Northwest Ireland Golf Courses?

[mpm1960]

Looking to travel to Ireland in late-August of 2018 to (1) attend the World Conference of Families in Dublin from August 22-26, then (2) travel to the northwest of Ireland for a few days of Irish links golf action. We would be traveling from Dublin to Donegal on the late-afternoon/evening of Sunday, August 26, then looking to schedule golf rounds on Monday the 27th, Tuesday the 28th, Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th. Here are my questions:

 

1. The courses on my radar screen in northwest Ireland are Donegal Murvagh, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old and Sandy Hills, Portsalon and Ballyliffin Old and Glashedy Links. Which of these courses are "must plays," and which are not?

 

2. If we travel to Rosapenna, should our golf course choice be the Old Course or the Sandy Hills Course (or both)?

 

3. When we go to Ballyliffin, should we be scheduling the Old Course or the Glashedy Links (or both)?

 

4. If we schedule Narin & Portnoo, could we also go up to Cruit Island on the same day and get 9 additional holes of golf in at Cruit Island Golf Club?

 

5. Lastly, any recommendations on a base location (or two) for this golf trip? Possibly Donegal and Letterkenny?

 

 

Any and all responses would be very much appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Mike

Ft. Mitchell, KY

[jimwgt26]

I've only played in Southwest Ireland, but a close friend played Carne this year and raves about it.

 

I also suggest reading A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne. Don't want to give too much away, but he travels the country playing every links course.

[jimwgt26]

Looking at a map, Carne isn't really in the same area:)

[sabram]

1. The courses on my radar screen in northwest Ireland are Donegal Murvagh, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old and Sandy Hills, Portsalon and Ballyliffin Old and Glashedy Links. Which of these courses are "must plays," and which are not?

 

Those are all fine courses and worth playing. However, the one that IMO you really need to add is County Sligo (Rosses Point). It is worth the extra drive. My first suggestion is to choose one between Ballyliffin and Rosapenna. Each has two courses, one of which is a modern brawny course (Glashedy vs Sandy Hills) and one which is Old school and quirky (Old vs Old Tom Morris). You will enjoy either place but they are sufficiently similar to one another that it's not worth visiting both places. Ballyliffin is one of the most welcoming places I've ever visited. The members made me feel like I was a long time friend. There is a B&B at the beginning of the driveway to Ballyliffin called Doherty's Country Accommodation that is very convenient if you visit Ballyliffin. It's not fancy, but it's clean and convenient. If you visit Rosapenna, the Rosapenna hotel has been renovated and is quite nice. For the sake of travel convenience I'd probably lean toward Rosapenna., but for the golf it's a toss up or a slight lean toward Ballyliffin.

 

You should try to arrive in Donegal on the 26th early enough to play Portsalon before dark. It is a very under-rated course and should not be missed. After your twilight round at Portsalon, drive to Rosapenna and play both courses there on the 27th. After you finish your rounds drive to Annagry and stay at the Caisleain Oir hotel. It is a cool little hotel that caters to Irish more than foreign visitors. It has an active pub and nice restaurant and activities such as poker tournaments and live Irish music. It is very close to Cruit Island, so play 9 holes at Cruit on the morning of the 28th and then play Narin & Portnoo that afternoon. Cruit is a fun, quirky and scenic although not a great golf course. You'll never forget the drive to the course. Narin & Portnoo, like Portsalon is very under rated. I love that course. Many excellent holes. I could play it every day. On the 29th you can play Murvagh and then end your trip at Rosses Point on the 30th. That will be a great ending.

 

If you can't arrive early enough to play portsalon on the 26th, and start your golf on the 27th, I'd stay at Rosapenna for two nights. Play both courses at Rosapenna on the 27th, then play Portsalon on the 28th. Then play Cruit and Narin & Portnoo on the 29th. Skip Murvagh and play Rosses Point on the 30th.

