If I had to choose between late April or late August/early September, which would have the better air fares and which would have the better weather?

I can almost guarantee April will have better airfares, but weather is iffy.

When I went in late April 2000, the weather was nice - cloudy some days, rainy one day in the week. Highs F65-70, lows at night F50-55.

August will be warmer, and perhaps drier, but I would prefer April, myself

We went in mid-May a few years ago and played 12 rounds in 12 days (some days we played 36). The first few days were 75 deg. and shorts weather. When we had 2 rounds left, we were lamenting the fact that we had dragged rain gear and 2 pair of shoes each (so they would time to dry if needed) and we had downpours the final 2 rounds. We played in the midst of cats and dogs (we came to Ireland to play golf and were not conceding to the weather) and were glad we had 'real' raingear!

What courses are you planning on playing? I can share our preferences if you're interested.

We plan to play in the West/Southwest. So far thinking about Lahinch, Tralee, Ballybunion. Would welcome suggestions for others--especially those that are not so pricey.

surfmom,

Would appreciate any advice you have on courses--especially less expensive ones.

I can't comment on airfares or weather, however, my husband golfed at the Connemara Golf club in August and loved it. I walked the course with him, and enjoyed the view. It's a links course and scenery is gorgeous. Just make sure you bring a large supply of golf balls, because they really disappear if they are off the green.

I don't know anything about golf but my husband played at the golf club near Ballyconnelly. Is that the Connemara Golf Club? It was a nice day but so windy that the ball seemed to stop dead in mid-flight! Also, he's used to playing early in the morning but when he went out about 9 a.m. (late for him) the course was empty. It seems that golfers play later in the day there. Not surprising, since when we were there in July, the sun didn't set till about 11 p.m.

By the way, the expression he learned there was "love grass". That is, if your ball lands in the love grass, you're ******!