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Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Where to stay near the best golf courses in Scotland and Ireland
If you're the kind of golfer who has a bucket list, then experiencing the sport's first—and probably still most thrilling—courses in Scotland and Ireland, where the game was born, is somewhere near the top. But until recently, a trip like that meant staying in accommodations that didn't always match their spectacular settings. The typical 'cozy' inns you'd find had few, if any, memorable features and little approaching luxury amenities. Most rooms were small and either too drafty or too stuffy. Water vacillated between scalding and suitable for a cold plunge and required an engineer's precision to dial in to the right temperature—that was if you were able to navigate the dual faucet setup. Televisions the size of a cinder block (and offering about as many channels) were tucked high into the corner of the rooms and the en suite bathroom lacked a shower. Food was an afterthought at best. But all this mattered little when you found yourself delighting in a round at Brora in the Scottish Highlands or at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. In fact, when the late billionaire Julian Robertson set out to build Kauri Cliffs, his oceanside dream course in New Zealand, his own experience traveling to the storied courses in Great Britain and Ireland led him to conclude that great lodging wasn't part of the calculus for a great golf trip. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. That is until his wife intervened. It may be a common assumption that golf and luxury hotels go hand-in-hand, but on these windswept islands where golf took root, this wasn't always the case. In its ancestral home, the game is more egalitarian and democratic than it is in the US or, say, the Caribbean. But that's started to change as local courses try to capture all the rich Americans traveling abroad. As Robertson's wife Josie wisely observed, golf trips have grown up, and people want hotels that match their budget and expectations. It's not just better sleeping quarters they crave; it's better food and service too. One hotel brand that's positioned itself to take advantage of this sea change is Marine &Lawn, which opened in 2021 with two hotels and now has six locations, including their newest property, Portrush Adelphi. All their hotels have a golf bent and are strategically positioned near some of the game's most coveted outposts. The North Berwick Golf Club, for instance, was until recently known only to the most astute golfers when the Marine & Lawn hotel there opened, and Dornoch Station, their hotel near Royal Dornoch, positions guests near one of the game's most architecturally interesting courses in a breathtaking setting. Adelphi, like other Marine & Lawn properties, leans on the golf heritage of its local course: a clubby atmosphere, with rich, dark hues on the walls, carpets and furniture. The property, as well as its sister hotels, feels less like a hotel and more like a curated home passed down through the generations, despite having opened this Aprilin time for this year's Open Championship, one of professional golf's four major tournaments. Its Red Sail Room Bar & Restaurant features fresh seafood and a Mediterranean-inspired menu along with plenty of red meat and fine whiskey. Rates start at £241 ($283)/night. But Marine & Lawn isn't the only new kid on the block. If you want to play on some of the world's best golf courses in the game's ancient home, you now have more options than ever that are charming, comfortable and even glamorous. Just don't get so comfortable that you miss your tee time. Scotland Seaton House St. Andrews Close to: The Old Course and Kingsbarns The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered the first golf course and to many still the most inspiring and inventive, making it a must-stop on every golfer's wish list. This boutique hotel, which opened in February, features rooms decorated with dark wood furniture and tartan blankets on the bed. Creamy marble bathrooms have soaker tubs that promise to work out the kinks in your back if not your swing. The in-house Ondine Oyster & Grill is also a brightly appointed affair entirely free of kitschy, '19th hole' vibes. For a nightcap, hit the Bow Butts Bar, where rich mahogany and leather seating will take the chill out on sight alone. From £740/night. Fingal Hotel Edinburgh Close to: The Musselburgh Golf Club and Gullane Golf Club View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fingal Hotel | Edinburgh (@fingaledinburgh) Scotland's capital is within striking distance of excellent golf and abounds with luxury offerings, but Fingal House, a permanently berthed floating hotel in the Port of Leith, is worth seeking out. It was built by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1963 to ferry lighthouse keepers and supplies to the west and north of Scotland. Older than most hotels on this list (it opened in 2019), the Fingal wisely avoided nautical clichés—no ships in a bottle on the desk or that sort of thing. Instead, warm, intimate rooms with blond wood and crisp white sheets have a Scandinavian feel. In addition to cabin rooms, the hotel also offers four two-story duplex rooms and several luxury suites if you need a little more space on board. From £323/night. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Edinburgh Close to: Mortonhall Golf Club and Kilspindie Golf Club Another option that puts you only two hours from the famed courses of the Scottish Highlands, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opened in 2022. High-ceilinged rooms are bright and elegant with colorful accents. Cherry-red (Virgin's signature color) SMEG fridges in the suites do double duty as bar carts. Even golf obsessives won't want to miss afternoon tea on the weekends at the top of the cupola in the circular Oculus Lounge. From £391/night. Ardbeg House Isle of Islay Close to: Another Place, the Machrie and Ardfin View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ardbeg House (@ardbeghouseofficial) Distilleries abound on Islay, but there's a fine golf course there, too, and another on the nearby Isle of Jura. Ardberg House, formerly the Islay Hotel, was purchased by the Ardberg Distillery in 2022 and will reopen in September after a revamp from Russell Sage Studios. Sage reimagines the quaint 12-room hotel with striking, surprisingly groovy interiors, including rooms with dark patterned ceilings and accented by brightly colored headboards and seating. The bar promises a 'spectacular range of malts' befitting