 

Here are links to photo tours of these courses

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667715132893/ Portsalon

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667907350873/ Narin & Portnoo

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670450396092/ County Sligo (Rosses Point)

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670586177805/ Rosapenna Old Tom Morris

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670624619095/ Rosapenna Sandy Hills

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667820436694/ Cruit Island

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669466347720/ Ballyliffin Glashedy

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669722164082/ Ballyliffin Old

 

 

Portsalon #2 from tee 880

 

Narin & Portnoo #10 x approach148

 

County Sligo Rosses Point #9 par 3 from front tee zoomed 395

 

Rosapenna Old Tom Morris #14 par 3 175 yards 991

 

Rosapenna Sandy Hills #6 pitch to green 041

 

Cruit Island #3 pitch to green below plateau 083

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #4 approach 845

 

Ballyliffin Old #1 h approach 742

 

 

2. If we travel to Rosapenna, should our golf course choice be the Old Course or the Sandy Hills Course (or both)? If you go to Rosapenna play both. Sandy Hills is more difficult and more memorable

 

3. When we go to Ballyliffin, should we be scheduling the Old Course or the Glashedy Links (or both)? If you go to Ballyliffin play both and hang out in the upstairs pub in the clubhouse after you play

 

4. If we schedule Narin & Portnoo, could we also go up to Cruit Island on the same day and get 9 additional holes of golf in at Cruit Island Golf Club? Yes, Cruit Island is a fun diversion and worth the visit. As mentioned above not great design, but you will remember it. But don't skip Narin & Portnoo to play Cruit

 

5. Lastly, any recommendations on a base location (or two) for this golf trip? Possibly Donegal and Letterkenny? The Rosapenna Hotel is close to Portsalon, Rosapenna (duh) and Cruit. Caiselean Oir is close to Cruit and leaves you a shorther drive to Narin & Portnoo, Murvagh and Rosses Point

 

[mpm1960]

1. The courses on my radar screen in northwest Ireland are Donegal Murvagh, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old and Sandy Hills, Portsalon and Ballyliffin Old and Glashedy Links. Which of these courses are "must plays," and which are not?

 

Those are all fine courses and worth playing. However, the one that IMO you really need to add is County Sligo (Rosses Point). It is worth the extra drive. My first suggestion is to choose one between Ballyliffin and Rosapenna. Each has two courses, one of which is a modern brawny course (Glashedy vs Sandy Hills) and one which is Old school and quirky (Old vs Old Tom Morris). You will enjoy either place but they are sufficiently similar to one another that it's not worth visiting both places. Ballyliffin is one of the most welcoming places I've ever visited. The members made me feel like I was a long time friend. There is a B&B at the beginning of the driveway to Ballyliffin called Doherty's Country Accommodation that is very convenient if you visit Ballyliffin. It's not fancy, but it's clean and convenient. If you visit Rosapenna, the Rosapenna hotel has been renovated and is quite nice. For the sake of travel convenience I'd probably lean toward Rosapenna., but for the golf it's a toss up or a slight lean toward Ballyliffin.

 

You should try to arrive in Donegal on the 26th early enough to play Portsalon before dark. It is a very under-rated course and should not be missed. After your twilight round at Portsalon, drive to Rosapenna and play both courses there on the 27th. After you finish your rounds drive to Annagry and stay at the Caisleain Oir hotel. It is a cool little hotel that caters to Irish more than foreign visitors. It has an active pub and nice restaurant and activities such as poker tournaments and live Irish music. It is very close to Cruit Island, so play 9 holes at Cruit on the morning of the 28th and then play Narin & Portnoo that afternoon. Cruit is a fun, quirky and scenic although not a great golf course. You'll never forget the drive to the course. Narin & Portnoo, like Portsalon is very under rated. I love that course. Many excellent holes. I could play it every day. On the 29th you can play Murvagh and then end your trip at Rosses Point on the 30th. That will be a great ending.

 

If you can't arrive early enough to play portsalon on the 26th, and start your golf on the 27th, I'd stay at Rosapenna for two nights. Play both courses at Rosapenna on the 27th, then play Portsalon on the 28th. Then play Cruit and Narin & Portnoo on the 29th. Skip Murvagh and play Rosses Point on the 30th.

