Is Doonbeg Worth it?

[titleistfreak77]

Trip has already been booked, but debating on trying to get 36 one day at the end to play Doonbeg. Is the experience worth it?

[puttnforthe8]

No, it is not "worth it". At 220e it is way overpriced. It is a decent course in a decent setting. That being said, in the summer you could play in late afternoon for 90e and then it becomes worth it.

 

you would be better served doing a morning round in Lahinch and then doing that late afternoon round at Doonbeg.

[davep043]

No, it is not "worth it". At 220e it is way overpriced. It is a decent course in a decent setting. That being said, in the summer you could play in late afternoon for 90e and then it becomes worth it.

 

you would be better served doing a morning round in Lahinch and then doing that late afternoon round at Doonbeg.

Or 36 at Lahinch if you can. Probably my favorite course in Ireland.

[zeker434]

Trip has already been booked, but debating on trying to get 36 one day at the end to play Doonbeg. Is the experience worth it?

 

I agree with davep043. Played Doonbeg in 2014. Nice enough, but probably the lowest rated of the 5 that we played (Doonbeg, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Old Head, and Dooks). Better off doing one of two things:

1) Play 36 at Lahinch

2) See if there's an "under the radar" course nearby. We included Dooks in our itinerary for that reason. Fun, old course. And less tourists there, so we got much more of a local feel. And had a great time at the 19th hole after our round.

[Chanceman]

It's worth reading Tom Coyne's A Course Called Ireland for the word on Doonbeg. Not one of his faves.

[davep043]

Trip has already been booked, but debating on trying to get 36 one day at the end to play Doonbeg. Is the experience worth it?

 

I agree with davep043. Played Doonbeg in 2014. Nice enough, but probably the lowest rated of the 5 that we played (Doonbeg, Lahinch, Ballybunion, Old Head, and Dooks). Better off doing one of two things:

1) Play 36 at Lahinch

2) See if there's an "under the radar" course nearby. We included Dooks in our itinerary for that reason. Fun, old course. And less tourists there, so we got much more of a local feel. And had a great time at the 19th hole after our round.

There's a 9-hole course called Spanish Bay just south of Lahinch that we really considered. Looks like a proper links course, very inexpensive, and quite probably a joy to play. And chances are, we'd have been the only non-locals to play there. I'm still a little disappointed we went to the pub instead of driving a few miles down the road to lay more golf. I guess I'll just have to go back.

[Mob]

I liked Doonbeg, I thought it was a good course. I like all the other ones on the list above as well. While you are there, I would play it once.

[krb]

I played it two years ago and liked it quite a lot. I actually preferred it to Lahinch.

[tad950]

I played Doonbeg last month. A decent course to play. Enjoyable. But no really memorable holes. In my mind, the lowest rated of the seven courses that we played.

 

I’m not sure what your itinerary is like. I don’t think anyone’s mentioned Tralee. A newer Arnold Palmer designed course. Great views (but every course in Ireland seems to have great views), and a lot of variety. But it’s probably 2 1/2 hours from Doonbeg. So it might not fit your schedule.

 

As others have said Dooks is a nice local feeling course. Fun to play. And their logo is one of my favorites. But it’s even further from Doonbeg.

[Chabot]

If you are north of the Shannon and have time you should certainly play it. I file it under "worth playing if you are traveling, but not worth traveling for." In my opinion it screams contemporary golf course (more so than Waterville and Tralee). It is, however, built on an awesome piece of property. I played it about 6 months ago and while Tralee, Dooks and Bally were destroyed by the dry summer, Doonbeg was in great shape (almost too good of shape if you think about it). I can think of five courses in the area I like better, but I still enjoyed Doonbeg (even though I hate its owner).

[Walter]

No, it is not "worth it". At 220e it is way overpriced. It is a decent course in a decent setting. That being said, in the summer you could play in late afternoon for 90e and then it becomes worth it.

 

you would be better served doing a morning round in Lahinch and then doing that late afternoon round at Doonbeg.

Or 36 at Lahinch if you can. Probably my favorite course in Ireland.

+1 FOR LAHINCH