SW Ireland and Dublin Golf Trip - Help!

[TimothyLYork1979]

We're leaving on 3/22 from the US for an 8 night Irish vacation. We're staying at the Adare Manor in Limerick and I'm currently scheduled to play Adare, Lahinch, Tralee and Waterville? I'm looking for advice on how long my commutes will be to/from the hotel to the courses and also ideas for great restaurants and pubs to enjoy the Craic! This is our first vacation to Ireland/Europe so any advice would be greatly welcomed. Also, would you recommend any other courses other than what I have listed. Thanks in advance!!!

[joe perry]

Adare is a beautiful little town with a lively feel every time I have driven through - Congrats on your first trip to Europe

As for your commutes to the golf courses - well it takes substantially longer than you may think to get from place to place. Arriving early won't necessarily be a bad thing - this time of year you may want to get a proper warm up before hitting the links.

First Question - Are you driving ? or have you hired a driver/asked a relative ?

Lahinch - are you taking the ferry across the Shannon River from Tarbert to Kilrush ? - factor that in as it takes extra time - might be best to travel north of the Shannon - it would be scenic to do a loop and take the ferry once depending on how much time and daylight you have - must see the Cliffs of Moher if you are going to play Lahinch (not that far). The town of Doolin is right near the Cliffs and it will have some decent restaurants and great pubs - but so does the town of Lahinch.

Tralee - very beautiful course but will take a while driving once you get past the far side of the town of Tralee to make your way to the links - only ate at my hotel in Tralee but the town is quite large and maybe someone else will have a good restaurant recommendation. Banna Strand is right next door and is worth checking out.

Waterville - will be quite a drive - don't take the southerly route (and never do it at night time) unless you have a lot of extra time - take the faster more northerly road (N70 coastal) that is of easy access from Tralee - I stayed in town and honestly didn't find any good restaurants period - or pubs for that matter and I stayed in the hotel where Payne Stewart used to hold court and play piano all night boozing. Sadly Waterville wasn't a lively place at all and this was early September !!! I will say the clubhouse at Waterville is good for a pint. Graeme McDowell has spoken about a restaurant he liked very close to Waterville and here is a quote from him.

"I particularly like Waterville – which just happens to have one of the best links courses in the country (second to Royal Portrush – so no bias there). It's remote and peaceful, but it still manages to offer proper Irish hospitality. I can recommend an excellent seafood restaurant, called QC's, in a nearby town called Cahirciveen. The staff even allowed me to pull my own pint."

If you get a chance - drive the Ring of Skellig (offshoot from Ring of Kerry and Waterville) - spectacular scenery if it is a nice day.


AS for other courses well :

[url="http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie/"]http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie/[/url]

Ballybunion Old - would be the closest links course out of the 3 that you are playing - but unless there is little to no wind it is a very difficult and $$$$ course - a lot of greens are perched up on plateaus and this requires towering iron shots at times with spin and if it is windy and cold the ball just gets knocked out of the air unless you have tour level swing speed which I do not (played with the assistant pro from Westchester and he hit some amazing shots after about 6 holes of struggling but he had all the tools to play this course in wind ). Great clubhouse - crappy town.


[url="http://www.dooks.com/"]http://www.dooks.com/[/url]

Dooks - my first recommendation - very scenic (even more so than Tralee !!!) fun golf course with a good clubhouse and on the way to or back from Waterville. Killarney (a gorgeous little town) would be the closest city where you could find some good restaurants and nightlife after your round.


[url="http://www.dinglelinks.com/"]http://www.dinglelinks.com/[/url]

Ceann Sibeal - good links course with lovely views and numerous scenic routes/drives to get there. After the golf the town of Dingle is not that far and is very lively,fun and picturesque. It will be a long drive to get there so I recommend Dooks for that reason as well as being the better golf course.