 

Here are links to photo tours of these courses

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667715132893/ Portsalon

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667907350873/ Narin & Portnoo

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670450396092/ County Sligo (Rosses Point)

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670586177805/ Rosapenna Old Tom Morris

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670624619095/ Rosapenna Sandy Hills

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667820436694/ Cruit Island

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669466347720/ Ballyliffin Glashedy

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669722164082/ Ballyliffin Old

 

 

Portsalon #2 from tee 880

 

Narin & Portnoo #10 x approach148

 

County Sligo Rosses Point #9 par 3 from front tee zoomed 395

 

Rosapenna Old Tom Morris #14 par 3 175 yards 991

 

Rosapenna Sandy Hills #6 pitch to green 041

 

Cruit Island #3 pitch to green below plateau 083

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #4 approach 845

 

Ballyliffin Old #1 h approach 742

 

 

2. If we travel to Rosapenna, should our golf course choice be the Old Course or the Sandy Hills Course (or both)? If you go to Rosapenna play both. Sandy Hills is more difficult and more memorable

 

3. When we go to Ballyliffin, should we be scheduling the Old Course or the Glashedy Links (or both)? If you go to Ballyliffin play both and hang out in the upstairs pub in the clubhouse after you play

 

4. If we schedule Narin & Portnoo, could we also go up to Cruit Island on the same day and get 9 additional holes of golf in at Cruit Island Golf Club? Yes, Cruit Island is a fun diversion and worth the visit. As mentioned above not great design, but you will remember it. But don't skip Narin & Portnoo to play Cruit

 

5. Lastly, any recommendations on a base location (or two) for this golf trip? Possibly Donegal and Letterkenny? The Rosapenna Hotel is close to Portsalon, Rosapenna (duh) and Cruit. Caiselean Oir is close to Cruit and leaves you a shorther drive to Narin & Portnoo, Murvagh and Rosses Point

 

 

Thanks so much! Love the photos ... also appreciate the sound advice!

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

I've only played in Southwest Ireland, but a close friend played Carne this year and raves about it.

 

I also suggest reading A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne. Don't want to give too much away, but he travels the country playing every links course.

 

Thanks, jimwgt26, for the reply. I actually traveled to Ireland in 2015 and played Carne, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo and Narin & Portnoo ... I would agree with your friend that Carne is a fabulous golf experience. This time, we're looking to go further north to experience Irish links golf ... and if your interested (and have 25 minutes to kill), here's a link to a video my friend put together of my 2015 Ireland golf trip:

 

 

I've also read the Tom Coyne book, before my last trip, and will probably read it again between now and next August.

 

Thanks again,

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

1. The courses on my radar screen in northwest Ireland are Donegal Murvagh, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old and Sandy Hills, Portsalon and Ballyliffin Old and Glashedy Links. Which of these courses are "must plays," and which are not?

 

Those are all fine courses and worth playing. However, the one that IMO you really need to add is County Sligo (Rosses Point). It is worth the extra drive. My first suggestion is to choose one between Ballyliffin and Rosapenna. Each has two courses, one of which is a modern brawny course (Glashedy vs Sandy Hills) and one which is Old school and quirky (Old vs Old Tom Morris). You will enjoy either place but they are sufficiently similar to one another that it's not worth visiting both places. Ballyliffin is one of the most welcoming places I've ever visited. The members made me feel like I was a long time friend. There is a B&B at the beginning of the driveway to Ballyliffin called Doherty's Country Accommodation that is very convenient if you visit Ballyliffin. It's not fancy, but it's clean and convenient. If you visit Rosapenna, the Rosapenna hotel has been renovated and is quite nice. For the sake of travel convenience I'd probably lean toward Rosapenna., but for the golf it's a toss up or a slight lean toward Ballyliffin.

