The late US Open and US PGA Champion Payne Stewart felt right at home when he visited the 19th hole in Waterville – The Butler Arms Hotel: “We get into the pub and get around a piano,” said Stewart of his post-round routine. “I bring out my harmonica and the next thing you know it’s about 4am!” You see, finishing a round of golf doesn’t mark the end of the day in Ireland. Round here we always carry on to the 19th.

Even Rory McIlroy knows that his caddy, JP Fitzgerald, could prove crucial to his game. If you’re going to be playing on some of the island’s famous championship courses, get a caddy. They know the fairways best, save you plenty of shots, and will probably be the best four hours' conversation you’ll ever have on a golf course! Oh, and you never know what future super star you might meet…

Golf’s big names have designed in Ireland. Take County Clare’s Trump International Golf Links: Greg Norman was a brave man to have challenged his skill to create such a prized course just minutes from the Dr Alister MacKenzie-built Lahinch. Then there’s Jack Nicklaus’ Kilkenny parkland, Mount Juliet, a constantly ranked must-play.

Nick Faldo achieved drama on Fermanagh’s serene Lough Erne; while The Palmer Ryder Cup course in The K Club, Kildare, and Tralee, County Kerry, both enjoy that extra special Arnold Palmer touch. Carne, Connemara, Dooks, Enniscrone, Murvagh and Waterville: Eddie Hackett, Ireland’s ‘Golfing Saint’ turned these greens to golfing gold.

And not forgetting Rosapenna and Royal County Down – the legendary Scot, Old Tom Morris embraced the lie of the land and, over a century later, golfers still can’t resist the challenge…

“WOW,” was all Tiger Woods could say as the early morning fog cleared to reveal the challenge of the 15th tee at The Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale, County Cork (the southernmost point of the Wild Atlantic Way – and just one of Ireland’s many golfing ‘beauties’). He has a point: humpback whales splashing in the swirling waters, swooping seabirds and scampering hares – you’re at one with nature’s immense power on Ireland’s links. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the ball…

First up has to be Royal County Down, where the Irish Open 2015 was played, and where Rory McIlroy noted: “The more you play it, the more you recognise it for the class place it is.” 

Dublin’s Portmarnock, Kildare’s Carton House, Wicklow’s Druids Glen Golf Resort, Killarney Golf Club, County Kerry, Kilkenny’s Mount Juliet, and Cork’s Fota Island are other Irish Open hosts to note if you’re looking for a challenging golfing itinerary. And then there’s the exquisite Royal Portrush: touted as the possible future venue for The Open 2019.