I ate and stayed here [url="http://www.dinglebayhotel.com/restaurant.html"]http://www.dinglebay...restaurant.html[/url]

You could take this road through the Connor Pass to get to Dingle but only take it during daylight (it is a 2 way road if you can believe)

[media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmHVgSRkwO4[/media]

Who says it is always windy in Ireland


I see in your Title you mentioned Dublin as well - are you playing there as well ? if you are flying into Dublin and renting a car there I would suggest you rent a diesel car if it suits your needs and doesn't cost anymore than a gas powered car - will save you lots of $$$$ in the end.

If you are going to be playing golf everyday and don't currently play on a daily basis back home I would suggest taking some advil or aleve before and after every round and at night as a preventative measure to lessen any aches or pains that might pop up - I played 14 days in a row in Ireland (usually a twice weekly golfer) and aleve helped me greatly - didn't feel any aches or pains until my feet got sore on day 14 half way through the round.

I suggest taking a caddie at least once - Lahinch might be the only course to offer one this time of year and is the perfect course for needing a caddie's advice.

Bring enough golf balls - you won't like the price if you have to purchase them in Ireland !!!!!!

An extra pair of golf shoes wouldn't be a bad idea if your main pair gets wet - warm socks,rain gear and rain gloves if you like those will be much easier to find in North America than in the small pro shops of Ireland. Hand warmers and those oversized slip on/off gloves pros use might be a good idea.

Pull carts (if you use one) are almost useless if you spray the ball around on a course with steep dunes like Lahinch or the back 9 at Tralee. But if you are not used to carrying your bag I would suggest you still use a pull cart but it won't be that fun.

Play from a realistic set of tees - you are playing at sea level with cool temps and wind. The fairways may not be rock hard yet like they are in summer.

[Tipsy McHooker]

Did same southwest trip w/ friends last june. We saw torrential rain in am's, and sun in afternoons, high winds. In one day you can have layered winter style clothing (Long Johns under khaki pants)on , then A rain suit, then stripping off to shorts and a windshirt, etc--You can literally see all four seasons in one day in Ireland. My advice is to have a full top notch line of goretex clothing head to toe.....I suggest Zero Restriction for rain gear which is expensive , but the suit i used last year i purchased 11 years ago, and is still completely waterproof. Get a goretex hat, Rain gloves, and gore tex shoes with spikes, no hybrid rubber bottom shoes! Overpack clothing and any golf balls/equipment because everything is way more expensive on the isle. Buy a Gustbuster brand double canopy tour umbrella which will not invert in high winds. As for the golf Out of the courses we played 8 overall Waterville and Old Head were the runaway favorites tied for first. Followed by Ballybunion Old, Lahinch Old, and Tralee. Dump adare, doonbeg, and the island if you were considering them. Didn't get to dooks, but have heard its a hidden gem. While in Dublin check out Brasserie 66 for a gourmet meal and plenty of pints. If you can get to kinsale play Old Head and have dinner at Fishy Fishy afterwards. Do not drive to Waterville at night!! Clausterphobicly narrow two lane road that is dangerous. If you are a seafood guy the monkfish and seafood chowders at most of the upscale restaurants are excellent. If u drive get a gps fromtthe rental car company loaded with your itinerary, and a diesel car with a large trunk....we had a ford mondeo(Basically a diesel Taurus). Kinsale may be out of your way a little but Old Head and then fishy/fishy was my groups favorite day.....the boats basically drop days catch across street to the restaurant. Old head was a very expensive round, but part of our package and has some of the most beautiful vistas and sights you will ever see in your lifetime. The people are very friendly and helpful pretty much everywhere u go . Doolin is a fun town for partying/drinking/live music. Also afterplaying Lahinch hit the seaweed baths for a soak in lahinch town (for the healing of aches and pains)..its soothing, dirt cheap & awesome for your back...The other poster said bring aleve and take before and after rounds...i agree. When you are spending the kind of money you will be, you dont want to miss any rounds. Hit the grande hotel in dublin for awesome breakfast/brunch. Also its touristy but guiness brewery tour having a chilly pint overlooking Dublin From a seventh floor (all Glass) is a thing of beauty. Also whatever budget u set for yourself you will go past it by a ton. Evrybody spent about $1300/1500 more than we thought we would in ireland. --TM