 

You should try to arrive in Donegal on the 26th early enough to play Portsalon before dark. It is a very under-rated course and should not be missed. After your twilight round at Portsalon, drive to Rosapenna and play both courses there on the 27th. After you finish your rounds drive to Annagry and stay at the Caisleain Oir hotel. It is a cool little hotel that caters to Irish more than foreign visitors. It has an active pub and nice restaurant and activities such as poker tournaments and live Irish music. It is very close to Cruit Island, so play 9 holes at Cruit on the morning of the 28th and then play Narin & Portnoo that afternoon. Cruit is a fun, quirky and scenic although not a great golf course. You'll never forget the drive to the course. Narin & Portnoo, like Portsalon is very under rated. I love that course. Many excellent holes. I could play it every day. On the 29th you can play Murvagh and then end your trip at Rosses Point on the 30th. That will be a great ending.

 

If you can't arrive early enough to play portsalon on the 26th, and start your golf on the 27th, I'd stay at Rosapenna for two nights. Play both courses at Rosapenna on the 27th, then play Portsalon on the 28th. Then play Cruit and Narin & Portnoo on the 29th. Skip Murvagh and play Rosses Point on the 30th.

 

Here are links to photo tours of these courses

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667715132893/ Portsalon

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667907350873/ Narin & Portnoo

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670450396092/ County Sligo (Rosses Point)

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670586177805/ Rosapenna Old Tom Morris

 

https://www.flickr.c...57670624619095/ Rosapenna Sandy Hills

 

https://www.flickr.c...57667820436694/ Cruit Island

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669466347720/ Ballyliffin Glashedy

 

https://www.flickr.c...57669722164082/ Ballyliffin Old

 

 

Portsalon #2 from tee 880

 

Narin & Portnoo #10 x approach148

 

County Sligo Rosses Point #9 par 3 from front tee zoomed 395

 

Rosapenna Old Tom Morris #14 par 3 175 yards 991

 

Rosapenna Sandy Hills #6 pitch to green 041

 

Cruit Island #3 pitch to green below plateau 083

 

Ballyliffin Glashedy #4 approach 845

 

Ballyliffin Old #1 h approach 742

 

 

2. If we travel to Rosapenna, should our golf course choice be the Old Course or the Sandy Hills Course (or both)? If you go to Rosapenna play both. Sandy Hills is more difficult and more memorable

 

3. When we go to Ballyliffin, should we be scheduling the Old Course or the Glashedy Links (or both)? If you go to Ballyliffin play both and hang out in the upstairs pub in the clubhouse after you play

 

4. If we schedule Narin & Portnoo, could we also go up to Cruit Island on the same day and get 9 additional holes of golf in at Cruit Island Golf Club? Yes, Cruit Island is a fun diversion and worth the visit. As mentioned above not great design, but you will remember it. But don't skip Narin & Portnoo to play Cruit

 

5. Lastly, any recommendations on a base location (or two) for this golf trip? Possibly Donegal and Letterkenny? The Rosapenna Hotel is close to Portsalon, Rosapenna (duh) and Cruit. Caiselean Oir is close to Cruit and leaves you a shorther drive to Narin & Portnoo, Murvagh and Rosses Point

 

 

Sabram,

 

I've been going back and re-reading your post every day, and have also been spending time looking at those fabulous photos every chance I get ... I can't thank you enough for the sound advice you have offered. FYI, I traveled to Ireland in 2015 and played Carne, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo and Narin and Portnoo (was scheduled to play Donegal but got rained out), and this time we're focused on some Irish links courses farther up north. If interested, here's the rather lengthy video of my Irish golf trip from 2015:

 

 

Later this week, I'm going to take your recommendations and put together a rough itinerary for my August trip. I'll be sure to post it here and ask for thoughts/feedback ... and thanks again for your help!

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

Ft. Mitchell, KY

[sabram]

Mike, love your video. I didn't realize that you'd already played Narin &Portnoo and Rosses Point. That being the case, if you would prefer something different, consider playing Royal Portrush on your way to Donegal . The Dunluce course is awesome and will again host the Open Championship after a 50 + year hiatus. Its sister course, the Valley, is no slouch and might be the best second course anywhere in Ireland. Portrush is less than 2 hours from Portsalom our Rosapenna. Based on your 2015 itinerary that's nothing for you Portstewsrt and Castle rock are other good choices if you decide to spend a day in NI rather than going to Co. Sligo.

