Ireland in June
 

My wife and I are traveling from Dingle up the west coast to Portrush in the North over 9 days. We are planning to play golf 4 times. We have arranged accommodations in Dingle and Portrush. Will we have any problem finding a guest house or B+B with vacancies along the way? Do we absolutley need to reserve tee times before we leave? We are ariving on June 1.

Thank you,

Randy

I recommend Carne Golf Links in Belmullet, County Mayo. It's a hidden treasure: ranks with Ballybunion among the top links courses in Ireland (the Republic or Northern Ireland). If you want to use a Buggy (i.e., riding cart), I advise that you book in advance. http://www.carnegolflinks.ie

As for Guesthouse or B&B accomodations, June is not the busiest time of year for Ireland tourism. Make a list of potential stopping places and call a day or two in advance for reservations. I've never had any problem finding accomodations in Ireland in June.

I forgot to mention: Carne Greens Fees are about one third what comparable 'big name' courses like Ballybunion and Royal County Down cost to play; and you are not required to show your Membership/Handicap card from your home course.

You'll have enough left for a nice lunch in Ballina (Co. Mayo, about 40mi east of Belmullet). I would recommend Carne's clubhouse, but on my most recent visit there (2006), all they served at midday were Bar food and sandwiches.

Thanks for the advice. Have you played Inishcrone. If so of the 2 which one would you reccommend?

Thank you,

Randy

No, I haven't played Inishcrone, but I did run into a Tour group in Ballina who had played both courses: Carne was the favorite, in their opinion.

Another advice re. Carne: I think you get the real flavor of the Course if you walk the back-9 (the original course laid out by Eddie Hackett). Holes are named for the Children of Lir (Aodh, Conn, Fiachra and Fionualla): near #12 I heard the Swans moaning. It's an eerie feeling

BTW
The Golf course you refer to is Enniscrone, not Inishcrone. I think 'Inish' is an Irish prefix for Island; so I was confused there. I think Enniscrone is in Sligo, north of Ballina on the East shore of the Moy river where it empties into the ocean.

It's also an Eddie Hackett layout; you can google Enniscrone and get a lot of info. Of the two, I think I would still go with Carne, if only because of its high rating.