Is it necessary to use a travel agent to book golf reservations in Ireland--assuming that we will make our own lodging reservations.

Also, in addition to the "name" courses in the Southwest and West, such as Lahinch, Trallee, Doonberg, etc. can anyone suggest other courses that are not so well know, but may be very nice, but perhaps not quite as expensive or difficult to arrange tee times. Thanks.

You can make your own golf reservations (providing you inquire early enough--usually 10-12 months in advance for the "name" courses). Telephone is the best way to determine availability and cost.

I have played Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville, and Killarney in the SW of Ireland. They are excellent venues. In addition, Doonbeg, Dingle, Dooks, and Old Head are possibilities. If you are near Dublin, Portmarnock and the European Club are very good links.

Go on line to get information regarding the various courses. They all have web pages. I have telephone numbers for the sites if you need further help.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

Portmarnock I discovered a few weeks ago while on my umpteenth trip to Rep of Ireland. It is a georgous area just 40 mins from Dub with frequent
Bus Service if you wish to ride the double decker bus's. I went to Portmarnock.com which showed a prefered hotel but also photos of the surrounding areas. The weather...is so umpredicatable as you know. It was georgous there a few weeks ago. The Atlantic ocean and the lovely town of Malahide also
a golf town should please visually. I stayed in private housing, not a golfer.

We have now made plane reservations for the beginning of September for golf in the Southwest. I'm asking again for recommendations for less expensive, but still good venues.

There are several great courses that are much more reasonable than the touristy ones that have been discussed. Dingle, County Kerry ,has a nice course "Ceann Sibeal" .In connemara ,county Galway,theres the "Connemara golf course "outside of clifden, But the 2 best are in .County Mayo .Carne and Enniscrone, these 2 are hidden gems . All 4 are links courses about 50 to 60 euros.Check a map and see if you can tour Mayo and include the last 2 courses ,they are breathtaking. You canmake reservations by email very simply,limited buggies if you like they are 35 per buggy. I just played them during the ryder Cup Week. You'll love them

In addition to Carne and Enniscrone, did you play Rosses Point?

I don't golf but in Kenmare I stayed right across the street from the golf course and The Park Hotel backs right up to it. It did not look crowded.

Don, You can write me at [email protected]. I lived in Ireland for 5 years and just returned to the US. I can tell you everything about just about every course and how to create a great trip. DO NOT use a tour, They screw you on price and schedule avg venues. If you don;t feel like writing me: then Waterford Castle, Adare Manor, Ballybunnion(both courses), Fota Island should be put on your list.