As early as you reasonably can. For trips between May and September, twelve to eighteen months ahead gives us the cleanest run at the courses and hotels you actually want. We can still work magic on shorter lead times; the menu simply narrows the closer you get.

You tell us what you have in mind (dates, group size, the courses on your wish list); we come back within twenty-four hours and start the conversation. From there we design a bespoke itinerary for your group. A 35% deposit then secures the bookings with every supplier and we issue your Booking Confirmation. The balance is settled no later than sixteen weeks before departure.

You can, of course. What you would not have on your own is access to the inventory and rate arrangements we hold at the marquee courses and heritage hotels, the routing knowledge that keeps drive times sensible, and the chauffeur, caddies and on-the-ground orchestration that turn a strong design into a smooth trip. A bespoke Irish links itinerary coordinates ten or more courses, hotels and ground partners. We do that work for a living; our clients tell us the value shows from day one.

Argyle Links designs full bespoke itineraries: golf, accommodation, private ground transport and the rhythm between them. For one-off tee time bookings, the course's own visitor desk is the right route.

There is no wrong coast, only the one that fits your trip best. The South West (Ballybunion, Tralee, Lahinch, Waterville, Old Head) is wild, dramatic and the textbook image of Irish links. The Causeway Coast and County Down (Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Portstewart, Castlerock, Ardglass) is equally world-class and closer in feel to a stern Scottish links. Many first-time visitors do one coast properly over a focused week and come back for the other; others combine both regions on a longer trip, with the chauffeur covering the ground between them. We design around the time you have available.

Each month from April through October has its own character. April and May give you firm running ground and long evenings, with the courses quieter than the summer peak. June through August is the warmest window, with daylight stretching past ten o'clock and the courses at their most playable. September and October bring the most evocative coastal light, autumn colour and the same firm surfaces. We design around the dates that suit you; there is no off-month on the Irish links.

Caddies are optional at most Irish links courses, though they make a real difference, particularly the first time you play one. A good caddy reads the line, picks the club for the wind, walks you off blind tee shots and turns a difficult round into a memorable one. Rates run approximately €100 to €130 per bag in the Republic and £70 to £110 per bag in Northern Ireland, plus a gratuity at your discretion, settled in cash with the caddy on the day. Let us know at the design stage and we will request them on your behalf.

Companion programmes are a core part of what we design. While the golfers play, your partner has the chauffeured vehicle for the day and a tailored set of options for that region: gardens, distilleries, cookery experiences, gallery visits, coastal walks, spa time at the hotel, or simply a quiet morning with a long lunch. We share the day's choices in advance and the chauffeur shapes the pace around what your partner feels like that morning. The trip should feel like a holiday for both of you.

The Republic of Ireland uses the euro; Northern Ireland uses pound sterling. Most courses, hotels and restaurants take card without issue and contactless is universal. The places you will want cash are caddies (paid on the day in the local currency of the course), chauffeur tips and small purchases.

For the golf: two pairs of golf shoes (one will be wet), waterproof trousers and jacket, a warm mid-layer, gloves (bring spares), a beanie for cool mornings and a wind-cutting cap. For everywhere else: smart casual that takes you from a clubhouse lunch to a hotel dinner, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes for sightseeing days. Ireland's weather changes hour to hour; layers beat anything else.

Yes. Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your booking with Argyle Links. Cover for trip cancellation, medical expenses, baggage and golf equipment is standard; many policies offer a golf-specific add-on that covers loss or damage to your clubs in transit.