[MikeMcM]

Ditto, dump Adare if you can, base yourself in Killarnay where you can get to Waterville, Dooks, BallyB, Lahinch in an hour or less, and Old Head is less than 2 hours, a spectacular experience. I think I must have traveled with Tipsy McHooker, we had the same itinerary and rain! And his comments are great advice

[TimothyLYork1979]

I really appreciate the great advice. We are staying at The Adare Manor, so I'm locked in that spot geographically. Approximately how long do you think the drive could be to Tralee, Waterville and Lahinch? Also, do you recommend any specific castles or pubs? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

[MikeMcM]

It's an hour to Lahinch, 2 hours to Waterville, 1 hour to Tralee and BallyB. In Lahinch, we enjoyed O'Looneys, Waterville-Smugglars Inn is a must, Tralee the West End Bar/Seafood Restaurant out on the point, just 10 minutes from the golf course. Enjoy, it will be a great trip!

[duffer987]

Tim you cannot go to the SW and not play Ballybunion!
Lahinch is my favorite, Waterville the stoutest test, but Ballybunion may just be one of the greatest courses in the world.
You are already giving Adare Manor a boatload of money by staying there, ring them up now and cancel you tee-time there and get one at Ballybunion Old or play a 2nd round at one of the others.

You are going to have a ton of driving on non-motorways to do. Leave yourself tons and tons of time. Google map them, and then add another hour onto each. Seriously, you do not want to be late or rock up 5 mins before and have to pay, use the loo, and get to the first tee.

Since you mentioned Dublin, I am assuming you are going to be flying in there and driving down to Adare. In that case stop off at the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary on your way there or back. For a national capital, Dublin is pretty devoid of super-awesome 'cannot miss' tourist places. Kilmainham Gaol is cool and Trinity is neat, but it's not like other European capitals. That said, what Dublin does frickin awesome is pubs Stay out of the ones on the Quays and the ones in Temple Bar, once the sun goes down, and you'll be grand. If I was to reccommend only one pub for a proper knees up, it would be [url="http://www.mulligans.ie/"]Mulligans[/url] on Poolbeg St, but there are loads of others I've spent many a night in when I used to live there. Be sure to venture away from the city centre.

For golf in and around Dublin, I would highly reccommend The European Club in Brittas Bay, which is 45mins south of the city. There isn't a course I've played anywhere, that I would rather play than it.

Regardless of what you end up doing you'll have a cracking time and learn what does and what doesn't work for your return trip. Which you will begin planning immediately after you get home

[vpd]

I recently spent 3 weeks last May touring all over Ireland with my son.I agree with the advice to not wasting your time playing Adare Manor's golf course. We have better Parkland courses right here in the US. Ballybunion Old Course is a must. Also, The European Club is another must play links--every bit as good if not better than Ballybunion,Waterville,Lahinch,Tralee. Don't get me wrong, all the courses I just mentioned are must plays. Every golfer will have their favorite but that's just splitting hairs. Again, stick to the top links golf courses and at all cost avoid Parkland courses. Killarney is a great town to hang out in. Many great pubs with great Irish music. Danny Mann's is one of my favorites. The Laurels is a great pub with excellent food. I did not play Dooks but when I return it is on my list--I have heard great things about it. You should plan on getting to each course an hour before your tee time. And remember, a 60 mile drive from your hotel to the golf course will take you all of two hours or possibly a little more--particularly the drive to Tralee and Waterville. The roads are narrow,winding and invariably you will get stuck behind some sort of slow moving truck or tractor for a portion of your drive.

