Ireland top 5

[MikeMcM]

Tall order, all of the ones mentioned about are all spectacular in their own right, but if I was going back to Ireland one last time, and didn't mind the distance, I'd re-visit these five courses:

1. Royal County Down, not only for the quality of the golf course and each individual hole, but the setting and the Slieve Donard hotel
2. Carne, Eddie Hackett's last design in the Northwest, remote, but spectacular design through the Dunes
3. BallyB-would have to agree with Watson, this is the best links course in the world
4. The European Club, there's 20 holes because the designer and owner Pat Ruddy said we're out here to play golf, might as well build as many holes as the land will hold, enough said
5. Tie:Lahinch, Portrush, Portstewart, Waterville, Dooks, Tralee, Ballyliffin, Rosapenna, Old Head(just to see the setting)

[2ball]

[quote name='BrianL99' timestamp='1343780995' post='5387062']
[quote name='mlecs03' timestamp='1343771176' post='5386184']
Hey guys, my cousin and I are in talks to visit ireland next summer. We're planning on being there 7-10 days. We want to visit Dublin a couple days forsure, and aren't going to be playing everyday. However, we still want to play 4-5 times. These are the courses were interested in, but are willing to change for the better:
Royal County Down
Old Head
The European Club
Druids Glen

I played the K Club Ryder cup (Palmer) course on a bank holiday and had the place almost to myself. It was surreal. My brother in law who is Irish doesn't play but walked the course with me because it was so quiet and park like. I also got a great deal. 75 euro before 9 am. The members started showing up at 1 pm in helicopters for afternoon matches. I've got some fun pics I can post. I was staying in NAAS about 25 minutes outside Dublin.

Played Ballybunion and a local course called Yougal country club just outside of Cork the locals I played with made it memorable. Great people. and palm trees too!



Can you guys give your top 5 courses you'd play (distance doesn't matter) and give some insight on these courses we're interested in? Also, what are the best courses near dublin as those would be convenient to play.
Thanks
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Royal County Down
Ballybunion (Old Course or get the deal & play both in the same day)
Lahinch
Tralee


Personally, I wouldn't bother with Portmarnock, I think it's the most over rated course I've ever seen.
Old Head is just an average golf course, on one of the most spectacular pieces of land on earth.

I haven't played the K Club, The European or Waterville, but I understand they're great courses.
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