hosted the Irish Open four times. The "Augusta of Europe" tag might be marketing hyperbole, but the conditioning is exceptional and the layout is both beautiful and challenging.
Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club offers parkland golf in the grounds of a historic estate where David and Victoria Beckham got married. The course meanders through mature woodlands with the River Liffey forming a natural hazard on several holes.
Kildare's Gem: The K Club
County Kildare's crown jewel is The K Club, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup. Two championship courses—the Palmer Ryder Cup Course and the Smurfit Course—sit within the 550-acre estate. These are bucket-list courses for serious golfers.
The Palmer Course challenges every aspect of your game. Water comes into play on multiple holes, bunkers are strategically vicious, and the greens require careful reading. Standing on the tees where European and American Ryder Cup players competed adds a genuine atmosphere.
Green fees at The K Club aren't cheap—you're looking at €200+ per round depending on season—but for a special occasion or centrepiece round on your trip, the experience justifies the cost.
Beyond The K Club, Kildare offers Carton House (two Montgomerie-designed courses), Killeen Castle (another Montgomerie design that hosted the 2011 Solheim Cup), and Castlewarden Golf Club. You could spend a full week in Kildare alone and play different quality courses every day.
Glebewood House: Purpose-Built for Golf Groups
Here's where accommodation planning gets simpler. Glebewood House in County Meath was practically designed with golf groups in mind. The property now accommodates up to 18 guests, with everyone sleeping in their own bed—no awkward room-sharing or pulling straws for the sofa bed.
Location, Location, Location
Glebewood House sits in an optimal position for accessing the east coast's golf corridor. You're looking at:
- 15 minutes to Laytown & Bettystown Links
- 25 minutes to Royal Tara Golf Club
- 30 minutes to Portmarnock Golf Club
- 35 minutes to County Meath Golf Club, Trim
- 40 minutes to The Island Golf Club
- 45 minutes to Royal Dublin Golf Club
- 50 minutes to Headfort Golf Club
- 60 minutes to The K Club
- 25 minutes to Carton House
That's nine championship-standard courses within an hour's drive. Most golf groups play one round per day, maybe sneaking in a twilight nine holes if everyone's keen. With Glebewood as your base, you can hit a different course every day for over a week without repeating or enduring marathon transfers.
The proximity to Dublin Airport (30 minutes) solves another common problem. Groups flying in can reach the property quickly, settle in, and potentially play a late afternoon round the same day. Departing groups can squeeze in an early round before afternoon flights without stress.
Facilities That Actually Work for Golfers
Glebewood House gets the details right. The property includes dedicated golf bag storage—proper space where clubs can be secured overnight without cluttering living areas or blocking doorways. After watching groups wrestle bags up narrow staircases in converted Georgian manors, this seemingly simple feature matters enormously.
The kitchen facilities accommodate group catering. We're talking full-sized appliances, adequate prep space, and enough refrigeration for 18 people's breakfast supplies and post-golf refreshments. Some groups love preparing communal meals together; others prefer bringing in local caterers. Either approach works here.
Living spaces spread across the property give people options. After a full day walking 18 holes, not everyone wants identical downtime. Some golfers want to dissect every shot over a pint in the main lounge. Others prefer quieter spaces to read, catch up on messages, or just decompress. Glebewood's layout provides both communal areas and quieter retreats.
The 18-bed capacity with everyone in their own bed changes the dynamic completely. No bed-sharing negotiations, no awkward conversations about sleeping arrangements. Everyone gets proper rest, which matters more than people realize on multi-day golf trips.
The Self-Catering Advantage for Golf Groups
Glebewood operates on a self-catering basis, which gives golf groups flexibility that hotels can't match. Early tee times? Grab breakfast at 6:30 AM without waiting for hotel dining rooms to open. Late return from a course? Have dinner ready when you want it, not when the kitchen decides to serve.
This setup works particularly well for golf groups because schedules vary. Maybe day three has split tee times—half the group plays morning, half plays afternoon. Self-catering means the morning group can breakfast early while others sleep in, and everyone can eat when they return from their rounds.
Budget-conscious groups save significantly by self-catering. Even buying quality ingredients and cooking properly, you'll spend €25-35 per person per day versus €60-80 for hotel meals. Over a week-long trip with 16-18 people, that's €6,000-8,000 in savings that could fund an extra round at The K Club or upgrade everyone's green fees.
Groups that prefer not to cook can arrange catering services. Glebewood House have their trusted catering partners, who can provide top quality catering that fits any groups budget, from food platters, BBQ’s all the way up to fine dining, see their catering menu here. Glebewood House’s trusted catering partners will stock the fridge before arrival, prepare daily meals, or handle just dinners while you manage your own breakfasts and lunches. This middle ground delivers home-cooked quality without the work.