the old-whisky legacy of Scotland. From £561/night. Ireland Cashel Palace Hotel Cashel Close to: Cork Golf Club View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cashel Palace Hotel (@cashelpalace) Dating to 1732, this former palace sits in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel. After an extensive renovation that began in 2017 (and ran until 2022 thanks to Covid-19 delays), the hotel won a Michelin Key in 2024. It's now a dreamy mix of cozy antiques and elegant contemporary decor; carriage house rooms feature exposed beams. The hotel is family friendly, with an outdoor pool and on-site babysitting. A lush spa and a one-star Michelin restaurant, the Bishop's Buttery, are sure to please the grown-ups. From €395/night. Lough Eske Castle Donegal Close to: St. Patrick's Links and Narin & Portnoo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lough Eske Castle (@lougheskecastle) In 2024, Lough Eske completed a €5 million renovation that added 25 luxury rooms known as the Donegal Suites, which are ideal for multigenerational groups traveling to the Wild Atlantic Way. It's also a great home base for those seeking some of the better golf in Ireland. At night, head down to Whiskey Cellar, near Father Browne's Bar, for a whisky tasting. From $363/night. The Leinster Dublin Close to: Portmarnock Golf Club and the Island The Leinster, opened in March 2024 in the Merrion Square neighborhood, and is the perfect place to revel in Dublin's literary heritage while also serving as home base for the best golf on the eastern coast. Famed golf writer Bernard Darwin (grandson to Charles) said of nearby Portmarnock, 'I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock Golf Club.' Headboards upholstered in graphic florals coordinate with red velvet benches. The Jean-Georges Rooftop Restaurant is the celebrated chef's first restaurant in Ireland. From $375/night. Adare Manor Adare Close to: Ballybunion Golf Club Adare has a reputation for being one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. The stately gray manor, set on 840 acres of parkland, rises in the distance as you approach. The exposed castle walls in the Michelin-star Oak Room restaurant will remind you of the hotel's past, as will the large tapestries hanging over your headboard. The comforters seem as thick as the mattress. There is an on-site chocolatier at the Harry Lowes cottage, named for a former groundskeeper, where handmade treats can be found each day. Although Adare Manor is not new, it will soon be top of mind with golfers as it is set to host the 2027 Ryder Cup,the international golf event that pits the best golfers from Europe against those from the US. The event has grown into one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, and if a stay at Adare Manor is feasible, find your way to County Limerick. From $1,400/night.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Kate Middleton's 'beautiful' gingham blouse 'perfect for summer' is back in stock
The Princess of Wales is a fan of the timeless print, having been seen in the pink gingham blouse when she was decorating cakes with her children in a video for Kensington Palace Princess of Wales Kate Middleton never fails to impress with her public wardrobe choices, particularly with her love of timeless prints like polka dots and florals. Behind the scenes, her more off-duty attire is equally as chic if not a little more casual, including a gingham blouse that's recently seen a restock in time for summer getaways. The royal was seen wearing a gorgeous pink gingham button up shirt in a video posted on the Kensington Royal Instagram back in 2022. Princess Catherine could be seen decorating cakes with her children wearing the Brora Cotton Gingham Chelsea Collar Blouse, which comes in at £129. Naturally, immediately after being spied on the 43-year-old, it sold out, but is back in stock in all sizes from 6-18. And due to its classic print, it is still as trendy today as it was three years ago - and will remain so for years to come. The blouse comes in a peony pink gingham print in a seersucker fabric, which is ideal for those who want low maintenance pieces in their wardrobe as it requires little ironing. It has a 'flattering' Chelsea collar - a silhouette we've seen plenty of in 2025 - with frill detailing and a half sleeve, which was a great choice for Kate's baking activity, but is also great for the warmer weather. For those looking for a more affordable alternative or slightly different colourway, Nobody's Child has this Gingham Birdie Blouse for £59. It comes in pink or green gingham, as well as a plain white option, with long balloon sleeves and scalloped edging on the collar. Brora Cotton Gingham Chelsea Collar Blouse £129 Brora Buy here Product Description Elsewhere, Joanie is offering this Marsha Scallop Collar Blouse in plain pink with a contrast trim. It's usually £59, but shoppers can currently use the code SUMMER40 to save on the piece, taking it down to £35.40. The Brora Gingham Blouse has earned a number of five star reviews from shoppers, some loving it so much that they've bought multiple variations of it. One said: 'Both pretty and smart. Beautifully made and comfortable to wear. So versatile that I have bought another one in blue.' Someone else shared: 'Nice fit, good cotton for English weather,' with a third commenting: 'I've rarely gotten more compliments than I have while wearing this lovely blouse.' One shopper mentioned that they had to 'size up' due to the cut of the fabric. They said: 'Not a biggie, but beware if it's something that bothers you - the sizing is made for a more 'straight silhouette', so I had to size up to a 14 because it clung to my hips and pooled at the back in a weird way and then I had to use a pin to gather the excess material around the waist.' Someone else left a glowing review which reads: 'I love the Cotton Gingham Chelsea Collar Blouse, I own two. Beautiful design and colour, great quality fabric and sewing work. It's not too long or too short, you can tuck it in or leave it out. V cut is not too low, it's just right. Perfect for spring and summer.' Another brand that Kate is a fan of is Monica Vinader, often accessorising her looks with their jewellery pieces. One specific piece that has been sported by Princess Kate on several occasions, including during a visit to Copenhagen in 2022 and in London in 2023, is the Nura Pearl Necklace. This necklace, crafted from 18k gold vermeil and pearl, has seen a reduction of £19, bringing the price down to £110 in the summer sale. For shoppers looking to steal the Princess of Wales' style with her Brora blouse, it's available here for £129.
