Ireland Golf Trip June 2018

[GolfChicago91]

Taking a golf trip to Ireland for a week in June. Flying into Dublin but staying with family down in Cork, so anything Northern Ireland is out of the question. Looking at 3 maybe 4 rounds.

 

I'm thinking Old Head (a must) then possibly Lahinch, Tralee, Ballybunion, or Waterville for the other rounds. Anyone else have any other suggestions from experience? Rank of the 4 courses listed (again, playing Old Head regardless)?

 

Bringing my own clubs, plenty of clothes, balls, etc. Definitely going to get some solid rain gear as well as bringing 2 pairs of waterproof shoes minimum. Any other recommendations on must haves?

 

Looking forward to it and thanks!

[joe perry]

First off everyone knows The Ring Of Kerry drive but an offshoot is the Skellig Ring which is way more impressive to drive if you head out and play Waterville

 

for my ranking

 

1. Lahinch (good clubhouse to talk and drink with fellow golfers)

2. Tralee

3. tie Ballybunion - Waterville (good welcoming clubhouse for food and drinks)

 

you want to play Ballybunion in very little wind if possible due to the raised plateau greens with some narrow fairways - you need high launch with your irons to hit and stick some greens and obviously at times high launch with side spin and wind can be a problem.

 

2 less costly options but still great links golf - not the level of the other courses you mentioned but an option

 

http://www.dooks.com/ - Dooks is super scenic and close to Waterville - enough light in June to play 2 rounds in a day

 

http://www.dinglelinks.com/ - Dingle also quite scenic but farther away

 

 

LASTLY driving times are going to be longer than you expect - consider staying 1 night near Lahinch - Maybe the town of Doolin or Lahinch if you head that far north to play - good atmosphere in both towns. or play Lahinch and stop in the town of Adare for dinner on the way back.

[AuldPLO Swiss Golftrotter]

From a driving distance perspective, considering you'll be based in Cork, I would probably skip Lahinch and keep Old Head, Waterville, Tralee and Ballybunion Old.

[Roadking2003]

I agree that Old Head is a must play and it's not too far from Cork. Check out Cobv, a quaint little oceanside village (suburb of Cork). It's where the Titanic last docked on its final voyage.

 

There are six other wonderful courses in SW Ireland and you will not be disappointed in any of them. I have trouble picking my favorites from this list;

 

Waterville

Dooks

Tralee

Ballybunion

Doonbeg

Lahinch

 

The first four are much closer to Cork than the last two.

[puttnforthe8]

Lists above are good; since you are in Cork, might as well play Fota Island and Cork Golf Club...two courses I really enjoy. Restaurant at Cork Golf Club used to have a great steak dinner.

[FairwayFred]

Taking a golf trip to Ireland for a week in June. Flying into Dublin but staying with family down in Cork, so anything Northern Ireland is out of the question. Looking at 3 maybe 4 rounds.

 

I'm thinking Old Head (a must) then possibly Lahinch, Tralee, Ballybunion, or Waterville for the other rounds. Anyone else have any other suggestions from experience? Rank of the 4 courses listed (again, playing Old Head regardless)?

 

Bringing my own clubs, plenty of clothes, balls, etc. Definitely going to get some solid rain gear as well as bringing 2 pairs of waterproof shoes minimum. Any other recommendations on must haves?

 

Looking forward to it and thanks!

 

My rankings of those courses would be-

 

1. Lahinch

 

2. Waterville

 

3. Ballybunion Old

 

4. Tralee

 

5. Old Head.

 

This is just based on the golf courses. Lahinch is not to be missed IMO if it's not too much travel for you. Old Head is one of the most amazing settings for a golf course but the course itself is mostly forgettable. Waterville is the best combo of scenery and golf course and Ballybunion is a classic w some great holes and some average ones. Tralee was a pleasant surprise for me I really like it another beautiful course with some great holes. All in all you really can't go wrong but I'd include Lahinch if at all possible.

[GolfChicago91]

Thanks for the feedback all.

 

I'm staying with family in Cork, and they'll take care of the driving :) The Irish are oh so accommodating.

 

Fota Island I probably will end up playing as well, maybe the afternoon after Old Head.

 

My family has connections all over for golf so my options are open, so I appreciate all of the honest feedback.