Best Regions Beyond the East Coast
Southwest Ireland: The Links Capital
If you're serious about links golf specifically, Southwest Ireland still deserves consideration. Counties Kerry, Clare, and Limerick pack in Ballybunion, Lahinch, Doonbeg, and Tralee within a two-hour radius.
Properties in this region typically offer excellent large group accommodation for golfers because the tourism infrastructure has evolved specifically around golf tourism. You'll find renovated Georgian estates near Killarney that sleep 18-20, modern lodges near the coast, and converted stables that maintain character while offering proper amenities.
The Southwest delivers pure links golf in dramatic coastal settings, but you're committing to longer transfers between courses and significantly more driving from Dublin Airport (3.5-4 hours to reach Kerry). For groups prioritizing links golf above all else, this trade-off makes sense. For groups wanting variety and convenience, the east coast wins.
The Northwest: Donegal's Hidden Gems
Donegal gets overlooked, which is exactly why it's brilliant for golf groups seeking something different. Ballyliffin sits up here with two championship links, and Rosapenna, Portsalon, and Narin & Portnoo are all within striking distance.
The cheap large group accommodation for golfers Ireland market thrives in Donegal because the region hasn't hit peak tourism prices yet. You'll find properties that would cost €5,000 per night in Kerry available for €2,500-3,000 here.
The drive from Dublin takes about three and a half hours, so factor that into your planning. Most groups fly into Dublin, rent a bus or multiple cars, and make the journey part of the trip.
What Actually Matters in Group Golf Accommodation
The Golf Bag Test
Before booking anything, ask: "Where do the golf bags go?" Sounds basic, but this ruins more golf trips than you'd think. You need dedicated storage space that's secure, dry, and doesn't block fire exits or living areas.
The best large group accommodation for golfers includes a boot room, garage, or designated storage area where everyone can leave bags overnight. Some properties provide individual lockers. Dragging clubs up narrow staircases to third-floor bedrooms gets old after day one.
Glebewood House solves this with proper golf bag storage built into the property design. The bags stay secure, dry, and out of everyone's way.
Kitchen vs. Catering
Self-catering properties give you flexibility. Some groups love cooking together, making breakfast before early tee times, and preparing post-golf dinners. Others find this adds unwanted work to what should be a vacation.
Consider your group's preferences honestly. If nobody wants to cook, look for properties that partner with local catering services or restaurants that deliver. Many luxury large group accommodation for golfers Ireland properties include optional chef services.
Budget €25-35 per person per day for groceries if cooking yourselves, or €45-60 per person for catered meals.
Room Configuration Reality Check
Not all bedrooms are equal. The property sleeps 18? Great. But how? You need the actual breakdown: how many doubles, twins, singles, and triples.
Golf groups typically want their own beds—sharing a double bed with your mate might have worked at 22, but at 45, everyone wants their own space. Properties like Glebewood House that accommodate 18 guests in 18 separate beds eliminate this entire negotiation.
The best large group accommodation for golfers balances privacy with communal spaces. Look for properties where bedrooms are spread across multiple floors or wings, giving people quiet when they need it. After a full day walking 18 holes and a few pints, not everyone sleeps quietly.
Planning Your East Coast Golf Itinerary
A Sample Week at Glebewood House
Here's how a week-long golf trip based at Glebewood House might look:
Day 1 (Arrival): Land at Dublin Airport mid-morning, reach Glebewood by lunchtime. Settle in, sort out rooms, stock the fridge. Play a twilight round at Royal Tara (25 minutes away) to shake off travel rust. Early dinner, early bed.
Day 2: Morning round at Portmarnock. This is serious links golf, so you'll want everyone fresh and focused. The course demands your full attention. Afternoon free—some might want to explore Malahide or Howth, others might prefer relaxing at the property. Evening group dinner.
Day 3: County Meath Golf Club at Trim. The parkland setting provides a different challenge after yesterday's links test. Beautiful mature course that's still plenty demanding. Afternoon return, time to rest before dinner.
Day 4: The K Club—your big-ticket round. Everyone's been looking forward to this. Play the Palmer Ryder Cup Course, walk the same fairways the pros played. Take your time, enjoy the experience. This is a special day, so maybe arrange evening catering rather than cooking.
Day 5: Laytown & Bettystown in the morning—it's only 15 minutes away, so you can sleep in a bit. Links golf with views across the Irish Sea. Afternoon round at Royal Tara for anyone who wants 36 holes. Informal dinner back at Glebewood.
