Southwest Ireland

Scooter321 · February 24, 2016

I have played all on your list (though I am very jealous of the guy above who's played them all 10+ times, VERY jealous).

You will like Dooks, Doonbeg, or Old Head - I guarantee. You really can't go wrong here.

Assuming Doonbeg is under construction and therefore off the list, and this is a one in a life time or once in a long time trip - I'd add Old Head. It will be much more of a drive and cost a lot more than Dooks - but its a course you want to play at least one. Old Head is like Pebble, but better. Pictures don't do it justice. Conditions will be immaculate (edit, at least they were for me, ymmv). Similar to Pebble, it has some inland holes that are ho hum for sure - but I think you kind of have to play it at least once.

I was lucky to get 70 degrees, sunshine, and a light breeze when I played Old Head. It was awesome experience. But I haven't been back - it is expensive and once you have seen/done the views and the oceanside holes, there are better 18 holes of golf to be had in Ireland.

Tough call though, especially if you are not getting a driver.

Where are you staying? Old Head might require adding a night in Kinsale to make the drive worth it. Kinsale is pretty cool also.

Haven't selected where I am staying yet. Trying to decide the courses first. It will either be Doonbeg -> Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville OR Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville -> Old Head. Doing the second itinerary we would probably do 3 hotels compared to the first which would only require 2 hotels. One course per day (body can't handle more than that). Guess the main questions are whether Old Head is worth the extra drive, the status of Doonbeg renovations, and whether the golf experience at either Doonbeg or Old Head is that much better at one vs the other.

Please feel free to weigh in with any other opinions. Need to book soon. Will be going late spring/early summer.

jimwgt26 · February 25, 2016

I've played all on your list except Doonbeg. Old Head is a little out of the way, but totally worth the extra effort to get there. The location is spectacular.

Chigolfer2 · February 25, 2016

Play Old Head if possible......

hdr_ric · February 25, 2016

I have played all on your list (though I am very jealous of the guy above who's played them all 10+ times, VERY jealous).

You will like Dooks, Doonbeg, or Old Head - I guarantee. You really can't go wrong here.

Assuming Doonbeg is under construction and therefore off the list, and this is a one in a life time or once in a long time trip - I'd add Old Head. It will be much more of a drive and cost a lot more than Dooks - but its a course you want to play at least one. Old Head is like Pebble, but better. Pictures don't do it justice. Conditions will be immaculate (edit, at least they were for me, ymmv). Similar to Pebble, it has some inland holes that are ho hum for sure - but I think you kind of have to play it at least once.

I was lucky to get 70 degrees, sunshine, and a light breeze when I played Old Head. It was awesome experience. But I haven't been back - it is expensive and once you have seen/done the views and the oceanside holes, there are better 18 holes of golf to be had in Ireland.

Tough call though, especially if you are not getting a driver.

Where are you staying? Old Head might require adding a night in Kinsale to make the drive worth it. Kinsale is pretty cool also.

Haven't selected where I am staying yet. Trying to decide the courses first. It will either be Doonbeg -> Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville OR Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville -> Old Head. Doing the second itinerary we would probably do 3 hotels compared to the first which would only require 2 hotels. One course per day (body can't handle more than that). Guess the main questions are whether Old Head is worth the extra drive, the status of Doonbeg renovations, and whether the golf experience at either Doonbeg or Old Head is that much better at one vs the other.

Please feel free to weigh in with any other opinions. Need to book soon. Will be going late spring/early summer.

Play Old Head and add a night in Kinsale.

Chigolfer2 · February 25, 2016

We used Butler's bus/shuttle service....(Paul was great) Not sure how many in your group but cost effective for 12 golfers. Not sure about 4 -8.....

Animal Chin · February 25, 2016

I have played all on your list (though I am very jealous of the guy above who's played them all 10+ times, VERY jealous).

You will like Dooks, Doonbeg, or Old Head - I guarantee. You really can't go wrong here.

Assuming Doonbeg is under construction and therefore off the list, and this is a one in a life time or once in a long time trip - I'd add Old Head. It will be much more of a drive and cost a lot more than Dooks - but its a course you want to play at least one. Old Head is like Pebble, but better. Pictures don't do it justice. Conditions will be immaculate (edit, at least they were for me, ymmv). Similar to Pebble, it has some inland holes that are ho hum for sure - but I think you kind of have to play it at least once.

I was lucky to get 70 degrees, sunshine, and a light breeze when I played Old Head. It was awesome experience. But I haven't been back - it is expensive and once you have seen/done the views and the oceanside holes, there are better 18 holes of golf to be had in Ireland.

Tough call though, especially if you are not getting a driver.

Where are you staying? Old Head might require adding a night in Kinsale to make the drive worth it. Kinsale is pretty cool also.

Haven't selected where I am staying yet. Trying to decide the courses first. It will either be Doonbeg -> Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville OR Lahinch -> Balybunion -> Tralee -> Waterville -> Old Head. Doing the second itinerary we would probably do 3 hotels compared to the first which would only require 2 hotels. One course per day (body can't handle more than that). Guess the main questions are whether Old Head is worth the extra drive, the status of Doonbeg renovations, and whether the golf experience at either Doonbeg or Old Head is that much better at one vs the other.

Please feel free to weigh in with any other opinions. Need to book soon. Will be going late spring/early summer.

You're getting stuck on bells and whistles.

Play dooks. It's between Waterville and Tralee. I've played it several times and it might be the best hidden gem in Ireland. There's a reason they don't advertise like crazy.

Play dooks. You're welcome.

eagles1 · February 26, 2016

Yes - Dooks.

Spot on post right there.

Awesome course.

Carl Spackler3 · February 26, 2016

I know this sounds simple. Buy great foul weather gear including hats and gloves and worry less about it, we played four rounds in heavy rain and drill had great time.