[TimothyLYork1979]

Thanks boys. I really appreciate it. I will try to get on Ballybunion. I tried to book a round there a couple of months ago and the told me they don't open until April 1. I will try again. I cannot wait to get on that plane!

[Animal Chin]

I only read the thread until Joe Perry mentioned dooks. Not far from Waterville or tralee. If you don't play dooks, you shouldn't even go.

To me, dooks might be the most underestimated course that I've ever seen.

Also, you're playing Waterville. You owe it to yourself to track down, and introduce yourself to, noel Cronin. He's the Secretary and one of the best guys in all of golf.

[MikeMcM]

Agree with Animal, play Dooks to be sure, it's a much better layout now that it's been redesigned, and in a beautiful setting, and half the cots of the others. Plus after the round, you're close to Nick's in Killglorin for dinner! Cheers

[Tipsy McHooker]

[quote name='MikeMcM' timestamp='1362701652' post='6567227']
Ditto, dump Adare if you can, base yourself in Killarnay where you can get to Waterville, Dooks, BallyB, Lahinch in an hour or less, and Old Head is less than 2 hours, a spectacular experience. I think I must have traveled with Tipsy McHooker, we had the same itinerary and rain! And his comments are great advice
[/quote]
Old head is incredible...any serious golfer should play it once in their lifetime. I met a guy from Boston who could've gotten a lifetime membership for $2000 dollars years ago, owns a cottage in ireland. Says he regrets not doing it every day of his life...even more than marrying his first wife! After hearing you guys talk about Dooks i wish i could've got that on my itinerary.

[MikeMcM]

[quote name='Tipsy McHooker' timestamp='1363012130' post='6588921']
[quote name='MikeMcM' timestamp='1362701652' post='6567227']
Ditto, dump Adare if you can, base yourself in Killarnay where you can get to Waterville, Dooks, BallyB, Lahinch in an hour or less, and Old Head is less than 2 hours, a spectacular experience. I think I must have traveled with Tipsy McHooker, we had the same itinerary and rain! And his comments are great advice
[/quote]
Old head is incredible...any serious golfer should play it once in their lifetime. I met a guy from Boston who could've gotten a lifetime membership for $2000 dollars years ago, owns a cottage in ireland. Says he regrets not doing it every day of his life...even more than marrying his first wife! After hearing you guys talk about Dooks i wish i could've got that on my itinerary.
[/quote] Just another reason to go back!

[99Luftballoons]

I'm with the Ballybunion guys. Awesome course and experience. You cant play Ireland and not play Bally.

[TimothyLYork1979]

Unfortunately ballybunion and old head don't open for play until April to the public...

[KLeC]

[quote name='TimothyLYork1979' timestamp='1362627305' post='6561655']
We're leaving on 3/22 from the US for an 8 night Irish vacation. We're staying at the Adare Manor in Limerick and I'm currently scheduled to play Adare, Lahinch, Tralee and Waterville? I'm looking for advice on how long my commutes will be to/from the hotel to the courses and also ideas for great restaurants and pubs to enjoy the Craic! This is our first vacation to Ireland/Europe so any advice would be greatly welcomed. Also, would you recommend any other courses other than what I have listed. Thanks in advance!!!
[/quote]

I would certainly recommend Ballybunion. My regret is that we played it only once. Through much of the first round, you're simply in awe.

[TimothyLYork1979]

Any chance anyone has any connections at Ballybunion? They allow members to play in March, but paid visitors have to wait until April...

[joe perry]

To the OP

The weather forecast looks great (for this time of year) from Mar24-30 - maybe slightly chilly but dry !!!! and always windy- try and play your rounds midday and focus on keeping your hands and ears warm and it should be a really enjoyable trip.

[TimothyLYork1979]

Thanks for all of the great advice!!! I just finished packing and we're flying out tomorrow. If anyone has any connections at Ballybunion or Old Head please let me know.