Just sitting on the tarmac on the way home from a pretty exceptional Ireland golf trip. Got rounds at Ballybunion, Lahinch, Carne, County Sligo, and Royal County Down. Had my own caddy at each place, hit an unthinkably good weather window, and managed to hit some pretty exceptional shots along the way. Ireland is mind boggling, I'm already planning next year's trip that will likely include Old Head, the Bally Cashen course, Adare Manor, probably Lahinch again, Enniscrone, Royal Portrush, and Ardmore
If you haven't been, plan on going. Ireland is a very easy country to be in, everyone is amazing, and the golf is just exceptional.
If you need inspiration, watch the no laying up tourist sauce Ireland episodes.
by Wibbly23
17 Comments
Heading there next week for a two week golf trip around Northwest & Northern Ireland, including many of the above on your list + the Open. This has me even more hype!
Until you do the conversion on Canadian rupee to euro. I just got back and got lucky playing with a member somewhere but it was about 1k euro all said and done to play adare manor. If you’re in Northern Ireland it can be a bit easier but still stupid expensive.
Fortunate enough to live here. It’s a great spot for golf. Sligo and Donegal have some amazing links courses.
Liking your choice of courses.
Glad you had a nice trip and played well.
Have a look at the Donegal links courses also, some nice ones there.
Did you have any favourite holes/courses?
I’ve played Bally Bunion and Tralee. Both exceptional experiences but the nod goes to Bally Bunion.
Glad you enjoyed yourself here.
Druids Glen is a real treat if you can swing that next year.
The prices of these courses have exploded because the American clientele are willing to spend big on a memorable trip.
Not a dig at all, it’s just the way of the world. I’m glad to see Americans visit and it’s great how many seem to enjoy the place. The locals still know a little gem or two the tourist companies haven’t directed you to as yet.
Golfers here would visit Portugal and Spain predominantly for a gold trip. Plenty of price gouging over there too but sure, we’re on our holidays…
Played K Club and Cork Golf Club earlier this year. Was fantastic.
I would like to go next year for my 40th birthday.
Did a three week trip there two years ago and played all the spots you hit. For your next trip I will caution you that Old Head is the most beautiful course I may have ever played but it is NOT links (plays like a parkland course on dirt, not sand) and it’s super stuffy. Very different vibes from the spots you played.
I just played four rounds at Lahinch last night… on PGA Tour 2K25. It’s a beautiful rendition though.
Never been strictly for a golf trip, but I have been twice and golfed there once – I second everything that OP said.
In particular, the people really are truly amazing and welcoming. Truly an underrated destination for golf and culture in general, if you’re not seeking amazing weather, that is!
Did the caddies tell you about all the hole in ones on your third pic? When you can’t see the pin 😆? And good for you. Did lahinch, doonbeg, Bally, Waterville and Port Marnoch almost ten years ago. Trip of a lifetime.
I live here, just can’t afford to play those courses.
My yearly membership fee is less than a round at old head
Carne was absolutely awesome
I’ve always wanted to go over there and play in the summer time. It’s currently 90 degrees where I live and would be so fun to play in pants and long sleeves.
Ireland has been my favorite international destination by far. Only country I’ve gone to outside my own where I didnt feel like a blatant outsider, the people are the absolute best.
I’m losing all the balls from the pro shop.