Last minute Dublin trip

mpghouse · November 4, 2018

Work is sending me to Dublin in late November / early December. I see the weather isn't going to be optimal but it's been a dream to play over there.

Assuming I have 1.5 days to golf (maybe 2 rounds on sat and one on sunday before my return flight), what would you play?

If i do have time for 3 rounds, I would prefer to keep 2 of them to budget prices, but should be authentic to the area and local favorites. One round can be higher budget place.

It looks like a lot of the courses that allow online booking that I've looked are already pretty full or stop taking tee times at like 2 pm, so I think I need some help planning from anyone who knows anything!

puttnforthe8 · November 5, 2018

Baltray(Co Louth) and the Island are the first two options. If you don't mind a slight drive, then include European Club.

troublelove · November 6, 2018

If you have one round to play and you want the real deal then the only (!) answer is Portmarnock. One of the great links courses with a 5 hole finish to rival anything.

mpghouse · November 6, 2018

Doesn't look like I can book Portmarnock online... Closed, maybe?

davep043 · November 6, 2018

If you can't get answers to your questions based on what's posted online, you should email and/or call the courses you're interested in. In my experience, club secretaries and other staff are very quick and helpful in responding to emails.

duffer987 · November 6, 2018

Doesn't look like I can book Portmarnock online... Closed, maybe?

It's just their BRS booking system - for whatever reason: no dates are showing up full stop.

Email/ring them and tell them the two days you could get out and see what they say. One question to ask though, is which 18 you'd be playing, as it's possible (as they say on their site) you might not get their standard 18. While I am sure the 'other' 9 is quality, it would be a shame to miss out on some of the classic holes on the back, and that would be enough to sway me to The Island over it, in regards to only playing one pricey round.

BUCKEYERBALL88 · November 19, 2018

If you have time drive up to royal county down & royal Portrush. 2 of the top 20 courses in the world. If you want to stay close I hear Portmarnock and the island are v good

imakaveli · November 22, 2018

Play The Island, it's fantastic and way cheaper than Portmarnock.

rwmck9 · November 27, 2018

European club is not too far if you have access to a car. It's a little pricey though.

Druids Glen is not a links but it has hosted Irish opens and is a visually stunning layout, guaranteed enjoyable round and fairly priced. In county Wicklow. Not far from the city.

County Louth GC, Seapoint Links, Laytown&Bettystown all authentic links north of the city and reasonably priced. They have a 3 course package for €230

Loughfad · November 27, 2018

It's gets dark around 4:30pm over here at the minute so unlikely you'd get two rounds in.

Loughfad · November 27, 2018

https://www.golfnow.ie

stickfish · November 27, 2018

If you have time drive up to royal county down & royal Portrush. 2 of the top 20 courses in the world. If you want to stay close I hear Portmarnock and the island are v good

I have been fortunate enough to play both and have spent a good deal of time around New Castle and Portrush. And while I would absolutely suggest both it might be a burden given your timeline. In the event you cannot extend your stay (offer to foot the bill for return flight and gain a few days?) I would look at at Tom Coyne for suggestions that might fit. http://www.tomcoyne.com/a-course-called-ireland.html

Agree 100% with those that suggest direct contact with the course, RCD could not have been more outgoing and willing with me and I believe that to be typical.

Cheers,

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