Trip to Ireland... At least a couple rounds of golf...

[FL Golf]

Going to Ireland in Aug with the wifey for a family trip but have got her to agree to at least 3 rounds of golf. We got an amazing deal at the K club on the Ryder cup track so we will play there but looking for some advice about a couple of additional courses.

We will head from Dublin to Galway and down the SE coast on our way back to Kildair.

I was thinking about Tralee or Doonbeg. Prefer to find something that is not to far of a drive from Killarney.

Any recommendations on course selection down there?

Also anyone have advice on what to pack as far as gear other then the must needed rain gear... lol

Thx

[ChiChiIsMe]

I'm heading to Ireland w/ the family in Aug as well. I know I'm getting one round in in Adare where we're stating. I'll be watching this thread closely!

[VOX]

Your geography is confusing me a little, but if you mean that you are going to travel south from Galway down the SW Coast before going east across Ireland back to Kildare, My favorites are Lahinch, Ballybunion (Old and Cashen), Doonbeg and Tralee.

Waterville is nice but not one of my favorites. So many people rave about it that I think I need to give it another chance.

[DogbertBH]

Take a boat, plane, anything and get to SCOTLAND!!!!

[FL Golf]

Your geography is confusing me a little, but if you mean that you are going to travel south from Galway down the SW Coast before going east across Ireland back to Kildare, My favorites are Lahinch, Ballybunion (Old and Cashen), Doonbeg and Tralee.

VOX, you're absolutely correct I ment SW coast. We are going South from Galway and going to stay around Killarney. How far of a ride is it from there to Doonbeg or Tralee? Any reccomendation (not too expensive) to stay..? Trying to keep the car ride from the hotel to the course reasonable as my friend and I both have the wifey's hanging out waiting... Thanks again for your help.

Any tips on gear. I heard about most distance markering being measured in meters so I'll bring a rangefinder...

[VOX]

Lahinch and Doonbeg would be on your route but not very close to Killarney. Tralee is close (about 20 miles) Ballybunion would be the next closest Links at about 40 Miles, Waterville third at about 50 miles. The Killeen Courrse at Killarney is a parkland course but it is supposed to be excellent. The Killeen House is a nice place to stay and not too expensive.

[iWALK18]

I drove through Lahinch last summer, and I will be back to play that course... it looked awesome.

[FL Golf]

Lahinch and Doonbeg would be on your route but not very close to Killarney. Tralee is close (about 20 miles) Ballybunion would be the next closest Links at about 40 Miles, Waterville third at about 50 miles. The Killeen Courrse at Killarney is a parkland course but it is supposed to be excellent. The Killeen House is a nice place to stay and not too expensive.

Awesome. Thanks Vox. I'm going to look into Tralee as it is the closest and tou know the saying happy wife happy life....

[Diddy]

Ballybunion is an absolute must. It's expensive (as are a lot of the courses previously discussed), but completely worth it. If you can play while in Dublin, try Portmarnock. It's a great test, pure golf. Lahinch is impressive and worth a trip.

If you want another opinion, read "A Course Called Ireland," about a guy who WALKED all over Ireland, from course to course, and played about 80 courses. Usually, people just talk about the biggies (BallyB, Doonbeg, Old Head, etc), but ACCI talks about a bunch of hidden gems, even 9-holers, that nobody really talks about. Worth a read.

[FL Golf]

Sweet. Thanks Diddy. I will go back for a golf only trip next year but I have to spend time with the family while I'm there this time. Tought trying to remain close to the locations we are staying at.

I would love to hit Bally and Lahinch but I think the drive form where we are going to stay is too far.

I think Tralee is going to be the one.

Any suggestion on gear, things to bring etc...?

[VOX]

Bring a good gortex rain suit and lots of golf balls (balls cost a fortune over there). Don't bring too many golf shirts, that way you will force yourself to buy a couple at the courses you play. I always regret it when I come home without getting a shirt with the club crest on it.

I don't find a rangefinder necessary. Most of the distances in the SW are marked in yards. If they are in Meters, just add 10% -- its close enough. If you can afford a caddy, take one. They help a lot and it is half of the experience.

[shortstop20]

I played at Connemara when I was there. It was cheaper than some of the other courses and being a poor college student at the time that was important.

As the old saying goes, "I would kill" to play at Lahinch. We drove past and I think the back seat was wet from me slobbering the whole time.

[Tano]

Hooked: An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland sees the author, Kevin Markham, play every 18 hole course in the country and rates each one out of 100.

I have a copy of the book in front of me and I'll tell you the rating given to the courses mentioned in this thread.

Of course this is the opinion of the author so don't let it put you off.

Hope this helps.

Lahinch (Old) - 92

K Club (Palmer) - 81 (Once again, purely opinion. The author is a bit of a traditionalist. Don't let it put you off. It's a great course.)

Tralee - 91

Doonbeg - 89

Adare - 92

Waterville - 95

Ballybunion (Cashen) - 90

Ballybunion (Old) - 95

Killarney (Killeen) - 88

Portmarnock - 83

Old Head - 91

Connemara - 89

And remember...enjoy yourself! You'll love it!

[FL Golf]

Bring a good gortex rain suit and lots of golf balls (balls cost a fortune over there). Don't bring too many golf shirts, that way you will force yourself to buy a couple at the courses you play. I always regret it when I come home without getting a shirt with the club crest on it.

Thanks Vox. Time for a new rain jacket anyhow (need it for Florida too) and I have a set of the Dry joy water gloves which have been great.

[FL Golf]

Tralee @ $180 euro... &$#@ Might be a little steep for the group I'm with. Going to try and see about another links style course near Kilarney (30-40 mins) that I can get to. The recommendation have been great; Thank you all.

I'm obviously geographically challenged. Does any one know a course at $100 euro or less that is near by but still links...?

[FL Golf]

I hope I'm not too late on this thread

I'm going Aug 13-25. Thank you and all the others for great advice. I'm going to look into the courses you mentioned this weekend and make a decsion.