[VOX]

I did a similar trip a number of years ago and stayed at the Yeats Country House. It is a hotel right by the Rosses Point golf course. I would also consider playing Enniscrone. It is probably my favorite in the NW.

[TerpFangolfer]

I also suggest reading A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne. Don't want to give too much away, but he travels the country playing every links course.

 

Agree 100% with this suggestion - I've been to Ireland 2x and the book is a great reference, and well as being funny - don't miss the story about the "3 bears!" :taunt:

[mpm1960]

Mike, love your video. I didn't realize that you'd already played Narin &Portnoo and Rosses Point. That being the case, if you would prefer something different, consider playing Royal Portrush on your way to Donegal . The Dunluce course is awesome and will again host the Open Championship after a 50 + year hiatus. Its sister course, the Valley, is no slouch and might be the best second course anywhere in Ireland. Portrush is less than 2 hours from Portsalom our Rosapenna. Based on your 2015 itinerary that's nothing for you Portstewsrt and Castle rock are other good choices if you decide to spend a day in NI rather than going to Co. Sligo.

 

Thanks again for the suggestions ... by the way, another book I've found helpful on Ireland golf courses is "HOOKED, An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland." I believe this edition is the third one, printed in 2015. There's a lot of great information on the courses mentioned above ... speaking of courses, check out these links to videos on Ballyliffin, Portsalon and Rosapenna:

 

Ballyliffin -

 

Portsalon -

 

Rosapenna -

 

 

Here's another question for everyone .. when you traveled to Ireland to play golf, did you take your own set of clubs or did you rent golf clubs when you arrived?

 

Mike

MPM1960

[johnsomp]

Looking to travel to Ireland in late-August of 2018 to (1) attend the World Conference of Families in Dublin from August 22-26, then (2) travel to the northwest of Ireland for a few days of Irish links golf action. We would be traveling from Dublin to Donegal on the late-afternoon/evening of Sunday, August 26, then looking to schedule golf rounds on Monday the 27th, Tuesday the 28th, Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th. Here are my questions:

 

1. The courses on my radar screen in northwest Ireland are Donegal Murvagh, Narin & Portnoo, Rosapenna Old and Sandy Hills, Portsalon and Ballyliffin Old and Glashedy Links. Which of these courses are "must plays," and which are not?

 

2. If we travel to Rosapenna, should our golf course choice be the Old Course or the Sandy Hills Course (or both)?

 

3. When we go to Ballyliffin, should we be scheduling the Old Course or the Glashedy Links (or both)?

 

4. If we schedule Narin & Portnoo, could we also go up to Cruit Island on the same day and get 9 additional holes of golf in at Cruit Island Golf Club?

 

5. Lastly, any recommendations on a base location (or two) for this golf trip? Possibly Donegal and Letterkenny?

 

 

Any and all responses would be very much appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Mike

Ft. Mitchell, KY

 

I cannot recommend Ballyliffin, Rosapenna, and Portsalon enough.

[johnsomp]

Mike, love your video. I didn't realize that you'd already played Narin &Portnoo and Rosses Point. That being the case, if you would prefer something different, consider playing Royal Portrush on your way to Donegal . The Dunluce course is awesome and will again host the Open Championship after a 50 + year hiatus. Its sister course, the Valley, is no slouch and might be the best second course anywhere in Ireland. Portrush is less than 2 hours from Portsalom our Rosapenna. Based on your 2015 itinerary that's nothing for you Portstewsrt and Castle rock are other good choices if you decide to spend a day in NI rather than going to Co. Sligo.

 

Thanks again for the suggestions ... by the way, another book I've found helpful on Ireland golf courses is "HOOKED, An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland." I believe this edition is the third one, printed in 2015. There's a lot of great information on the courses mentioned above ... speaking of courses, check out these links to videos on Ballyliffin, Portsalon and Rosapenna:

 

Ballyliffin -

 

Portsalon -

 

Rosapenna -

 

 

Here's another question for everyone .. when you traveled to Ireland to play golf, did you take your own set of clubs or did you rent golf clubs when you arrived?

 

Mike

MPM1960

 

Take your clubs. The cost is worth the hassle of renting stuff not for you.

