Ireland Golf Adventure Guide Sample

1
Ireland Golf Adventure Guide

The essential planning resource for great Irish golf trips.
Contents Introduction Using This Guide Ireland Tourist Boards

Ireland Golf Adventure Guide, 1 Planning our first golf trip to Ireland was time This guide is designed to be printed on letter- or Tourism Ireland is the official tourism marketing
consuming and difficult. The tourist board informa- A4-size paper, but you can also view it directly in body for the island of Ireland, representing the
The Big Picture, 2
tion, travel guides, books about golf in Ireland, and Adobe Acrobat. It’s your choice. Irish Tourist Board (Bord Fáilte) and the Northern
Tools for Planning Your Trip, 3 countless web sites overwhelmed us with possi- Ireland Tourist Board. Their web site is:
Free Demo Version
Printing
When to Go, 4 bilities but provided minimal guidance on making
In the Acrobat toolbar click the Print button , or www.tourismireland.com
smart choices. And when faced with nearly 400
Temperature & Rainfall Statistics, 5 choose File > Print. Specify the printer, page range,
golf courses and over 1,000 hotels, you need to
number of copies and other options, and click OK. They operate tourism marketing offices throughout
Building a Rough Itinerary, 6 This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
make a lot of choices.
Enable (check) the option to “Shrink oversized the world. Call them and they will gladly send you
Sample Itineraries, 7
Adventure
We started by filtering Guide.
the golf course I hope you like what you see.
and accom- pages to paper size.” a Golf In Ireland information pack with a detailed
Driving Times & Distances, 8 modation choices down to a manageable number. magazine, brochures, and accommodation listings.
Viewing in Adobe Acrobat Some of their local office phone numbers are:
You won’t find every golf course in Ireland listed
Golf Course & Town Map, 9 View this document in Adobe Acrobat to use the
To purchase a version of the guide with
here, just the best. Still, there are more courses
built-in hypertext links (blue text). For example, US/Canada 800 223 6470
Golf Courses, 10 than you could play in four or five trips so we
Golf Course Rankings, 16
all of the content, please visit:
added tools — course rankings, detailed visitor
clicking on a Table of Contents entry will take you UK 0800 0397000
directly to that page. France 01 70 20 00 20
policies, course cards, driving-time map, etc. — to
Golf Course Designers, 17 Germany 069 66 80 09 50
help you craft your own itinerary with confidence. If you’re connected to the Internet, clicking on a
Sweden 08 662 85 10
Getting to Ireland, 18 http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Compact, concise, and practical describe this
URL will open that web site in your web browser;
Flights Between U.S. & Ireland, 19 clicking on an email address will start a new mes-
guide well. We go beyond the scenic pictures and Their web site’s Contacts page has a complete list
sage. When over the link, a small “W” will appear
Flights Between Great Britain & Ireland, 20 flowery prose found in most travel publications. of worldwide offices and phone numbers.
in the cursor, indicating it’s a web link. If you have
The result is a guide specifically for golfers that
Flights Between Mainland Europe & Ireland, 21 the full Adobe Acrobat software (not Acrobat Other Official Tourist Board Web Sites
delivers the essential information and tools for
Reader), you may see a “+” in the cursor. If so, www.ireland.ie
Ferry Service to Ireland, 22 planning great golf trips to Ireland. The way we’ve
change your Web Capture Preference to open www.golf.ireland.ie
Choosing Where to Stay, 23 done it is non-traditional, but we think it’s incred-
web links in your browser, not Acrobat. www.discovernorthernireland.com
ibly effective.
Accommodations, 24 www.shamrock.org (for US & Canada)
Course Cards & Calendar
Renting a Car, 29 No Ads. We accept no placement fees or The Course Cards and Calendar are separate PDF
advertisements. Golf courses, hotels, airlines, files. When printing these documents we recom- A Word of Caution
Rental Car Price Quote Worksheet, 30
car rental firms, and tour operators can’t buy mend you disable (uncheck) the “Shrink oversized The volume of information from the tourist boards
Tour Operators & Tee-time Services, 31 pages to paper size” option. can be overwhelming. They promote every golf
their way into our guide. We provide an un-
Practical Matters, 32 biased, independent view of the travel-plan- course, hotel, tour operator, and travel-related
Clear Plastic Envelope establishment in all of Ireland. Their material and
Paying for This Guide, 34 ning experience and our only objective is to
Buy an expanding, clear plastic envelope to hold listings are supported by advertisements. Use
make it easier and more enjoyable for you.
Index, 35 the printouts of this guide and calendar pages. them wisely to supplement and reinforce the care-
During your trip it makes a great place to file away fully edited information found in this guide.
This guide is not free. See the Paying for This
score cards, brochures, receipts, etc. gathered
Guide section on page 34 for details.
along the way.
Ireland Golf Adventure Guide — Free Demo Version www.golfadventureguides.com Copyright © 2003–2005 Golf Adventure Guides. All rights reserved.
2
The Big Picture