 

 

 

Based on what you all are saying, seems like Old Head, Waterville, Ballybunion, Tralee would be the way to go for a combo of great golf, scenery, and location.

[Carl Spackler3]

1. Lahinch

2. Waterville

3. Tralee

4. Doonbeg ( newer but great great views and elevation) great bar

[RBurl]

The new place next to Waterville may be worth checking out? Hog's Head GC

[6x6]

I was over the last weekend in April last year and was only able to play 2. I chose Lahinch and Ballybunion and can’t imagine any better in that part of the country. Enjoy!

[chrisisoutrunning]

I’ve played Lahinch and Ballybunion. I’d play Lahinch again before Ballybunion, but I also played Ballybunion in every combination of 15-25 mph wind and rain. Both are great in their own right.

[Jackhammer993]

I would not miss Lahinch or Ballybunion. Those are must plays imho. You can get some great pictures at Old Head and they added another cliff side hole but I think in the end you will feel a little empty. Again just my humble opinion.

[GolfChicago91]

The new place next to Waterville may be worth checking out? Hog's Head GC

 

I'm actually looking into this now as well. Based on logistics and things changing, for now it looks like it'll be:

 

Waterville then Hog's Head if I can get on (Tralee if I can't)

Ballybunion and Dunebeg

Old Head

 

Thanks all for the suggestions!

[davep043]

The new place next to Waterville may be worth checking out? Hog's Head GC

 

I'm actually looking into this now as well. Based on logistics and things changing, for now it looks like it'll be:

 

Waterville then Hog's Head if I can get on (Tralee if I can't)

Ballybunion and Dunebeg

Old Head

 

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Are you talking about those first two pairs as 36 hole days? The two courses in Waterville make a reasonable day, once you get there, but its something like a 1-1/2 hour drive from Waterville to Tralee, or from Ballybunion to Doonbeg. That's on top of something like 2-1/2 hours from Cork to Waterville, and 2 hours to Ballybunion. The mileages in Ireland aren't that daunting, but you'll be doing really well to average 40 mph, and 30 mph is more realistic in many areas.

[hdr_ric]

If you are going to drive that far, play Lahinch over Doonbeg every time - that's a no-brainer!

[GolfChicago91]

Should've addressed my reasoning for this :)

 

I would be doing Waterville Hogshead possibly as a 36 hole day. If not, I would do 18 a day with a night at a BnB then back to Cork. If I end up at Tralee b/c I can't get on at Hog's Head, it'd be 18 a day with a night at a BnB somewhere between the 2.

 

For Ballybunion and Dunebeg, the reason I chose these two is b/c the cliffs of Moher are about halfway between. Plan would be to do 18 a day and do cliffs of moher either after the first 18 or before the second day's 18. BnB by Cliffs of Moher in between.

 

I would've done Lahinch over Dunebeg, but logistically this works better for some sightseeing.

[davep043]

Should've addressed my reasoning for this :)

 

I would be doing Waterville Hogshead possibly as a 36 hole day. If not, I would do 18 a day with a night at a BnB then back to Cork. If I end up at Tralee b/c I can't get on at Hog's Head, it'd be 18 a day with a night at a BnB somewhere between the 2.

 

For Ballybunion and Dunebeg, the reason I chose these two is b/c the cliffs of Moher are about halfway between. Plan would be to do 18 a day and do cliffs of moher either after the first 18 or before the second day's 18. BnB by Cliffs of Moher in between.

 

I would've done Lahinch over Dunebeg, but logistically this works better for some sightseeing.

Actually, the Cliffs of Moher are north from Lahinch, past Doonbeg, and then past Lahinch. You could play Ballybunion, then up across the Shannon Ferry to stay around Lahinch. We had a nice B&B in Ennistymon, about 3 miles inland from Lahinch, some excellent pubs there. Cliffs then golf, or the other way round, and head back to Cork. Or as you say, Cliffs in the later afternoon after Ballybunion, great light that time of day (if its not cloudy)

[duffer987]

Ballybunion | Lahinch

Waterville

Tralee

 

Old Head

 

That said, if you were playing Old Head + 3 other rounds, I'd go Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, as you get in the two must plays plus Tralee which is along the way.