[Tap-in Fore Eagle]

I'm planning a trip to Ireland and will have two days in the northwest in-between lahinch and Royal portrush. Which would you choose if you could only play two of the following:

 

Carne

Enniscrone

Rosses Point

Rosapenna old/Sandy hills

Ballyliffin glashedy/old

Narin & Portnoo

Portsalon

Donegal

 

 

[mefnocerous]

Carne is an experience unlike any other. Tops the list for up there (and worth the drive). Ballyliffin is an experience as well, old course much preferred to glashedy. But if you're there how do you not play both?

Donegal was a treat as well.

 

One major difference between northwest and southwest Ireland courses is the northwest really isn't used to the tourists. In southwest Ireland you are a tee time and they treat you that way. In the northwest we had the captain of the club and the caddies (whom are members) join us for beers after the round. They could not have been more welcoming and friendly. I cannot overstate enough what a grand difference this made.

 

[mpm1960]

I'm planning a trip to Ireland and will have two days in the northwest in-between lahinch and Royal portrush. Which would you choose if you could only play two of the following:

 

Carne

Enniscrone

Rosses Point

Rosapenna old/Sandy hills

Ballyliffin glashedy/old

Narin & Portnoo

Portsalon

Donegal

 

I've played Carne, Enniscrone, Rosses Point and Narin & Portnoo in 2015, and thought they were all fantastic! We were scheduled to play Donegal but got rained-out (and you know how the Irish feel about playing in the rain, so you can imagine how bad the rain was that day for us to cancel our round).

 

If you were to look at the book "HOOKED: An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland," you'd see that Carne was given a 96 score, Enniscrone a 96, County Sligo Rosses Point a 96, Rosapenna Old an 82, Rosapenna Sandy Hill a 94, Ballyliffin Old a 92, Ballyliffin Glashedy a 92, Narin & Portnoo a 92, Portsalon a 90, and Donegal a 93. For convenience sake, you should play Carne and Enniscrone as they're close to one another ... and be sure to stay in Ballina and get dinner/drinks at Dillon's. We went there twice on our trip and had a great time on both occasions!

 

Mike

MPM1960

[Joe V.]

Enjoyed your video as well Mike. Sarah Helly from the video was my son's caddie at Enniscrone when we went in May, 2015.

 

We played a a few in the south on the trip and then Carne, Enniscorne and County Sligo (horrific weather that day), and if I had to pick one to go back to it would be Carne.

[mpm1960]

Enjoyed your video as well Mike. Sarah Helly from the video was my son's caddie at Enniscrone when we went in May, 2015.

 

We played a a few in the south on the trip and then Carne, Enniscorne and County Sligo (horrific weather that day), and if I had to pick one to go back to it would be Carne.

 

Sarah Helly is an awesome young lady. Before my 2015 golf trip to NW Ireland, I saw an article from June, 2015, on Sarah winning the Irish Women's Amateur Close Championship. The article stated that she was from Enniscrone, and since I was scheduled to play the course on my upcoming golf trip (July 28 of that year) I was hoping for the opportunity to meet her. When we arrived, she was actually working behind the counter in the golf shop and I immediately recognized her ... came to learn that she was a student athlete at Marshall University and was planning to stay in the US for another year so she could work in a sports-related position before returning home. After our conversation, we played Enniscrone (outstanding links course, by the way), and got to see Sarah before we headed out. While we were playing, she ran home and put on a Marshall golf shirt, so we got another photo opportunity with her in her "Thundering Herd" shirt.

 

Since then, I've friended her on Facebook and we've chatted electronically a few times. I understand she's now engaged to be married, and I'm not sure if she's staying in the US or planning to return to Enniscrone with her new husband. I know that the year after she graduated from Marshall, she worked at the Greenbriar in West Virginia and was there when they had the terrible flooding in June of 2016. Here's a link from the Irish Times on Sarah's golf championship:

 

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/golf/sarah-helly-shocks-olivia-mehaffey-to-lift-title-at-rosapenna-1.2260508

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

Enjoyed your video as well Mike. Sarah Helly from the video was my son's caddie at Enniscrone when we went in May, 2015.