Make your plans and reservations as early as possible. We recommend
going through the planning and reservation process in these steps.
1. Rough itinerary 2. Travel reservations 3. Tee times 4. Accommodations

Your first step in the planning process is to create Why make travel reservations so early in the Now that you know exactly when you’ll be in Book accommodations after you’ve made the tee
a rough itinerary with proposed arrival and depar- process? Well, if you’re not actually in Ireland you Ireland, it’s time to finalize the golf itinerary and times. Until you have your tee times set, you really
ture dates. It may seem rather obvious, but before can’t play golf in Ireland. If you’re travelling by air make the tee times. This is the ultimate objective don’t know where you’ll be and need to stay.
you make any other plans you’ve got to have your first priority is to book airline tickets. isn’t it?
a good idea when you plan to arrive (and into
which city), the length of your trip, which courses Free Demo Version
Use this guide to help pick the right airport, airline,
and connections to increase the chances that
you want to try to get on, and the date and city of
both you and your luggage will get to Ireland as
departure. This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
planned. You want to avoid a trip to the dreaded
Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
“Baggage Services” office at the airport.
Thankfully, there are many options to choose from

To purchase a version of the guide with and in all price ranges. Depending on your travel
style and how many “base camps” you use, you
all of the content, please visit: may have relatively few reservations to make. Use
the Driving Times & Distances, Choosing Where
to Stay, and Accommodations sections to help
http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
We strongly recommend calling the golf courses you decide.
directly. Do not rely on email or online reservation
systems on the course’s web site. Golf courses, 5. Rental car
Use the When to Go and Temperature & Rainfall Take the arrival and departure information from especially those in Ireland, are inherently low tech. You could certainly book a rental car along with
Statistics sections to select an approximate time step one and make your travel reservations us- Online tee-time reservation requests are likely to the other travel reservations, but we’ve placed it at
of year for your trip. Go through the Building ing a travel agent, online service, or the airlines go into a black hole. By calling the course directly, the end to emphasize that it’s the least critical step
a Rough Itinerary process to get more specific directly. Use the Getting to Ireland section for scheduling conflicts can be resolved and tee-time in the process. Just don’t forget it. Also, if you’re
about which courses you’ll play. Read through the airline and ferry service details. decisions can be made immediately. coming into Ireland from the U.K. on a ferry you
Sample Itineraries, Driving Times & Distances, may not even need a rental.
Booking early will help you get a better fare and Start with the most important (to you) courses on
Golf Courses, and Accommodations sections as
the exact flights you want. Don’t make tee times your itinerary. Work your way through the list until
you craft your itinerary.
or hotel reservations until you’ve got your travel you’ve secured all of your tee times, adjusting the
At the end of this step, you should have your cal- plans set. itinerary along the way as needed.
endar page(s) filled in with all of the courses you
Ask if a fax confirmation is needed and be sure to
intend to play (on specific days) and have decided
understand their deposit requirements. We recom-
upon your arrival and departure dates and cities.
mend taking care of all deposits with your credit
card which you can easily provide along with your
fax confirmation. Use the Renting a Car and Rental Car Price
Worksheet sections to understand and simplify
this process.
3
Tools for Planning Your Trip