Edinburgh Reporter
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Martindale: ‘Kelty will provide different challenge'
David Martindale was pleased that his men controlled large portions of the Premier Sports Cup tie against Highland League combine, Brora Rangers, but the Lions manager admitted that Livingston's structure behind the ball was 'not quite right'. The manager (pictured at a media briefing by Nigel Duncan) has worked on that in training this week ahead of the home clash against Scottish League One side, Kelty Hearts, at the Home of the Set Fare Arena on Saturday (15.00). Yet again, this is a game in which Livingston are expected to win comfortably, and Martindale said: 'If you don't everybody is complaining. It is not as easy as it is made out to be.' He can see the squad improving week-by-week and he is looking ahead to the club's first game in the William Hill Premiership, away to Kilmarnock on Saturday, August 2 (15.00). Livingston trained on the new surface at the stadium this week and the manager feels the re-laid pitch is a lot truer than the previous surface. Overall, Martindale said that the Premier Sports Cup had been a balancing act, trying to win games of football but trying to prepare for the league and building a base level of fitness for the players. There were no real injuries to talk about following the game against Brora, and Martindale said fitness levels were not far away. On Kelty, he admitted that he had travelled to watch the club in a previous match and thought it was a decent game. He added: 'This (Kelty) will be a wee bit of a stiffer test, no disrespect to Brora. You dominate the ball and the opposition will go into a mid to low-type block, but it will be a different game and they will impose a different challenge. It will be a difficult game.' Group H sees Kilmarnock in pole position with seven points with East Fife second on six. Livingston are third also with six points with Kelty Hearts one point behind. All have played three matches. Brora prop up the table and have failed to claim a point in four outings. Meanwhile, tickers are now available for the trip to Kilmarnock and are for the Chadwick Stand. Adults prices are £27, concessions £22, under-18 £15, under-16 £10, under fives are free with any full paying adult. Wheelchair ticket requests should be forwarded to Kilmarnock FC Disabled Supporters Association. See Livingston's web site for full details. Like this: Like Related
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
East Fife v Brora Rangers
Update: Date: 4' Title: Post Content: Attempt missed. Max Ewan (Brora Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Update: Date: 1' Title: Kick Off Content: First Half begins. Update: Date: 1' Title: Post Content: Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Missed Kate Middleton's sell-out Bora blouse? Here are the best high street alternatives that look just as chic
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Is there any woman's style as universally lauded as Kate Middleton 's? Throughout more than two decades in the limelight she's rarely put a foot wrong sartorially, whether she's opting for a stunning designer gown for a state dinner or nailing everyday style in a high-street find. We've recently seen the Princess of Wales in a chic green co-ord from Emilia Wickstead for Wimbledon and, perfect for the French reception, a pink blazer and tulle skirt set with matching hat from Dior. But there's another (much cheaper) item from Kate's wardrobe we're lusting after this summer: her beloved strawberry-red gingham blouse. Gingham is to this summer what leopard print was to last – the trend every influencer must be snapped in. And Kate's top is the perfect take on the trend: a standout peony print with a pretty frilled collar and turned-up sleeves, perfect for summer. Kate's exact blouse comes from British brand Brora, known for championing the highest-quality materials from Scotland. This pretty top is no exception, made from 100% breathable cotton (your armpits will be thanking you during the commute) and yet still machine washable. Result! EXACT MATCH: Brora Gingham Blouse £129 Shop The Princess-approved style has just been restocked (it inevitably sold out the instant Kate wore it) and is now available in size 6 to 18. It's on the pricier side at £129 – but for a timeless style and crafted from quality materials, it's an investment piece we wholeheartedly recommend. If you are looking for a cheaper take on the gingham blouse trend, we've selected a few other cutesy and wearable styles below. Pair your pick with blue or white jorts or jeans and you've got an instantly chic summer outfit. You're welcome! Nobody's Child Gingham Blouse £49 Shop Omnes Gingham Shirt £30 Shop Oliver Bonas Frilly Blouse £45 Shop Anthropologie Gingham Blouse £98 Shop
