Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg

Formerly the Lodge at Doonbeg, the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel is housed in several low structures built in the mid-2000s to resemble an old Irish country manor. Far from being a cheesy copy of a historic building, the resort feels like it has been around for centuries, with gray stone façades covered in ivy, large windows with barn-style shutters, cobblestone paths, white stone steps, ornate metal-and-glass lamps, and slate roofs with slender chimneys. Interiors are elegant and cozy, with an earth tone palette, lots of stone and wood accents, plush seating areas, fireplaces, and a strong country estate feel. Though most rooms have views of the golf course or the courtyard, a few have panoramic ocean views.The property is divided into two sections, both built along the coast, but a 10-minute walk apart. The main area houses all common spaces, including the reception, the restaurants and the spa, and most of the rooms, while the Links section houses Links Rooms and Cottages only. There is a shuttle connecting both areas, but some guests find this setup a little inconvenient. 

The hotel has a spectacular setting on a green field overlooking beautiful Doughmore Beach. There is nothing within walking distance save for the property’s renowned 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course and a few jogging and walking trails running parallel to the rugged coast. The property offers free shuttle service to historic Doonbeg, located a 10-minute drive away. Although remote, this location offers easy access to major attractions in the area such as the Cliffs of Moher, The Loop Head Lighthouse, and Aillwee and Doolin caves. Shannon International Airport is a 50-minute drive away, and Dublin can be reached in about two-and-a-half hours. 

The Trump has 65 stylish, cozy rooms in categories ranging from the 385-square-foot Courtyard Rooms to one- to four-bedroom Self-Catering Cottages. All feature high-end amenities such as underfloor heating, plush king or twin beds topped with goose down duvets and Egyptian cotton linen, and many have unique features such as exposed wooden beams, bedfoot benches, or accent throw pillows. A soft earth tone palette, classic rugs, wood furniture, and wicker details give rooms a refined country feel. Marble bathrooms are spacious and luxurious in all units, with walk-in rainfall showers, organic toiletries, and large mirrors. Suites are particularly luxurious, with French limestone floors and fireplaces, as well as full kitchens equipped with washer/dryers and dishwashers, dining and living areas, and homey touches such as grandfather clocks, shelves with books, clay ornaments, and armchairs with tartan upholstering.Most rooms are located in the main building, but Link Cottages and Rooms are a 10-minute walk (or short shuttle ride) from the central part of the resort, near the golf course’s 17th fairway. 

The main draw here is the hotel’s 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman and featuring spectacular ocean views, but the property also offers a wide array of amenities geared towards all kinds of travelers. Those who want to get pampered can get a full body treatment, hair and nail services, and some quiet time at White Horse, the hotel’s high-end spa. The property does not have a fitness center, but it offers a number of options for those looking to stay active, including jogging and walking trails along the beach, free fishing equipment, and concierges that can book activities such as horseback riding excursions. Although the vibe is mostly quiet here, kids are kept busy with bicycles and rock pool fishing, a playground, kites, beach buckets, and group activities both indoors and outdoors. Those planning a corporate event can choose between five fully equipped meeting rooms.Ocean View Restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining option, serving up an extensive menu made with fresh, locally sourced products in an elegant space with plush carpets, candelabras, and large windows overlooking the Atlantic. For a more casual meal, Trump’s is a cozy tavern-style restaurant and bar with a simpler menu and a more relaxed vibe. All guests are requested to pay a daily resort fee that includes Wi-Fi, shuttle service to Doonberg and within the property, newspapers, local phone calls, access to the spa’s wet rooms, bicycle rentals, golf balls and club cleaning services, and on-site parking.