Get a copy of the recommended map and books as soon as possible.
They’re helpful to have during the planning process and the map is
essential to have on-hand during your trip.
This Guide A Good Map Another Good Book A Travel Guide

You obviously have a copy of this already. Good The best map to get is the Visitors’ Map Ireland The golf course entries in this guide are purposely We think the Eyewitness Travel Guide to Ireland
job! The Ireland Golf Adventure Guide will be from Collins. It has the perfect level of road detail, brief. While they certainly contain enough informa- is one of the best travel guides and will enhance
your primary resource as you plan your trip. folds and unfolds easily, and has a handy alpha- tion to build an itinerary and make tee times, we your trip and planning process. It has great infor-
betical listing of all of the golf courses in Ireland. find it enjoyable to read more about the courses mation for what to do when you’re not playing
Free Demo Version

Its map grid coordinates match those in this guide.
You will find this map to be an indespensable tool
we’re about to play. Our favorite is Golfing in
Ireland, by Rob Armstrong.
golf as well as good, solid tips for travelling around
Ireland.
as you plan your itinerary and navigate your way
through Ireland. This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf

As you build your itinerary you’ve got important http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase

decisions to make like selecting golf courses, how ISBN 1565547268 ISBN 0789401886
far to drive each day, where you’ll stay, etc. This
guide will help you get 95% of the way, but infor-
ISBN 0004488636 Armstrong’s book provides in-depth and enjoyable You’ll more than likely find the Ireland golf and
mation is power and we want you to have three
descriptions of the top courses in Ireland. If you’re travel guide books in your local bookstore. You can
more tools on hand.
going to buy just one more book about golf in Ire- also purchase them online from:
You probably won’t find this map in your local
We strongly recommend you get land (other than this guide), this is the one to get.
book or travel store. Save yourself the trouble of • Amazon (www.amazon.com)
• a really good map, driving all around town and purchase it online Other books worth considering: • Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com)
• a book on golf courses in Ireland, and from: • Powell’s Books (www.powells.com)
Trolleys and Squibs:
• a travel guide • Amazon (www.amazon.com) A Golfer’s Guide to Irish Links
• Powell’s Books (www.powells.com) Lousie and Rick Miracle (ISBN 0764913360) Other travel guides worth considering:
in that order of importance. If you only purchase
• Collins (www.fireandwater.com) Fodor’s Ireland 2005
one more item, make sure it’s the map. Emerald Fairways and Foam-Flecked Seas:
A Golfer’s Pilgrimage to the Courses of Ireland Fodors (ISBN 1400014409)
Tip! – Enter the map’s ISBN number in the web James W. Finegan (ISBN 0684818469)
site’s Search box; it’s more accurate and quicker Footprint Ireland Handbook
than entering the title. This works with the books Emerald Greens: Pat Levy & Seán Sheehan (ISBN 1903471257)
too, by the way. The Essential Guide to Holiday Golf in Ireland
AAA Spiral Guides Ireland
Roisin McAuley (ISBN 1566563801)
Christopher Somerville (ISBN 1595080376)
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When to Go
Anytime is a good time to go golfing in Ireland. Right? Well, not exactly.
Given the choice, most tourists prefer playing in warmer and drier
conditions. Here’s how to maximize your chances of doing so.
While most Irish locals golf year round, November Rainfall Overall Golf-Weather Ranking Daylight Hours
through March is not recommended for the visit- Yes, it rains in Ireland, but perhaps not as much as Using the temperature and rainfall rankings, here’s Should you desire, two rounds in a day is no
ing golfer. During this time, the days are shorter you might think. And unless a course is under wa- an overall golf-weather ranking for Ireland. From problem from April to October when daylight
(no daylight savings time), colder, and wetter. Not ter, which is highly unlikely given the well-draining the best golfing weather to the least best (we savings time is in effect. See the Ireland calendars
exactly what we’re looking for in a holiday golf links courses in Ireland, rain probably won’t stop don’t want to say “worst”): that accompanies this guide for sunset times for
