Speaking ahead of this week's Zurich Classic, where he will partner with close friend Shane Lowry to defend their title, McIlroy reflected on what the past few days have meant to him personally.
"It's not everyday you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams and I've just really tried to enjoy everything that comes along with that," he said.
Following his green jacket victory, the Northern Irishman took some well-earned time to celebrate with those closest to him.
"We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we're building there last week. Then we made the trip over to Belfast to see my Mum and Dad and a few other people that are important to me over there.
"Just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mum and dad, and to see Michael Bannon my lifelong coach and spend a bit more time with Harry (Diamond) and his wife and celebrate with the people that have been part of this whole thing for my entire career and my entire was absolutely amazing.
"As you can hear, I picked up a bit of a cold on the way, so I'm feeling a little bit under the weather but obviously it's been an amazing few days but I'm excited and happy to be here with my man (Shane Lowry) and trying to defend."
Despite the whirlwind of emotions and commitments, McIlroy made it clear he was never going to skip his return to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.
"That was one of the things Shane said to me that night, 'Are you still wanting to come and play Zurich?'" McIlroy added. "I said absolutely — we're defending a title, we had so much fun here last year, so obviously it's important to me to honour that commitment."
Rory McIlroy may have fallen short of winning the Open Championship in front of his home crowd, but he was full of gratitude and emotion for the unwavering support he received.
Rory McIlroy's eagle on 12 - which he described as one of the "coolest moments" of his career - gives him a chance heading into the final round of The Open Championship.
Rory McIlroy believes he coped well with the pressure of playing The Open on home soil, battling through a wayward day off the tee to remain in contention at Royal Portrush.
South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout is one of five players tied at the top of the Open Championship leaderboard after the opening round at Royal Portrush on Thursday.
