Ireland - Dublin Area

[CDM]

Question for those in the know. A group of us are looking at a trip to Dublin for golf. Looking at end of March or end of September based on everyone's schedule currently. We are aware that weather could be a factor at end of March. We are looking at the following courses.

 

County Louth

Portmarnonck - Old Course

The Island

European Club

Ardglass

Royal County Down

 

We would stay in Dublin for 4 nights and 3 nights in Newcastle.

 

Only anticipating one round per day, but one of the days we are thinking do RCD in the morning and then over to Ardglass in the afternoon. Shows roughly 12 hours of day light so we figure it can be done? Wondering if the 40 min drive over is worth it? Or is there a better option.

 

Any other courses in the area(s) we should look at / play over the ones listed?

 

Edit: forgot to list County Louth

[Chanceman]

Looks like you have selected the best courses in your radar area. The other ones I would be thinking about are Royal Dublin, Concra Wood (North) , Druids Glen and Macreddin (South).

[CDM]

Looks like you have selected the best courses in your radar area. The other ones I would be thinking about are Royal Dublin, Concra Wood (North) , Druids Glen and Macreddin (South).

 

Thanks.

 

Royal Dublin was just noted as an option, does look very nice. I just looked at Concra Wood, that one looks sweet to me but know what is coming. Druids Glen and Macerddin were originally on the list of look at, but comments of " Why would we go to Ireland to play a non traditional links course, all but Ardglass is considered True Links....?"

 

One key factor in the selections was looking at was is considered "True Links" courses. Hard/Fast/FUN. Adding to that the choices are also based on all the excellent feedback on these courses on the forum.

 

The one that is not "completely" favored by some in the group is Ardglass, some think we should just play Annesley Links as it is right there. Any thoughts? Annesley from what I can for reviews, everyone says it is "Okay". Playing with the core group this weekend and sure this will be a discussion.

 

I am leaning towards later in the year for trip Vs March only based on weather but I could live with March too I am sure :D

[TheInfidel]

You've knocked up one of the best rotas I can think of tbh. Have a great time.

[puttnforthe8]

Worth the drive. Period. End of Story. No further comments needed. :)

[CDM]

Worth the drive. Period. End of Story. No further comments needed. :)

 

It sure looks like it to me... going to hold my ground on playing it !!! LOL

[CDM]

You've knocked up one of the best rotas I can think of tbh. Have a great time.

 

Good to hear...turning the big 50 next summer (the new 30 as I tell the wife) so have the hall pass for almost any golf trip. Sad it takes 50 years to get that hall pass HAHAHA

[duffer987]

If you cannot get a replay round at RCD, then Ardglass is worth a shout. Some really neat coastline hugging holes, a few indifferent one, but definitely worth a play.

I will always remember Ardglass GC as the spot I got the wheel covers stolen off my car hire back in the day, lol.

 

Sept is waaaay better than March BTW.

 

Generally speaking, 3 nights in Newcastle seems like a lot, for what (based on your OP) is really only 1 day of golf in the area?

I'm guessing you are thinking of playing Baltray on the way up? That's 1 night. RCD/Ardglass and another night...

[CDM]

If you cannot get a replay round at RCD, then Ardglass is worth a shout. Some really neat coastline hugging holes, a few indifferent one, but definitely worth a play.

I will always remember Ardglass GC as the spot I got the wheel covers stolen off my car hire back in the day, lol.

 

HAHHAHAHA Duffer based on some your post, one these days we have to play a round and have a beer just for the stories you could tell :rofl:

[tad950]

I’m also planning a trip to Dublin/Northern Ireland next year. Any thoughts on Royal Portrush?

[tiderider]

i think you should consider playing rcd twice, and leave off one of the other courses ... i think we americans tend to want to go over and blitz through as many courses as possible, without really stopping to savor one or two of the really, really great courses ... i'm going over next summer ahead of my crew, and had initially thought about blitzing through england on some courses ... i've since come to the conclusion i'd be better off choosing 3 courses in scotland we're not playing and playing each twice on the same day to fully enjoy those that i choose ... just my .02 cents ...

[CDM]

i think you should consider playing rcd twice, and leave off one of the other courses ... i think we americans tend to want to go over and blitz through as many courses as possible, without really stopping to savor one or two of the really, really great courses ... i'm going over next summer ahead of my crew, and had initially thought about blitzing through england on some courses ... i've since come to the conclusion i'd be better off choosing 3 courses in scotland we're not playing and playing each twice on the same day to fully enjoy those that i choose ... just my .02 cents ...

 

Played with two of the guys discussing going and one who has been there said the same. Play RCD twice. First time to see / feel it and second time to know where to actually play the ball too.

[duffer987]

I’m also planning a trip to Dublin/Northern Ireland next year. Any thoughts on Royal Portrush?

Since they have the Open next year, that's likely going to have a big impact on visiting golfers until after the tourney.

They'll obviously shut it down in advance, and they may also end up protecting the course, with the need to use mats in the fairway and the like.

 

If you're going after it, then hey no bother, but if going before, might want to give it a pass actually.

[imakaveli]

A couple of words on the ones I have played:

 

Portmarnonck - Old Course --> stuffy club, great course but pretty flat

The Island --> one of the most fun courses I have ever played! Best value for money!

Royal County Down --> best first 9 on earth, ok second 9. Be sure to take a pic from the back tee on the 4th!

 

Enjoy!