experience. Unless you’re in Ireland anyway, on you from playing. If you wake up to a wet and
Free Demo Version
the entire year.
a business trip or visiting relatives, avoid these • July (better)
windy day, we say embrace it and get out there
• June Club Closures
months. and enjoy the “full Irish” golf experience. It makes
• August Most golf clubs are open to visitors year round.
for great stories to tell your buddies back home.
May through September is most popular for golf in
Ireland, when the weather is generally warmer and
This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
Still, no one likes to play golf in the rain, so here’s
• April But, not all. Tralee isn’t open for visitor play until
the beginning of May and Old Head is typically
• May
drier. According to the Irish Tourist Board, 77% of Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
what you need to know if you’re looking to maxi- • September closed for maintenance between mid-November
all holiday golfers arrive during these months. Con- mize your chances for dry weather. Here’s how • October (“less better”) and mid-April. So if you’re looking to play those
sider visiting in April and October for more travel the golfing months rank, from driest to wettest: courses during an early April trip, you need to
flexibility and fewer crowds, and we end up with a To purchase a versionCrowds
of the guide with rethink your plans.
• April (drier)
practical golf season of April through October.
• July all of the content,As please
you mightvisit:
expect, summertime is most See the Ireland calendar pages for other closures
You may have other travel constraints, but if your popular with all tourists in Ireland, not just golfers. due to major amateur and professional tourna-
• June
schedule is flexible, use the weather and crowd Increased competition for tee times, hotel rooms, ments held in Ireland throughout the year.
• May
rankings below to help fine tune a time that works • August http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
and rental cars during these months makes it
even more important to book early if that’s when Prices
for you. • September
you intend to visit. Here’s how the golfing months If you’re looking to economize, prices for airfare,
Temperature • October (wetter) hotels, and rental cars are typically at their peak
rank, from least to most crowded on the golf
Ireland has a mild climate compared to other courses: June/July/August and are often cheaper in the
countries at a similar latitude, thanks to the Wind shoulder months of April/May and September/
temperate effects of the Atlantic. While the winters The wind in Ireland is relatively constant across • October (fewer golfers) October.
never get that cold, it doesn’t get very warm in the the golfing months of April to October. There’s just • April 1
no escaping it. And for many courses, it is their • May As an example, round-trip airfare on Aer Lingus
summer, either. Perfect golfing weather we say!
primary means of defense. from JFK to Shannon (with early booking, flying
Here’s how the golfing months rank, from warm- • September 2
on Tuesday, at least one Saturday stayover) is $US
est to coolest: Rather than trying to avoid it, which you can’t • June 3
575 in April/May, $US 695 in June/July/August,
anyway, you’re better off learning how to play a • August 4
• August (warmer) and $US 535 in September/October.
solid knockdown shot and brushing up on your • July 3 (more golfers)
• July
bump-and-run game. You’ll need it. From April to October, green fee rates are, for the
• June 1
Month with fewest American golfers most part, unchanged throughout Ireland. You
• September 2
Month with most American golfers need to get out there and give it a lashin’ in Janu-
• May 3
Months with most Mainland European golfers ary if you want to get a price break.
• October 4
Month with most British golfers
• April (cooler)
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Temperature & Rainfall Statistics

These charts show Ireland’s historical temperature and rainfall data as
measured over a 30-year period by the Irish Meteorological Service.
Southwest (Valentia)
170mm 6.7 in
Fahrenheit/Celsius Comparison
Mean Monthly Rainfall 150 5.9
130 5.1
Ireland’s Climate 110 4.3
Not Very Likely! 90 3.5
For the more visually inclined, these charts back 70 2.8
75˚ F 24˚ C
up the weather information and conclusions made 50 2.0
on the previous page. J F M A M J J A S O N D
East (Dublin)
Free Demo Version

