My wife and I will be in Ireland the first 10 days of June. We plan on golfing at 3 or 4 courses.
We are mid-handicap players and have chosen the following courses based on where we are staying...Kenmare Golf Club, Killarney( Mahony Pt. course), Dooks and Dingle golf club.
Are these all worth playing? As well, for that time of the year, should we be booking online ahead of time? We are flexible what time of the day we play. I see that some courses require you to pre-pay or make a deposit, when booking early. I'm wondering if you can cancel if the weather isn't co-operating?
Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated!

They have just added Ireland to the golfnow.com which is a last minute booking service for tee times

They list some of the courses that you mention, the savings don't seem to be that good at the moment but I think its a good resource to see whats available in the area if the weather is going to be good in the next few days

Personal choice would be Ballybunion - Old Course, one of the great courses of the world, I would pre-book that course and leave the rest to the last minute

We played Dooks and Dingle a few years back.

We booked Dooks online on their website and got a great deal as a couple. I think it was 100 euros for both of us. The deal was not available on a walk up basis. Not only did we save money, but we had a tee time when the bus full of American men pulled up. Wonderful, beautiful and fun course.

Dingle was deserted and beautiful also. A bit expensive I thought, but no online deals there. But we were practically the only ones on the golf course. Can't beat that or find that in the US.

We loved both courses. There's nothing like walking on the dunes with the breeze in your face and golf clubs on your back. We love links golf.

You might want to invest in some rain gear. Unlike here in So. Cal., the golf course does not shut down in the rain, so I would not expect any weather refunds.

We played some courses in Wales last year in the pouring rain. Believe it or not, it was great fun! Everyone just carried on and played.

I have played all but Kenmare. I agree that Dooks is beautiful and fun. I wasn't crazy about the design of the course but I was the only one of our group of nine who had that concern. Spectacular views.

Killarney was beautiful but in terrible condition the year we played it (in May 2006). Otherwise it would be pleasant. Dingle is such a beautiful area. But I think I was hung over on the course. It's all a blur.

The days are pretty long in June. I would be surprised if you had to reserve in advance more than a day or two. You might want to look at Tralee. It is in the area and they have some very nice specials now. The back nine is the nicest I have played anywhere.

If you have the time and are driving in the area also play the (GREAT) 9 hole course at Castegregory.

PS - just my opinion but unless the weather forecast is extremely grave e.g. "sheep will drown today", I would not give up a day of golf. The showers come and go as they wish. On three golfing trips we have lost one day to rain, yet the forecast has often been dismal.

As mentioned above, Tralee and Ballybunion are great courses. Also, one of my favorites was Lahinch, but it is a little further north.

When we went, we played 12 rounds in 12 days -- with a few days off in-between, that meant that we played 36 some days. It was a great trip! Be prepared to walk - lighten up that bag, put a candy or granola bar in it for the middle of the round, and a bottle of water.

Our first few rounds we wore shorts and golf shirts (mid-May) - we couldn't believe how nice it was. It was almost funny because we expected rain the entire time!

We were prepared for rain - we weren't going to go to Ireland to sit in the hotel if it rained. On the last 2 rounds, we got some-- drizzled the next to last day and by the end of the last day, was a downpour. We still played, but I admit, I didn't finish the last 3 holes (I wasn't having a good round anyway). Actually, I did play 18, I just didn't play 15, 16, and 17. We took 2 pr. of golf shoes in case they got wet and wouldn't dry out overnight. And *good* rain gear - which has served me extremely well since then.

So, I guess in your situation, I would pick one or two "must do" courses, book them now and play regardless of the weather. Then the other ones can fit in (or not) as the days and weather allow them.

I played Kenmare Golf Club this past September. It is an easy course, I believe the slope is somewhere south of 100.
The front is short, straight, and it seems to have been built directly over a rock formation as the drives tend to bound down the fairway....makes you feel like a big hitter. The back is a little more challanging. Over all I found it great fun. I wouldn't worry about reserving a tee time, check the local weather when you get there. Rental clubs were inexpensive and in pretty good shape. The staff is frendly and helpful, they seem genuinely happy to accomodate the visitors.
Maybe not one of golf's great courses of Ireland, but it's fun and it dosen't break your back or your pocket book. Located in town on one of the main strets, caution...as you enter through the front gates, be aware that you will be passing directly in front of the first tee box on your right, one of peculiarities you will find on the premises. A fun course, especially for a 20 Hcp's like myself.

FYI...If you're in Kenmare, One of our best dinners in Ireland was at Mulcahy's right up the street from the golf course.
Tim