 

We played a a few in the south on the trip and then Carne, Enniscorne and County Sligo (horrific weather that day), and if I had to pick one to go back to it would be Carne.

 

Sarah Helly is an awesome young lady. Before my 2015 golf trip to NW Ireland, I saw an article from June, 2015, on Sarah winning the Irish Women's Amateur Close Championship. The article stated that she was from Enniscrone, and since I was scheduled to play the course on my upcoming golf trip (July 28 of that year) I was hoping for the opportunity to meet her. When we arrived, she was actually working behind the counter in the golf shop and I immediately recognized her ... came to learn that she was a student athlete at Marshall University and was planning to stay in the US for another year so she could work in a sports-related position before returning home. After our conversation, we played Enniscrone (outstanding links course, by the way), and got to see Sarah before we headed out. While we were playing, she ran home and put on a Marshall golf shirt, so we got another photo opportunity with her in her "Thundering Herd" shirt.

 

Since then, I've friended her on Facebook and we've chatted electronically a few times. I understand she's now engaged to be married, and I'm not sure if she's staying in the US or planning to return to Enniscrone with her new husband. I know that the year after she graduated from Marshall, she worked at the Greenbriar in West Virginia and was there when they had the terrible flooding in June of 2016. Here's a link from the Irish Times on Sarah's golf championship:

 

https://www.irishtim...penna-1.2260508

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

 

 

After all the help I've received in response to my northwest Ireland questions posted above, I went ahead and put together a draft itinerary for my golf trip. I'm anxious to receive feedback from everyone here on the list below ... and thanks in advance!

 

Here is the draft itinerary:

 

Sunday, August 26:

Attend the Papal Mass in Dublin on Sunday afternoon

Travel on to Sunday night lodging (TBD, possibly Letterkenny?)

 

Monday, August 27:

Travel to play Ballyliffin Old or Ballyliffin Glashedy, return to lodging (Letterkenny)

 

Tuesday, August 28:

Travel to Portsalon to play Portsalon Golf Club, then travel on to Rosapenna

 

Wednesday, August 29:

Play Rosapenna Old or Rosapenna Sandy Hills, lodging in Rosapenna

 

Thursday, August 30:

Travel to Cruit Island, play the Cruit Island 9 Hole Golf Course

Then travel on to Narin to play Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, then head to lodging in Donagel

 

Friday, August 31:

Sightseeing in Donegal area, then travel on the Dublin

 

Saturday, September 1:

Depart Dublin for USA

 

 

Again, I invite your feedback/suggestions on the draft itinerary I've posted, and thank you in advance for any/all assistance!.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

Enjoyed your video as well Mike. Sarah Helly from the video was my son's caddie at Enniscrone when we went in May, 2015.

 

We played a a few in the south on the trip and then Carne, Enniscorne and County Sligo (horrific weather that day), and if I had to pick one to go back to it would be Carne.

 

Sarah Helly is an awesome young lady. Before my 2015 golf trip to NW Ireland, I saw an article from June, 2015, on Sarah winning the Irish Women's Amateur Close Championship. The article stated that she was from Enniscrone, and since I was scheduled to play the course on my upcoming golf trip (July 28 of that year) I was hoping for the opportunity to meet her. When we arrived, she was actually working behind the counter in the golf shop and I immediately recognized her ... came to learn that she was a student athlete at Marshall University and was planning to stay in the US for another year so she could work in a sports-related position before returning home. After our conversation, we played Enniscrone (outstanding links course, by the way), and got to see Sarah before we headed out. While we were playing, she ran home and put on a Marshall golf shirt, so we got another photo opportunity with her in her "Thundering Herd" shirt.

 

Since then, I've friended her on Facebook and we've chatted electronically a few times. I understand she's now engaged to be married, and I'm not sure if she's staying in the US or planning to return to Enniscrone with her new husband. I know that the year after she graduated from Marshall, she worked at the Greenbriar in West Virginia and was there when they had the terrible flooding in June of 2016. Here's a link from the Irish Times on Sarah's golf championship:

 

https://www.irishtim...penna-1.2260508

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

 

 

After all the help I've received in response to my northwest Ireland questions posted above, I went ahead and put together a draft itinerary for my golf trip. I'm anxious to receive feedback from everyone here on the list below ... and thanks in advance!

