Golf trip to Ireland?

[martini girl]

My husband and friends, possibly 8 altogether, are looking to do a golf trip to Ireland to celebrate their 50th birthdays in the fall of next year.

We are starting from scratch as I know absolutely nothing about Ireland. Does anyone have any knowledge of golfing in Ireland? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Maggy]

Golfing in Ireland is really good and affordable. We have been golfing there at least three times and there is a 18 hole golf course in every small village. Unless you want to play the big championship courses, you won't have much problems finding good and cheap courses to play at. We have always been welcomed at the courses we played and the Irish people are really friendly.

We have mostly been playing in the southern and western part of the island.

Not sure if this helps, but my point is that Ireland is a very good place for golfing.

[Maryanne]

My husband belongs to Tralee---it's his favorite course in the world, but he has also golfed at many of the others. I can get some information regarding which courses would be good for visitors. The west of Ireland is absolutely beautiful !

[Agent99]

That's a dream trip of mine!! I would love to hear your itinerary when you get that far. I've been a couple of times through the west, south and southeast but never on a golf trip. I've recently picked up golf and am now hooked. I hope you have time to visit Dingle and Kinsale in the south west and south respectively. Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland and many wonderful European chef's summer and week-end there.

I know that Adare Manor has a beautiful course but I wouldn't know about its difficulty. Adare is an easy drive from Shannon airport so would be a logical first stop. The village is lovely and there are charming B&Bs in town if you don't want to stay at the Manor. Have a ball planning!

[Maryanne]

P.S., my husband and daughter did a father-daughter driving trip around the west two years ago. When he met up with his friends to golf, she flew home. She wrote up their fabulous (which had been wherever whimsy took them) itinerary, and since then, two sets of friends have followed it and had the time of their lives. I can send it to you if you like.