Fahrenheit & Celsius Comparison
Forget those wacky formulas! For our North Ameri- Heavenly
can friends, here’s a more practical chart which J F M A M J J A S O N D
relates the temperatures in ˚F and ˚C to what you
might actually need to wear on the golf course. This is a FREE DEMO
65˚ F VERSION18˚of
C the Ireland Golf 18˚ C
Mean Daily Maximum/Minimum Temperatures

The data shown represents the temperature
ranges as measured at four locations across
Ireland: Dublin Airport (East), Valentia (South-
Light Jacket or Vest
west), Belmullet (West) and Malin Head (North). all of the content, please visit:
The mean daily minimum temperatures are those 55˚ F 13˚ C 13˚ C
you’ll likely encounter if you have an early start to
your round of golf.
Mean Monthly Rainfall
Warm Sweater & Thermals Range of Mean
The data shown represents the mean monthly
Daily Max. Temps
rainfall as measured at Dublin Airport (East) and
Valentia (Southwest). For each month, the bottom
45˚ F 7˚ C 7˚ C
line is from the east coast (Dublin) and the top
line is from the wetter southwest coast (Valentia)
of Ireland.
Range of Mean
Daily Min. Temps
Winter Hats & Gloves
Additional Resources
The Irish Meteorological Service (Met Éireann) has 32˚ F 0˚ C 0˚ C
excellent historical climate information, current J F M A M J J A S O N D
weather reports, and weather forecasts available You‘re Crazy!
on their web site (www.met.ie).
Mean Daily Maximum/Minimum Temperatures
6
Building a Rough Itinerary

Make your picks and assemble them in an order that makes sense.
An itinerary is not just a list of courses to be Arrange The Courses In Sequence

