My husband and I are spending 9 days in Ireland in May. We'd like to stay 2 days in <BR>Dublin then rent a car and see the countryside.We'd like to play three or four games of golf and would like some input as to where the locals play,not the expensive courses in the golf packages. Thanks Mavis

What direction are you heading? What areas will you be visiting?<BR><BR>Some possibilities in the Dublin area are: Castle tel.01 904207 Edmonstown tel. 01 931082 Elm Park Golf Club tel. 01 2693438 Grange Tel. 01 932889 Howth tel. 01 323055 Stackstown tel. 01942338<BR><BR>Let me know where you will be traveling.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Jinx Hoover<BR>

Thanks Jinx for your info. We weren't intending to play golf while in Dublin just sightseeing. As to our directions after that, it seems, from other's E-mails, that travellers prefer the S.W., or more overlooked, the N.W.We are open. We have only just decided to go and have just picked up the guide books. any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Mavis

To the SW of Dublin: Dooks Golf in Tralee; tel. 066 68205----Kenmare Golf; tel. 064 41291----Killarney Golf &amp; Fishing Club; tel. 064 31034----Limerick Golf; tel. 061 414083----Castleroy Golf in Limerick; tel. 061 335753----Waterford Golf; tel. 051 78489----Enniscorthy Golf; tel. 054 33191----Wexford Golf; tel. 053 42238----Arklow Links; tel. 0402 32492----Blainroe Golf; tel. 0404 68168.<BR><BR>You should call ahead to reserve a tee time (sometimes they are having tournament or other conflicts). Also, you should have a letter of introduction from your US golf club with certification of handicaps.<BR><BR>These courses are local, not the highly-sought &quot;big name links&quot;. You should be able to get on without any trouble. Have fun.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Jinx Hoover<BR>

I've never needed a letter of introduction to play the small local courses that I've played in Northern Ireland. And I've only played a couple of courses in the Republic (Connemara area), and didn't need a letter there, either.<BR><BR>During the week, I've found that it's very easy just to walk onto the local courses. I've never made a tee time in Ireland. Most towns have courses. If you want to head up north, there's the Ringdufferin near Killyleagh in County Down. A rather mountainous back nine, but a laid-back, inexpensive course. And there's a castle in Killyleagh that offers accommodation (the oldest occupied castle in Ireland), along with a pub across the street that also has a nice B&amp;B attached.<BR><BR>Downpatrick Golf Club has a bit more polish, and is a pleasant course. Some great views from there. Downpatrick is where St. Patrick is rumored to be buried (a few towns claim this honor). At Downpatrick, I was asked for my home course. I don't have one, so I made something up.<BR><BR>I play the Ringdufferin most often, so can't really comment on the other courses in the area, but they are everywhere you turn in County Down.

Anncor, <BR>One thing to think about when playing some courses in Europe is that may not offer carts. <BR><BR>I obviously do not know your physical state, but if you do require a cart, make sure they have them.

A clarification--I simply quoted what was recommended in my guide to golf courses in Britain and Ireland regarding tee times and letters of introduction. You probably won't need them--but you may!<BR><BR>I have played golf all over England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland. You just never know when someone will ask for documentation. And you never know when there may be a competition (tournament) in progress.<BR><BR>So I recommend calling ahead. All it costs is a few pence. Enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>Regards, <BR><BR>Jinx Hoover

One other thing--you will be walking. Very few courses have any riding carts (I wish there were none!). But the weather will make it a treat to walk.<BR><BR>You may be able to rent a trolley (pull cart) so that you won't have to carry your bag. But just in case, I would recommend a very light carry bag. Water-resistant shoes (Dry-joys) are imperative as is a good rain suit. The weather can change faster than it does here in Texas.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Jinx Hoover

Check out http://www.harveysdock.com. They have waterfront self catering vacation rentals in East Cork. There are 15 golf courses within a thirty mile radius and they can arrange car hire for you as well

Carts are few and far between. I saw more in Scotland than Ireland. Some places do provide motorized pull carts (in addition to regular pull carts), which I hadn't seen here in the US.<BR><BR>And as Jinx says, many of the courses have tournaments almost every weekend, so try to play during the week.

If you are looking for a parkland course, try Druid's Glen in county Wicklow. Weaving and gardens nearby.

Ask the pro where you play golf at home if he can make arrangements for you to play. I've done this twice and it's a special experience to be expected and treated like honored guests. The pro at my home course went through the PGA and arranged for me to play at several clubs in Scotland, England and Wales.

Thank you all for the info. We were expecting to walk and have week-end bags. We also prefer to play in the week, so that won't be a problem. We're looking forward to trying some of the courses you suggested.