WWYD - Dublin & Northern Ireland Spring 2020

Too much, too little or just right? April 2020, 30s-40s guys foursome. Considering adding The Island on Day 4 or 5 - don't hesitate on out-of-box ideas golf or otherwise. 9-holers or pitch and putts? Would love pub/dining/local flavor suggestions. Tee times and accommodations booked. Thank you!

**Day 1** - arrive early AM Dublin, Ardglass PM tee time, stay nearby.

**Day 2** - Open AM. RCD PM tee time, stay in Belfast.

**Day 3**- Portstewart AM. Royal Portrush PM. Drive back to Belfast.

**Day 4** - Drive to Dublin, Portmarnock AM. Afternoon open.

**Day 5** -AM open, early afternoon depart.

Not too much at all. But I would note if your Portmarnock AM round is early AM, you'll need a proper early start out of Belfast to offset potential traffic concerns and depending on where Brexit is in April 2020 there could be border considerations.

Other courses to consider for the way up/down and near Portmarnock: Baltray, Bettystown and Laytown, Island, Corballis. Corballis would make for a fun afternoon round after Portmarnock or a good getaway day round.

You're in for a great trip!

For non-touristy good-to-excellent pubs in Dublin, I've listed some here: https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/1501476/ireland-trip-report-review-may-june-2017/p1

I guess for Day 2, depending on your PM tee time at RCD and how much driving you are up for, you could do Royal Belfast, Kirkistown, Kilkeel or Cairndhu.

Or on Day 1, stop and Play Baltray or the Island on your way up; and then on Day 2 do Ardglass and RCD.

On Day 4, I would personally drive and play Baltray in the morning and The Island in the afternoon.

On Day 5, play Portmarnock if you really must. :)

When in Newcastle, after your RCD round do not miss Great Jones Kitchen....the bet smoked salmon chowder I have ever had (fresh salmon caught in the morning and then smoked for your afternoon chowder), plus great drinks, desserts and people!!

Or you could stay in Portrush...have some great food and craic; then get up and play the Valley course, then drive back. Or on Day 3 just play both Portrush courses and play Portstewart in the morning Day 4.

Why not go straight to Portrush or Bushmills after playing RCD? Then you could stay in a local hotel or B&B instead of going back to Belfast after 36 holes.

As mentioned by others there are any number of options for a second round near Dublin.

I would say do not miss ISLAND... everyone says it is 110% worth playing

I agree with CDM. You may be better off playing The Island off the plane rather than Ardglass. Then play Portmarnock last.

The Valley Links is very good, just as good as Portstewart even though its easier. Easier ain't bad if you are tackling Dunluce on the same day. Plus, you will probably get some sort of two course deal staying at Portrush.

Ciao

Play 36 at RCD. After you play 18 you will want more!

Thanks for the great suggestions, everyone. Not going to change overall travel cities and timing, there are a few folks who really want to do some non-golf things along the way in those locations. Few updates and ideas:
1 - Unfortunately, Royal Portrush is top dressing the greens the day we are playing. Still imagine its worth it, at worst sounds like there may be a temp green or two.
2 - I'm tempted to play The Island given your feedback, but have yet to officially book it. It would either be day one or the final day. I may be a single for that round, though sounds like it is well worth it. Would that be possible to decide within a day or two of as a single? It already looks booked online but not sure how accurate that is. Not sure how the body will be feeling right off the plane or after multiple days of play and driving.
3 - Has anyone played Corballis? It looks a bit wacky, in a delightful way. Seriously considering that on Day four afternoon or final day morning. @duffer987 all your pub suggestions in Dublin are noted!

bb

Corballis is slightly whacky, but not ott. If folks in your group are put off by narrow fairways give it a miss. Mind you, Corballis is short enough that one doesn't need to blast driver around. There is a handful of very good holes and only a few duds. Being so cheap Corballis is well worth a go and if the weekend is avoided it should be a quick game. Honestly, the worst thing about Corballis is the club does not have an alcohol licence!

Corbalis is good fun, you do have to criss-cross in spots and it's not long, but it's proper links turf and has some genuinely solid holes to go along with some not so serious ones.

If you wanted to knock it about on the morning you leave or to sneak in a bit more golf before going down the pub, I think it's a decent shout. Take 1/2 bag of clubs and enjoy.

Sadly, this whole trip had to be cancelled due to Coronavirus. Hoping to go sometime in 2021, but I'm not sure our group will be able to replicate what we had planned. A shame, I'm sure these clubs will be struggling. Stay safe!

Did you get a full refund from RCD & Portrush? We have times in late July, but it's 99% going to be cancelled.

I did not. They were quite difficult and only allowing re booking for the following year.

I had my trip cancelled by the airline and already had 2 courses booked (Lahinch and Waterville). Both won't give refund, just said to re book when we come back.