 

Here is the draft itinerary:

 

Sunday, August 26:

Attend the Papal Mass in Dublin on Sunday afternoon

Travel on to Sunday night lodging (TBD, possibly Letterkenny?)

 

Monday, August 27:

Travel to play Ballyliffin Old or Ballyliffin Glashedy, return to lodging (Letterkenny)

 

Tuesday, August 28:

Travel to Portsalon to play Portsalon Golf Club, then travel on to Rosapenna

 

Wednesday, August 29:

Play Rosapenna Old or Rosapenna Sandy Hills, lodging in Rosapenna

 

Thursday, August 30:

Travel to Cruit Island, play the Cruit Island 9 Hole Golf Course

Then travel on to Narin to play Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, then head to lodging in Donagel

 

Friday, August 31:

Sightseeing in Donegal area, then travel on the Dublin

 

Saturday, September 1:

Depart Dublin for USA

 

 

Again, I invite your feedback/suggestions on the draft itinerary I've posted, and thank you in advance for any/all assistance!.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

 

Would love some feedback on the draft itinerary I posted here last month (see above message) ... any/all responses would be greatly appreciated!

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

Here's my final post on this message thread ... we've finalized our trip plans, and wanted everyone here to see what we decided on for our upcoming trip "across the pond" to the Emerald isle. And thanks again for all the helpful advice while I was planning this trip! Here's the final itinerary:

 

Sunday, August 26:

Attend the Papal Mass in Dublin on Sunday afternoon

Travel on to Sunday night lodging in Letterkenny

 

Monday, August 27:

Travel to play Ballyliffin Glashedy, return to lodging in Letterkenny

 

Tuesday, August 28:

Travel to play Portsalon Golf Club, return to lodging in Letterkenny

 

Wednesday, August 29:

Play Rosapenna Sandy Hills, return to lodging in Letterkenny

 

Thursday, August 30:

Travel to play Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, then head to lodging in Westport

 

Friday, August 31:

(weather permitting) Climb Croagh Patrick

If the weather does not cooperate, then sightseeing in Westport

 

Saturday, September 1:

Attend special event in Enniscrone, then travel on to Dublin

 

Sunday, September 2:

Depart Dublin for USA

 

 

Again, thanks to everyone for your insightful tips and helpful suggestions!

 

Mike

MPM1960

[mpm1960]

Just a quick follow-up to my "last" post above regarding my recent golf trip to Northwest Ireland.

 

My friend Jim and I had a great time in the Emerald Isle, and played four fabolous golf courses (Ballyliffin Glashedy, Portsalon, Rosapenna Sandy Hills and Narin & Portnoo).

 

On Sunday, August 26, since they moved the start time of the Papal Mass from 11 AM to 3 PM, we headed north to see the Giant's Causeway and visited Royal Portrush.

 

Monday was Ballyliffin Glashedy and a sightseeing trip to Malin Head.

 

Tuesday was Portsalon and a trip to see the famous Fanad Head Lighthouse.

 

Wednesday was Rosapenna Sandy Hills and some sightseeing at Horn Head.

 

Thursday was a busy one, with golf at Narin & Portnoo, followed by a visit at Slieve League and a drive to Westport.

 

Friday, we climbed the Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick, and just took it easy the rest of the day in Westport.

 

On Saturday we were very fortunate to have attended Sarah Helly's wedding in Enniscrone (we were humorously identified as the "wedding crashers" at our wedding reception table). Unfortunately, we had to leave the reception at 8:30 PM because we had a 4 hour drive back to Dublin as we could catch our 6 AM flight the next morning.

 

It was truly an awesome trip, to say the least. :-)

 

Best wishes,

 

Mike

MPM1960

[Chanceman]

Mike, I think you will agree that it is hard not to have a wonderful time in Ireland. It is a feast of experiences, sights, culture, history, landscape, people and golf. My wife has been convinced to make the trip next time. Ch