Southwest Ireland Suggestions

[KC4441]

We will be in SW Ireland (Dingle) this coming June and wanted to get recommendations on a golf course to play. I probably only have time for 1 round. I looked at Old Head, but other than the views, I have heard its not all that great for about $400. Thanks for any help.

[Almostscratchonce]

Lahinch is my favorite there... Ballybunion would be my 2nd choice.

[davep043]

It depends a bit on how far you want to travel to play. Closest is the golf course towards the west end of Dingle peninsula, I don't know much about it. Closest on the "mainland" is Dooks, a very nice links course, but not so famous as to be really expensive. Heading north along the coast are Tralee, an Arnold Palmer design with some of the most dramatic holes anywhere on the back nine, and the Ballybunion, one of the all-time great Irish links. To the south is Waterville, another great course. Looking quickly, from Dingle town to either Ballybunion or Waterville is 1-1/2 to 2 hours driving each way. Old Head is closer to 2-1/2 hours. Lahinch is my favorite too, but its probably another hour, the other side of the Shannon. In your shoes, I'd look at Waterville and Ballybunion if you want a really fine course, or Dooks/Dingle if you want a good course with a little less driving time and a little less money.

[Chanceman]

Waterville would be my choice as it is a brilliant course and also you would get to see some of the Ring of Kerry. The part of the ROK south of WV is the best and definitely worth the drive..

[thechief16]

Lahinch is my favorite there... Ballybunion would be my 2nd choice.

Agree. Lahinch #1. Waterville #2 over BallyB, in my book.

[puttnforthe8]

If in Dingle, Ceann Sibeal is right there. Not equal to the great courses in the area, but a good course. Tralee is the closest best course. Beaufort and Killarney are good parkland courses.

[davep043]

Lahinch is my favorite there... Ballybunion would be my 2nd choice.

Agree. Lahinch #1. Waterville #2 over BallyB, in my book.

I too would recommend Lahinch, but the AA Routeplanner shows that to be a 3 hours drive, each way, from Dingle town.

[Almostscratchonce]

Lahinch is my favorite there... Ballybunion would be my 2nd choice.

Agree. Lahinch #1. Waterville #2 over BallyB, in my book.

I too would recommend Lahinch, but the AA Routeplanner shows that to be a 3 hours drive, each way, from Dingle town.

 

Valid point DaveP. Have only made one trip to Ireland thus far, and recollection of geography/travel is limited. That said, and depending on free-time circumstances for the OP, I'd personally commit a couple extra hours of travel to play Lahinch vs BB or Waterville...

[Chanceman]

Ballybunion is in very poor condition after the long hot summer. No comparison to Waterville or Tralee.

[davep043]

Ballybunion is in very poor condition after the long hot summer. No comparison to Waterville or Tralee.

I imagine that by June of next year, when the OP will be in Dingle, conditions will be different from what they are right now. Is Ballybunion so bad that you don't think it will recover?

[KC4441]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Time is a factor so the long drives are out. I’m looking hard at Tralee as I usually like Arnold Palmer layouts.

[AuldPLO Swiss Golftrotter]

Tralee seems to be the obvious choice while staying in Dingle, you can't be wrong ! Really great track and the back nine is absolutely amazing !

[Malvern]

Another vote for Tralee here given location and timing. Wonderful golf course

[Chanceman]

Ballybunion is in very poor condition after the long hot summer. No comparison to Waterville or Tralee.

I imagine that by June of next year, when the OP will be in Dingle, conditions will be different from what they are right now. Is Ballybunion so bad that you don't think it will recover?

Truth is I was a fraction disappointed in BB even factoring in a recovery. And I played well there. With all the hype maybe you can expect too much.

[davep043]

Ballybunion is in very poor condition after the long hot summer. No comparison to Waterville or Tralee.

I imagine that by June of next year, when the OP will be in Dingle, conditions will be different from what they are right now. Is Ballybunion so bad that you don't think it will recover?

Truth is I was a fraction disappointed in BB even factoring in a recovery. And I played well there. With all the hype maybe you can expect too much.

I absolutely agree with this. I know I wasn't as impressed playing Prestwick this past summer as I expected to be, even though it was a great experience. I'd still prefer BB over Tralee, all else being equal, and Lahinch is definitely my favorite in that area, but given the drive times, I think Tralee will be a great choice for the OP.

[rwmck9]

I can add another recommendation for Waterville. Great course, played there a couple years ago and going back in May. And the drive there from Dingle will be beautiful as well.

 

I'll also be playing Ballybunion old&Cashen for the first time and hope it's in good shape come the spring. I've heard all this talk of the drought this summer doing quite a number on it.

 

Ceann Sibeal would be worth a twilight round since it's so close to you, and it's cheap.