My wife is turning 50 in July of 2011 and I'm starting to research a surprise trip to Ireland...somewhere she has always wanted to go! She has taken up golfing and loves the game, so I'm thinking about about combining a trip to Ireland with 3 or 4 days spent golfing
as we tour the country. I'm wondering if anyone would have either a list of must see golf courses or a sample itinerary for 7 or 8 days? I know it's not a long time, but is there any suggestions on where to go? We would like to stay in some nice B&B's or small quaint hotels. Any help would be very much appreciated!
Thanks...Tom

I just read "A Course Called Ireland" by Tom Coyne and it was a very interesting and sometimes funny book. The author spent 4 months on foot playing golf all over Ireland. At the end of the book, he lists courses he would walk back to, great pubs, great B&B's etc. I am planning a trip next October and we had Ballybunion and Old Head at the top of the list and this was confirmed by the book. We plan on playing probably 2 others on Tom's list, but that will depend on timing and cost. If you want to email me, I am sure I will be able to send you the lists from the book.

Our favourite course of the name courses was Tralee. Beautiful scenery and a wonderful course. A wonderful B&B is a little further up the west coast at Ballybunion. I have never heard a bad word about this place, including on Tripadvisor:

http://www.ballybuniongolflodge.com/map.html

As you have probably read you have to be careful with distances in Ireland. We have met group after group that were spending most of their day driving to and from courses. They always say the same thing - it didn't look that far on the map.

A major question is---how good a golfer is she? Many of the golf courses are quite expensive and not suited to a medium golfer.

Now, we just returned from Ireland. MDH is quite a good golfer but didn't want the expensive courses. He golfed in Kenmare at the 100 yr, old Kenmare Golf Course and really enjoyed it. We stayed at www.shelburnelodge.com right across the street and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

It's an old Irish manor house. Fantastic, king size beds and baths. Otherwise lots of antiques. We loved the dining room and the peat fire in the living room.We were served some of the best breakfasts of all on our trip and it was walking distance to town for dinner and shiopping.

I have to add that if you want an amazing dinner, try Mulchay's. We loved it, and it will remain on our "best" list.

I just turned 40 and want to do the same trip! I have been looking through the courses on this great golf course website: http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/

You can search the top courses in the UK and Ireland. After extensive reading, it appears that some of the best course values in Ireland are not in the SW of the country, but north of Galway in County Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

If I was planning a trip (and I am sort of), I would spend a few days in the SW sight seeing (Dingle, Kenmare, Burren, Aran Islands, etc.) and then head north to Wesport and that area to play courses like Carne, Sligo and Connemara. These courses are more remote, but less expensive, less crowded and essentially just as good as the famous courses in the SW - from what I have read.

Seven or eight days is not a long time in Ireland. Factoring in 3 or 4 days to play golf means you should pick an area or two as a base, rather than spending a lot of time traveling from one area to another. That way you can golf and see the areas you are staying in. Good thing is that there is lots of daylight in July.

There are lots of books and internet sites about golfing in Ireland. Perhaps there is a course you and your wife dream of playing. That might be a starting point for you, especially as this is a birthday celebration. Remember there are some courses with some pretty steep green fees.

My husband and I have golfed in Ireland, but prefer to play less well known courses. In 2009 we played Dooks [loved it] and a course in Dingle. We got a good deals through the internet. In fact, Dooks had a great deal for playing with your spouse.

Do an internet search and see what appeals. Then we can help you with places to stay.

As per Egnolive's point, we like to stay in Killorglin (near Killarney). From there you can play some famous courses and some lesser known ones. We played Dooks as well. You can also head down to Waterville if you want or play one of the inland courses in Killarney.

I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to reply! I think I learned something from each post. Thanks for the websites, books and names of courses and B&B's.

My wife and I are mid handicap golfers, so the lesser known favorites you've provided are great. I realize well known courses in Ireland can be expensive, however sometimes the lesser known local courses maybe a good challenge as well as being friendly and picturesque.

It's also a great suggestion to stay in one or two areas and use them as a base, especially for such a short stay. Thanks for the great tips and info. and, If any other favorite courses, hotels or B&B's come to mind please post them.

Thanks again...

Tom