Ireland 1st Timer in April - Where to Start

[eboettne]

The only thing I know for sure is that the wife and I are flying into Dublin for 7 or 8 days in the last week of April 2019. My guess is we will be able to play 3, possibly 4 golf rounds with the rest of the time used up for sightseeing, eating, drinking etc. I've read so many rave reviews about courses on opposite ends of the islands but knowing I can't possibly do everything:

 

A. Go up to the Northern Ireland and swing back down to Dublin hitting RCD, Ardglass, other suggestions? I'm guessing Portrush will be prepping for The Open.

 

B. Go South and try to hit up Lahnich, Ballybunion, Old Head and swing back to Dublin

 

C. Try to do something completely different

 

Keep in mind we'd like to sight-see along the way and golf probably every other day. Also not wanting to pay $200 for every single round(I would but the wife not so much). Thanks in advance!

[imakaveli]

Don't miss The Island when in Dublin!

[davep043]

If you're hoping to save a bit of money on greens fees, consider lesser-known courses. A couple of years ago my wife and I played both courses at Ballyliffin, at Enniscrone, and at Carne (Belmullet), and in each case the greens fees were much less than their famous cousins to the south. You can play both courses at Ballyliffin for less than the price of one round at Old Head. There's great touring and scenery and dining and pubs pretty much anywhere you go.

[tad950]

If you are in the South West side, then I would say that Dooks is a great value. Nice views. Fun to see the local kids chasing around the dunes looking for their tee shots in the late afternoon.

 

Dooks also has one of my all time favorite golf logos.

[Chanceman]

Having just returned from 3 weeks in Ireland I would say that 4 rounds in 7 days limits your options quite a bit.

For what its worth, I reckon there is plenty of great golf within an hour or two of Dublin and that should be your range.

So consider Portmarnock, The Island, County Louth (all North) and Druids Glen, Macreddin (a very inexpensive gem) and The European Club (all South).

Concra Wood and Carton House might also be candidates.

Sightseeing aplenty including Newgrange, Hill of Tara, Glendalough and lots in Dublin itself.

[CDM]

Never been but been planning a trip for next year. Given the focus is sightseeing with rounds of golf included, based on my reviews it appears some the best sightseeing would be your option along the SW (option 2) and back to Dublin.

 

Around Dublin everyone say play the Island or Portmarnock. Sounds like you are going to play RCD either way..... if you go south route and don't plan on doing RCD... jokingly but that would kill me to go there and not play it =)

[coco78]

when you playing Ardglass. I am a member there if you wanted a game?

[wobblypops]

I just got back from Ireland 3 weeks ago. Because it was a family trip, I could only fit in 1 round of golf. Most (links) were booked full at least a month or two out, so options were limited. Parkland style are much more affordable and accessible. We played Royal Dublin and had a blast. It was a great course, great customer service, couldn't be happier. Our caddie was incredible and recommended Corballis which is supposed to be a great course for about half the price. Drove by Lahinch about 10 times but never had a chance to play. That course WILL be played multiple times when I organize a golf-centric trip. Ireland as a country is fantastic with great people, amazing scenery, and top notch food/whiskey/beer.