played. You must assemble them in chronological Use the course cards as an easy way to visually
order and in a sequence that works geographi- organize the itinerary. For each course on your
cally. Course visitor policies and holidays influence wish list, get its card and put them all in a separate
which days of the week you can play a particular stack. If you’ve kept the cards in geographic order,
course. The sequence is influenced by the driving as you gather them you’ll be close to having a
times and distances between the courses and
towns in which you’ll be staying.
Free Demo Version
reasonable playing order. Now, make room on
a large table and place the day cards (“Sunday”,
“Monday”, etc.) across the top. Start placing the
Get Started By Building A List
Start out by writing down any “must play” courses.
course cards on the table paying attention to how
the course’s visitor policy aligns with the day of the
The source can be friends, magazine articles, Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
week under which you’ve placed it. It immediately
books, the web, wherever. If you’ve read anything
becomes clear if you need to shift the course
about golf in Ireland you probably have a few
courses in mind that you want to play. Write them To purchase a version of the guide with
forward or back a day or two in the schedule to
allow for visitor policies. Add or remove courses to
the day’s box, leaving room for the tee time and course. For example, let’s say you’ve been staying
down. At this point, don’t worry about geography
fit your trip length. all of the content,notes
please visit: and hotel name and city at
in the middle, in Lahinch and you want to move on to Sligo. Try
or visitor policies — we’re creating a wish list.
the bottom. playing Enniscrone along the way. After playing in
For example, it works out that the best day to
Now, do more general research and add to the Lahinch area, stay there another night. Get an
play Tralee on our Two Week Grand Tour sample By transferring the itinerary to the calendar, it’s
your list. Go over the sample itineraries and http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
itinerary is Friday. If you start with Tralee on Thurs-
obvious when and where you’ll be arriving and
early start from Lahinch and drive to Enniscrone
read the course descriptions in this guide. for a late-morning or early-afternoon tee time.
day, by the time you get to County Louth and departing Ireland. Use this information to make
Rob Armstrong’s book, Golfing in Ireland, has After golf and a pint in the clubhouse (diet coke or
Pormarnock you have conflicts. A Wednesday start your air or ferry travel reservations.
wonderful accounts of most courses in this coffee for the driver, of course), drive on to Sligo.
works if you swap the days for Dingle/Tralee and
guide. Two excellent articles on the web are Itinerary Tips You’ve done a bit more driving that day, but you’ve
Co. Sligo/Donegal. Starting with Tralee on Tuesday
Ireland Golf: Why Irish Eyes are Smiling, by Alan Try to stay in the same place for the first 3 nights eliminated a one-night hotel stop.
puts you at Royal County Down on Saturday and
Nichols (www.golflinktravel.com/deg/ireland- (minimum), preferably close to your arrival airport.
they don’t allow visitors that day. When changing cities, drive to the new city after
intro.htm) and Ireland Forever, by David Davies It will give you a chance to recover from jet lag
the day’s golf. If possible, do a reconnaissance
(www.golfdigest.com/courses/index.ssf?/courses/ We think you get the picture. And that’s the point. and ease into your vacation. If your baggage is
mission to the next day’s course so you’ll be
gd200208ireland.html). Using the course cards greatly simplifies the pro- lost, the airlines will be able to deliver it to you
able to find it easily the next morning. Note: A
cess. If you’re not familiar with driving times and more easily than if you’ve already driven halfway
Your wish list should be bulging by now. If you complete reconnaissance mission involves sam-
distances, you should also have the golf course across Ireland and are still on the move.
have a week or less, you shouldn’t try to play pling pints of Guinness in the clubhouse bar to
and driving time maps handy to make sure you
courses at opposite ends of the island -- like trying Try to stay at least two nights in each town. Keep- determine their freshness.
can get from course to course or hotel to course
to squeeze in Old Head and Royal Portrush. It ing the number of hotel check-in and check-outs
each day. Finally, don’t ever be late for a tee time. Try to
can be done, but why kill yourself? Concentrate to a minimum helps keep everyone’s stress level
avoid long, early-morning drives where you’re
on one or two regions and save the courses else- Use a calendar to pull it all together. Print the down.
rushing to make a tee time. Plan to arrive at least
where for subsequent trips. You’ll be back. calendar page(s) that cover the span of your trip.
If you have two courses far from each other, play 30 minutes early and allow time to get caught in a
With your course cards still in place, write the
Armed with your wish list of courses, it’s time a course in between to break up the long drive. tractor- or cow-jam along the way.
course name on its appropriate calendar day. We
to put them in order and build an itinerary that But don’t spend the night at the intermediate
recommend putting the course name at the top of
makes sense.
7
Sample Itineraries
The point of this guide is to give you the tools to come up with your own
itineraries. However, it’s often helpful to see a few examples.
Two-Week Grand Tour Around the Top Fine Irish Mix Northwest Adventure
Play Stay Play Stay Play Stay Play Stay
Arrive Shannon Arrive Dublin Arrive Shannon Arrive 1
Castlegregory 1 Tralee Island 1 Dublin Spanish Point 1 Ennis Dublin or Shannon Sligo
Tralee
Dingle
Tralee
Tralee
Portmarnock
County Louth
Free Demo Version
Dublin
Newcastle 2
Lahinch
Doonbeg
Ennis
Ennis 2
County Sligo
Donegal
Sligo
Ballyliffin
Waterville Tralee Royal County Down Newcastle Ballybunion Old Tralee Ballyliffin Glashedy
This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf Ballyliffin Old Ballyliffin
Ballybunion Old 2 Lahinch Royal Portrush Bushmills Tralee Tralee
Lahinch Lahinch Portstewart
Adventure Guide. I hope you
Bushmills
like what you see.
Killarney Killeen Cork Portsalon Rosapenna
Doonbeg Lahinch Castlerock 3 Ballyliffin Cork Cork Rosapenna Old
Enniscrone Sligo Ballyliffin Glashedy To purchase a version Old of Head