It's hard to overstate how much of a cluster anything south of Killarney can be for driving, due to it being holiday package central, with loads of tour coaches and the like. Whereas Cork to Tralee via Mallow is a relative breeze and then Ballybunion is just down the road, with Lahinch a bit of a hop, skip, jump across the Shannon.

 

Personally I have no interest in Doonbeg or Hogs Head. Living in Chicago I'd reckon Whistling Straits and Arcadia Bluffs are a much better shout, than Hogs Head.

If you plan to get back soon fair enough, otherwise really don't pass on the chance to play Lahinch or Ballybunion :)

[GolfChicago91]

Should've addressed my reasoning for this :)

 

I would be doing Waterville Hogshead possibly as a 36 hole day. If not, I would do 18 a day with a night at a BnB then back to Cork. If I end up at Tralee b/c I can't get on at Hog's Head, it'd be 18 a day with a night at a BnB somewhere between the 2.

 

For Ballybunion and Dunebeg, the reason I chose these two is b/c the cliffs of Moher are about halfway between. Plan would be to do 18 a day and do cliffs of moher either after the first 18 or before the second day's 18. BnB by Cliffs of Moher in between.

 

I would've done Lahinch over Dunebeg, but logistically this works better for some sightseeing.

Actually, the Cliffs of Moher are north from Lahinch, past Doonbeg, and then past Lahinch. You could play Ballybunion, then up across the Shannon Ferry to stay around Lahinch. We had a nice B&B in Ennistymon, about 3 miles inland from Lahinch, some excellent pubs there. Cliffs then golf, or the other way round, and head back to Cork. Or as you say, Cliffs in the later afternoon after Ballybunion, great light that time of day (if its not cloudy)

 

 

I don't know how I missed that when mapping this out. Yeesh. If that's the case, then I have no problem bailing on old Trumpy to go to Lahinch.

Since the sun sets so late in Ireland in June, I'd probably enjoy the drive up, stay near Lahinch, then do the Cliffs. Thanks for the insight, I'm not sure how I missed that :)

[GolfChicago91]

Ballybunion | Lahinch

Waterville

Tralee

 

Old Head

 

That said, if you were playing Old Head + 3 other rounds, I'd go Ballybunion, Lahinch, Tralee, as you get in the two must plays plus Tralee which is along the way.

It's hard to overstate how much of a cluster anything south of Killarney can be for driving, due to it being holiday package central, with loads of tour coaches and the like. Whereas Cork to Tralee via Mallow is a relative breeze and then Ballybunion is just down the road, with Lahinch a bit of a hop, skip, jump across the Shannon.

 

Personally I have no interest in Doonbeg or Hogs Head. Living in Chicago I'd reckon Whistling Straits and Arcadia Bluffs are a much better shout, than Hogs Head.

If you plan to get back soon fair enough, otherwise really don't pass on the chance to play Lahinch or Ballybunion :)

 

Thanks for the insight. Dave above let me know my over sight on where Lahinch is. When I was mapping everything out, I didn't realize how close Cliffs of Moher are to Lahinch, so definitely going there over Doonbeg.

 

I have a feeling Hog's Head is a long shot anyways, so I have Tralee penciled in. I can always do all 3 if I'm lucky? :)

 

And yes, I've done Whistling Straits before. Hands down best golf experience of my life thus far.

[GolfChicago91]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

 

FWIW: got back last night. That was the best week and some of the best golf of my life.

 

Played The Old Head on Sunday in perfect, still weather which is unheard of there. Probably #1 for me honestly.

 

Monday, got to play Waterville with the head pro, Liam Higgins (played in multiple Open Championships) and it was an incredible experience. He taught me how to play shots in the Irish wind, which saved me the rest of the trip. Course was a little burned out, but still amazing.

 

Tuesday went to Ballybunion in the morning and Tralee in the afternoon. Must say, Ballybunion was underwhelming for me. Greens were "whispy," sandy, and slow. Tralee was unbelievable.

 

Wednesday was Lahinch in 40 mph winds and pouring rain, but gave me the real irish golf experience I was hoping to have at one point. Even with that, course was gorgeous and so much fun.

 

Thursday was Doonbeg. Man, it doesn't have the views of an Old Head or Tralee, but the course itself was perfect. Greens were great, fairways in perfect shape. The views of the land were majestic. I really enjoyed it.

