Kilkee or Spanish Point? - Ireland

[Crim]

I'll be in Ireland in April, I want a course right off the Atlantic Ocean under $100 to play. So far these two fit my list nicely. Has anyone played these two?

I want the course with the more Oceanic views. Also if you know of a better one, let me know :)

Thanks! 

[DaveP043]

I've not played either one, but I've driven past Spanish Point.  I know Spanish Point is 9 holes, Kilkee is 18.  They are both relatively short, a little over 5000 yards.  It looks as if Kilkee is on a rocky headland, so may not be terrible "links-ish", while Spanish Point is above a sandy beach, so more likely to have the sand base of a proper links, and I remember seeing some dunes when driving past.  I don't think you can go wrong.  You could also consider the Castle Course at Lahinch.  That runs through some semi-level "tumbling" land inland of the Championship Course.  If you just have a little time, there's a little pitch-and-putt course between Lahinch and Lisconnor.

[Crim]

14 hours ago, DaveP043 said:

I've not played either one, but I've driven past Spanish Point.  I know Spanish Point is 9 holes, Kilkee is 18.  They are both relatively short, a little over 5000 yards.  It looks as if Kilkee is on a rocky headland, so may not be terrible "links-ish", while Spanish Point is above a sandy beach, so more likely to have the sand base of a proper links, and I remember seeing some dunes when driving past.  I don't think you can go wrong.  You could also consider the Castle Course at Lahinch.  That runs through some semi-level "tumbling" land inland of the Championship Course.  If you just have a little time, there's a little pitch-and-putt course between Lahinch and Lisconnor.

Good stuff! Thanks, Dave!

[DaveP043]

18 hours ago, Crim said:

Good stuff! Thanks, Dave!

Not sure I helped, but you'll have a great time no matter where you play.  Please have a pint of the black stuff and think of us here at TheSandTrap.

[FLOG4]

I'll throw out two options which are south and north of the two you suggested...The Cashen at Ballybunion can be played for just under $100.  It is quite nice too. If you go north a bit I'd suggest either Carne or Enniscrone. Both are excellent and in the budget. If I could only play one of the 3....It would be Carne. It has just a couple holes on the water though. The Cashen has the best views/water play.

[Crim]

5 hours ago, FLOG4 said:

I'll throw out two options which are south and north of the two you suggested...The Cashen at Ballybunion can be played for just under $100.  It is quite nice too. If you go north a bit I'd suggest either Carne or Enniscrone. Both are excellent and in the budget. If I could only play one of the 3....It would be Carne. It has just a couple holes on the water though. The Cashen has the best views/water play.

Awesome! Thanks! Definitely looking at Cashen now and also looking at the more cost effective course in Enniscrone. We will also be near the Wicklow Mountains at some point in our journey and Druid's Glen looks amazing and I was surprised to see the fee was very reasonable. 

[DaveP043]

Enniscrone is very interesting, great tall dunes.  We stayed across the bay at the Waterfront House, had a view of the dunes from our window.  Carne was great as well, and both courses are very reasonably priced, and very welcoming.

[Lil Greener]

I'd probably put Enniscrone at the top of the list for value, fun to play, and a beautiful spot, and for our group's recent trip, courses from Carne and having played most of the links courses all the way up to Ballyliffin, and that's about 14 courses, the preference was Enniscrone to replay.  Cashen is funky, but fun.  Enniscrone, Carne and Cashen all have mega dunes.   A very inexpensive course, kinda weird, NW, is Cruitt Island (pronounced Crick) which is water bound, up and down, also funky, and we enjoyed walking it on a rainy/windy day.  Sandy Hills in Rosapenna is TOUGH, Old Tom Morris less so.  But all the many courses from Ballyliffin, to Donegal, Co. Sligo down to Carne are worth playing.  Great value when compared to Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, Waterville, but that's why we go -- for the links, no matter the cost.  All the courses specify green fees on their websites.   Pick what you want to pay and enjoy.