Day 6: Headfort Golf Club's New Course. The tree-lined parkland layout provides another contrast to the links courses you've played. This is strategic golf where course management matters. Return with time to pack before your final evening together.
Day 7: Depending on flight times, possibly squeeze in an early round at Royal Tara or head straight to the airport.
That's six days, six different courses, multiple styles of golf, and maximum driving time of an hour each way. You've played genuine championship venues, experienced both links and parkland golf, and never spent excessive time in vehicles.
The Flexibility Factor
Based at Glebewood, you're not locked into rigid plans. Weather turns brutal? Switch from exposed links to more sheltered parkland courses. Half the group wants to visit Dublin for a day? They can, while keen golfers get in extra rounds. Someone pulls a muscle and needs a rest day? They can relax at the property while others play.
This flexibility is harder to achieve when you're staying in hotels or moving between multiple properties. Having one base with access to numerous courses means you can adapt your itinerary based on conditions, energy levels, and group preferences.
Booking Strategy for Peak Season
Timing Your Reservation
Irish golf season runs April through October, peaking in July and August. Book premium properties like Glebewood House 12-18 months ahead for peak season. September and May offer sweet spots—better weather odds than spring, fewer crowds than summer, and often 20-30% lower rates.
Properties require deposits typically ranging from 25-50% of total cost when booking. Final payment usually comes due 8-12 weeks before arrival. Read cancellation policies carefully. COVID changed the industry—many properties now offer more flexible cancellation terms, but don't assume anything.
Coordinating Tee Times Alongside Accommodation
Book tee times and accommodation simultaneously. Championship courses like Portmarnock, The K Club, and Royal Dublin get reserved 6-12 months ahead, particularly for groups of 16-18 requiring multiple tee times.
Some courses offer group discounts for parties of 12+. Ask when booking—you might save 10-15% on green fees. Other courses include deals like "play twice, get a discount on the second round." These savings add up when you're booking for large groups.
Request tee times that make geographical sense with your accommodation location. If you're based at Glebewood, a 7:00 AM tee time at The K Club (60 minutes away) means leaving by 6:00 AM. That's manageable but not relaxing. A 9:00 AM start gives everyone a civilized morning.
Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About
Advertised nightly rates don't tell the full story. Here's what gets added on:
Cleaning fees: €200-500 flat fee, sometimes more for larger properties. This hits harder on short stays—a €400 cleaning fee on a two-night booking effectively adds €200 per night to your costs.
Damage deposits: €500-1,500, refundable but ties up funds. Returned within 5-10 days after checkout if there's no damage.
Utility charges: Some properties charge separately for electricity, oil, or gas, particularly in winter. Budget €15-25 per person for a week-long stay.
Linen and towels: Not always included. Rental fees run €15-25 per person for the stay. Most properties make this optional—bring your own to save money.
Tourist tax: Some counties now charge €1-2 per person per night. Still uncommon but spreading.
Add these up and your €3,000 property might actually cost €3,800. Get the all-in price before committing.
Transport Logistics from Glebewood
The Minibus Solution
For 16-18 golfers, hiring a minibus with driver makes enormous sense. Costs run €300-400 per day, which split among 18 people is €17-22 per person daily. Everyone travels together, nobody worries about driving, and crucially, everyone can enjoy post-round pints without designating drivers.
Glebewood House has a trusted transport partner who can transport large groups and their golf bags all together and who knows the golf course routes. Your driver will know the best routes to Portmarnock, where to drop you at The K Club, and reliable timings for each journey. This local knowledge prevents the stress of multiple cars following GPS through unfamiliar areas. Airport pickups and dropoffs are easily arranged.
Car Rentals: The Alternative
Renting cars gives you more flexibility for non-golf activities. Four cars for 18 people costs roughly €160-280 per day total (€40-70 per car). Split among passengers, that's €9-16 per person daily—cheaper than the minibus option.
The downside is coordination. Four cars means someone's always waiting for the last vehicle to arrive. You need four confident drivers willing to navigate Irish roads. And crucially, driving duties rotate through the group, meaning someone's on soft drinks every day.
For groups playing golf every day with minimal other activities, the minibus wins. For groups mixing golf with sightseeing, shopping, or other pursuits requiring flexibility, cars work better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we book large group golf accommodation in Ireland?
Book 12-18 months ahead for peak season (June-August) and popular locations. Properties like Glebewood House that accommodate 18 guests in individual beds get reserved quickly, particularly by repeat groups who book their next trip before leaving. Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) allows 6-9 months of lead time. Off-season (November-March) offers more flexibility with 3-6 months typically sufficient.