 

Saturday I played Fota Island, which was a forest course. Very different, but still great. Absolutely loved it. Highly recommended if you're in the south part of ireland around Cork. Not links golf, but great condition and a ton of fun.

 

If I had to rank the Links courses from a strictly golf perspective, here's how I'd do it:

1) Old Head - A lot of this had to do with conditions and how excited I was to play it. Nonetheless, course was in perfect shape, fun, and the best views. Caddy was awesome

2-3 Tie) Tralee and Doonbeg - Maybe a slight edge to Tralee for the view, but the condition of both were amazing. Both courses were a TON of fun to play. Loved them both. Caddies were awesome at both

4) Lahinch - Even with the weather the course was great. Lots of blind shots that I found excessive, but overall great course. Played with a member, so didn't take a caddy

5) Waterville - Disclaimer: My experience with Liam was unforgettable and would move it to #1, but from a strictly golf perspective, the course was pretty burned out. Definitely challenging. Greens didn't hold anything. Again, just b/c I rank it here, still a must do.

6) Ballybunion - Have to say this was disappointing for me. Lots of hype around the course leading in, but wasn't overly impressed. My caddy was just ok. Very nice but just ok. The fescue was super long and very unforgiving. Fairways were just ok. Greens were super slow and bumpy, and covered in sand.

 

The trip was unforgettable. Best golf trip I could imagine with awesome weather. I would say the first 5 courses are 5 of the 6 best courses I've every played (along with Whistling Straits). They were all THAT good and that's how much I enjoyed it.

 

Thanks again for all of your help!

[duffer987]

Good to hear you had a great time and sounds like you largely had pretty awesome weather too! Always makes a trip so much better. Getting to play with THE Liam Higgins would have been so cool!

 

Of course is the return to your weekly courses, which can take a bit readjusting too ;)

[bigeasygator]

Took a trip to Ireland in 2008 and played K Club, Adare, Tralee, Ballybunion (Old and Cashen), and Old Head. I was playing at about a 15 H.I. with a terrible slice then and, quite honestly, golf wasn't very enjoyable for me back then. Now that the game is much more in shape, I would love to go back and play the courses again.

 

That said, your assessments of the courses and your ranking very much jived with mine at the time. Played Old Head in perfect weather and it was such an incredible golf experience. Tralee was probably my second favorite. I think I'd appreciate Ballybunion more now but at the time I found it a bit underwhelming. Understanding a bit more of the history I'd like go back and play BB with a bit more perspective. K Club and Adare were nice but were too parkland for me. Definitely want to repeat parts of this trip some day soon as Ireland is awesome!

[GolfChicago91]

Good to hear you had a great time and sounds like you largely had pretty awesome weather too! Always makes a trip so much better. Getting to play with THE Liam Higgins would have been so cool!

 

Of course is the return to your weekly courses, which can take a bit readjusting too ;)

 

I agree :) but playing Fota Island last got me a bit back in the swing of things with my weekly course set up. Good news was, I could still use that bump and run Liam worked on with me.

 

And yes, playing with Liam was UNFORGETTABLE. I was playing with his brother-in-law, and he told me "he might show up to say hello." He met us on 7 tee box to say hello. I guess he liked me because he ended up finishing the round and giving me a playing lesson the hole rest of the day. I didn't know much about him at the time, but learned how incredibly lucky I was as the round went on. The guy has a hole named after him on the course for crying out loud. Something I'll NEVER forget.

 

Funny story:

We stepped on to 18 and he told me he was playing an Irish Tour event at Waterville. Final round he stepped up to the tee with an 11 shot lead. He said he put 2 OB on the beach, then made "eagle" after his 3rd tee shot was in play. Won by 7 shots.

 

I said "is that what you're telling me to do here?"

 

He just laughed.

 

I proceeded to hit 2 OB on to the beach, then absolutely mashed my 3rd off of the tee. Hit 6 iron from 240 (he told me to hit 6 iron with the wind) through the green into the back bunker.

 

He said "well you have a lot of work to do now to make that 3".

 

I hit a perfect bunker shot that went straight in the center of the cup. Can't make this stuff up, it was a crazy series of events and again, something I'll never forget.

[Carl Spackler3]

Amazing, played most of those courses last trip. I agree greatest golf week of my life.glad you had fun