We already have an early October tee time at Ballybunion, but are looking to get in another round while on the West coast. Lahinch looks intriguing, but is another expensive course. Anyone played the Dingle Golf Club or Connemara Golf Club (Clifden)? Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

There are a couple of beautiful ones in the Killarney Lakes area and also in Kenmare.

Bill

The best course I have ever played (bar none) is Carne Golf Links, Belmullet County Mayo. I played it in Sept.'02 and again in May'03: never any problem with tee times. Last year, Greens fees were 45-Euro (weekday) and 50-Euro (weekend). They just have about a dozen riding carts (buggies); you need to call in advance to reserve one. It was 35-Euro for 18-holes but they will rent you one for 9-holes. I think it would be a Sacrilege if you don't walk at least the back-9.

See my http://groups.msn.com/gate5 for some pix and some economical golf tips.

Doonberg is near Kilkee (County Clare). I don't know what it costs to play there: probably about the same as Ballybunion.

Have played Ballyconeely (Connemara)many times...that's a definite! Driving there is do able from Galway, but travel the scenic route thru Roundstone (L 102/R341)
The course in Dingle is called Ceann Sibeal...(skip that one)..But definitely stay in Dingle (great restaurants and drive around Slea Head) and drive to Tralee and play that course! One of my favorites!
I would also forget Lahinch ( not worth the $)..It's a 3 hour drive from Galway city to Belmullet, but worth playing there...again spectacular terrain! While in Kerry, you should play Waterville which is 1/2 way around the Ring of Kerry... Doonbeg is just a few years old..very good links course! You will wonder when you drive there how they found such a remote place!
And don't forget to put your camera in your golf bag!

Thank you all for your input. I think that we are leaning toward the Connemara Golf Course based on it's location. I would like to get up to Carne based on NEDS enthusiastic review, but I am travelling with 3 Ireland "virgins" and in order to justify pulling them away from their families on our 40th B-Day golf trip, I need to show them a little of the magic to be found over there, i.e. Dingle and Slea Head, Cliffs, Doolin, Galway, Kylemore, etc.

Halcyon - where have you stayed when playing Connemara? Last time with my wife we stayed at Alcock's Hotel right downtown Clifden, but I am thinking of the Murlach Lodge, adjacent to the course. Or perhaps the Ardagh Hotel closer to Ballyconneely?

Any additional advice from anyone would be great!

If you looked at my web page photos you will have seen a couple of nice 9-hole links courses like Spanish Point (just south of Lahinch in County Clare) which is very convenient to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & the Burren. Be careful around that part of Ireland in early October: Lisdoonvarna's Matchmaking festival will be winding down then.

Connemara Isles, outside Ross'a Veal has Ireland's last thatched roof clubhouse. It's another inexpensive 9-hole layout that you can play in a couple of hours. The course doesn't open until about 10:00 AM.

My husband and friend loved the Ring of Kerry golf course as well as Dromoland.
Try them if you will be in those areas.

And I forgot; Dooks was one of their very favorites.

I played the Connemara Golf Club two years ago, and really enjoyed it. The wind is whicked and if you hit into the rough, your ball is lost. Period. But the views are spectacular, it's not particularly expensive.

We stayed at the Cashel House Hotel when we played Connemara.

We always just drive from Barne where we stay outside Galway city every time we have played Connemara........just pack lots of golf balls!

Thanks to all of you for your input and suggestions. As we get closer to our departure (October), I may need to lean on some of you again!

Doonbeg has a great new golf course--beautiful! Doonbeg is also a nice little town(very small).
http://www.doonbeggolfclub.com/

check it out!

Also stay at the
An Tintean Guest House--a great pub across the street.

Any recommendations for short, pitch putt type courses around Doolin? It would be fun for the whole family to get out and play.