What's included in the nightly rate for golf group properties?
Base rates typically include accommodation, basic furnishings, and standard kitchen equipment. Confirm specifically about WiFi, heating, bed linens, towels, and final cleaning—these vary by property. Most exclude electricity/fuel costs (charged separately or capped), damage deposits, and tourist taxes. Never assume amenities are included. Get itemized pricing showing all fees before booking.Glebewood House nightly rates include all of the above, no hidden extras.
Why choose the east coast over Southwest Ireland for golf?
The east coast offers course density and variety unmatched elsewhere in Ireland. From properties like Glebewood House, you can reach 40+ championship courses within 90 minutes. This means less driving time, more golf time, and the flexibility to play different courses daily without marathon transfers. You get both links (Portmarnock, Royal Dublin, Laytown & Bettystown) and parkland golf (The K Club, Headfort, Carton House) without changing accommodation. Southwest Ireland delivers spectacular links golf in dramatic settings, but requires 3.5-4 hours driving from Dublin Airport and longer transfers between courses.
Can Glebewood House arrange tee times and transport?
Contact Glebewood House directly to discuss what services they can coordinate. Many properties in Ireland have relationships with local transport companies and can make recommendations. Tee times are typically best booked directly with courses 6-12 months ahead—you'll get preferred times and can communicate specific group requirements. Some golf tour companies handle both accommodation and golf bookings as packages if you prefer one-stop coordination.
What happens if our group size changes after booking?
Policies vary dramatically between properties. Some allow number adjustments (within reason) without penalty until final payment due date, while others charge per person and require exact numbers at booking. Size reductions rarely result in refunds once final payment is made. Size increases depend on room availability—for properties at maximum capacity like Glebewood House at 18 guests, increases are possible up to a maximum of 24, if some group members are willing to share king size double beds. Address this possibility upfront and get flexibility terms in writing.
Should we self-cater or arrange external catering at Glebewood?
This depends entirely on your group's preferences. Self-catering saves €35-45 per person daily compared to catered meals—that's €4,500-7,500 saved over a week for 18 people. These savings fund extra golf rounds or higher-quality courses. However, shopping and cooking adds work to what should be a vacation. Middle-ground options include catering services that stock the property before arrival, handle dinners only while you manage breakfasts, or prepare meals you reheat. Discuss this with your group early—some love cooking together, others would rather pay extra to avoid it.
Making Your Decision
You've got the information. Now comes choosing a property and getting your group to agree.
Start by establishing non-negotiables: dates, budget per person, must-play courses, and maximum acceptable drive times to courses. This eliminates most options immediately.
For groups of 16-18 wanting to explore Ireland's east coast golf corridor, Glebewood House ticks every critical box: proper capacity with individual beds for everyone, strategic location accessing Meath, Dublin, and Kildare courses, facilities designed for golf groups, and the flexibility of self-catering accommodation.
The extra-large group accommodation for golfers Ireland offers varies in quality and suitability, but properties purpose-built or adapted specifically for golf tourism consistently deliver better experiences than generic holiday homes. You want the golf bag storage, the drying facilities, the communal spaces sized for your group, and ideally, a location that minimizes transfer times.
Set a decision deadline. Golf groups love discussing plans endlessly without committing. Give everyone a week to review options, then call for a vote. Book immediately once you've decided—properties don't wait for stragglers to make up their minds.
The courses around Glebewood House offer everything from championship links that'll test the best players in your group to strategic parkland layouts where course management trumps pure power. You can play Portmarnock's coastal links one day, then tackle The K Club's Ryder Cup course the next. Headfort's tree-lined fairways provide a different challenge again, while Royal Dublin delivers classic links golf with genuine pedigree.
This density and diversity of courses, combined with accommodation that genuinely works for large golf groups, creates the foundation for outstanding golf trips. You're not spending three hours driving between courses. You're not fighting with hotel staff about golf bag storage. You're not scattered across multiple floors unable to congregate properly. You're playing exceptional golf, returning to comfortable accommodation with everyone together, and spending your evenings reliving the day's highlights rather than dealing with logistical frustrations.
The golf courses will deliver memorable rounds regardless of where you stay. But choosing the right accommodation—properly sized, strategically located, and equipped for golf groups—transforms a collection of rounds into a proper golf trip. The kind where post-round stories, group dinners, and shared experiences matter as much as your scorecard.
Start your planning now, get your group organized, and secure your accommodation. Ireland's east coast golf corridor is waiting, with Glebewood House perfectly positioned to maximize your time on fairways and minimize time dealing with logistics. Choose wisely, and this won't be your last golf trip to Ireland.
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