Going to Ireland--help please

[uttexas]

My best friend really wants to go to Ireland 2010 for golf, etc. Please help me out with the following, keeping in mind that we will be on a modest budget (will splurge for two rounds or so, but we are both easy to please for accommodations and golf courses.

Best months to go for combo of weather and course availability.

Course recommendations.

Pub recommendations.

Hotel/Hostel/Camp ground accomodations

Restaurants

Sites Ex: Guiness or Harp Brewery/Headquarters

Thanks

[uttexas]

We will have a preference for links courses. I've read previous posts and understand that there are 48 "links" courses in Ireland (not sure how many parkland).

[uttexas]

Did some more research, looks like Northwest Ireland has the best balance of quality and price. Any advice greatly appreciated.

[RC]

I've never played this one but I have heard it is the best of the best:

http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie/

Have fun...

p.s. Might be expensive.

[mposter]

My family just decided to plan a similar trip. There are more of us and I am sure wives and SO will be coming as well. Report back if you find some good information. To be honest I have not started my own research yet. And my game needs some work this year but what's new

[uttexas]

these are the best websites I have found so far:
http://www.irishgolf.com/index.html

http://www.gui.ie/welcome.asp

we both have families, but are initially trying to have the trip be the two of us (keeps things much easier)

[VOX]

I would say that the Southwest is the right place for your first trip (once you fall in love withit there will be many more). If you play both the Ballybunion course on the same day, you get a significant discount and they are both fantastic. Lahinch and Doonbeg are also among my favorites (in full disclosure I belong to Doonbeg). Tralee, Waterville, Dooks, and Old Head are also wonderful courses.

If you are on a budget the West and Northwest is significanly cheaper and Enniscrone, Sligo, Donegal, and the courses at Ballyliffin are great.

I strongly suggest that you get a guide one of my fellow club members produces. It will answer all of your questions and help you plan your trip: www.golfadventureguides.com

[Mr Taylormade]

please email with questions and i will do my best to answer. i live in the southwest of ireland and would strongly reccomend it. has a wide range of links and parkland courses.

colmoneill2@hotmail.com is my email.hope i can help

[uttexas]

Thank you so much for your input and generosity. Any flights from the US to Galway or Limerick?

[Mr Taylormade]

shannon airport is located in claire. in between galway and limerick. i think it handles all american flights except maybe dublin

[uttexas]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will be daydreaming of my Ireland adventure until the day I arrive. I've been to England numerous times and actually lived there for 1 year (both parents from England and my sister was born in Hull). I became a US citizen late 90s. I've never been to Ireland and am really looking forward to it.

So far it'll be the two of us. Fly into Shannon, rent a car and play as many rounds as possible. Stay at B&Bs;, hotels, hostels, campgrounds, maybe even in the car. Won't shave the entire trip (unless it starts bothering my backswing) See some castles, jump in the cold ocean, maybe do some fishing.