the guide with Mount Juliet Rosapenna New Rosapenna
Cruit Island Narin
County Sligo Sligo Ballyliffin Old all of the content,Mount
Ballyliffin please
Julietvisit: Mount Juliet
Donegal Sligo Narin & Portnoo Narin
Donegal Bushmills European Club Dublin
County Sligo Sligo Donegal Sligo
Royal Portrush Bushmills Royal Dublin 3 Dublin
Enniscrone http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Belmullet County Sligo Sligo
Portstewart Newcastle Depart Dublin
Carne Galway 4 Depart 2
Royal County Down Newcastle Best start day: Lahinch GC on Tuesday or Saturday. Dublin or Shannon
County Louth Dublin Depart Shannon
1
If you have the time and energy. Best start day: County Sligo GC any day except
Portmarnock GC Dublin Best start day: Island GC on Friday or Saturday. Tuesday or Wednesday.
2
Take the car ferry from Killimer to Tarbert to
European Club Dublin 1
Close to the airport. shorten the drive to Ballybunion. 1
Sligo is a 3-hour drive from either Dublin or
Depart Dublin Shannon airports, so take your pick. Depending on
2
Consider staying at Baltray for one night and 3
Or any of the clubs in the Dublin area.
playing 36 holes. If you’re on a budget, the B&B at which city you pick, you may want to add a course
Best start day: Tralee GC on Friday.
the County Louth GC is a great deal. or two on to the beginning or end of the trip.
1
If you have the time and energy.
3
Take the car ferry from Magilligan to Greencastle
2
If your departing flight is earlier in the day and
2
Take the car ferry from Tarbert to Killimer to to shorten the drive to Ballyliffin. you don’t think you can make the drive the day of
shorten the drive to Lahinch. your flight, you should consider staying near the
4
Consider staying an extra day in Galway and airport the night before. Ennis is close to Shannon.
playing Galway GC, an Alister MacKenzie design.
Note how we play County Sligo and Donegal twice
each. Many golfers tell us they wish they had done
this more often on their trip. It’s mentally tough to
play new courses and new holes every day.
8
Driving Times & Distances

For itinerary planning and getting to the course on
time, knowing the driving time is key. Times shown
as hours:minutes. Distances are in miles.
Driving in Ireland
The roads are narrow and a bit bumpy in most
parts of Ireland so you won’t be able to cover as
much ground as you’re used to on the high-speed
freeways and autobahns of the U.K., U.S., and
mainland Europe. Please plan accordingly.
Driving Times
Free Demo Version
The driving times shown are based on normal
driving conditions. You’ll average 40-45 miles- This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
per-hour on most Irish roads, considering the to- Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
pography, towns, roundabouts, narrow roads, and
getting stuck behind an occasional tractor or even
a herd of cows. Give yourself plenty of time. To purchase a version of the guide with
Miles, Kilometers or Minutes? all of the content, please visit:
You’ll find road signs in kilometers (the new ones)
and miles (the older ones). The Collins map we
recommend uses miles. Use the distance conver-
sion chart on the right to convert as needed. How-
ever, the exact distance is not nearly as important
as the time it will take to make the drive.
Driving Tips
If you’re not used to driving on the left-side of the
road, repeat after us: “Stay to the left, look to the
right.” Repeat that each time you get behind the
wheel. Designate a navigator who does all of the
route planning, map reading, and sign watching. It
will help the driver immensely. The Argus and Dan
Dooley car rental web sites have helpful informa-
tion on driving safely in Ireland.
Route Planning
You should be able to determine your driving
routes using the Collins map. If you want a second
opinion, a good online resource is The Automobile
Association (www.theaa.com). Click on the Route
Planner link in the Travel and Leisure section of
their web site.
9
Golf Course & Town Map
About This Map & The Courses

This map shows the golf courses covered in this
guide and the towns in which we recommend
you stay. Details for each course are in the Golf
Courses section. Details for the accommodations
are in the Accommodations section.
Golf Course Listings

Free Demo Version
Alphabetical golf course listings follow in the Golf
Courses section on the next six pages. For each This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
course, its geographical location and Collins map Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
grid reference coordinates are shown to the right
of the course name. For example, Carlow is
SE L11-61
which means it’s in the Southeast (SE) part of
Ireland, in the Collins map grid L11, and course
number 61 on the Collins map.
Where known, the course designers are listed;
an alphabetical designer index follows the course
listings. This is a great tool when planning your
itinerary and figuring out which courses to play.
Green fee rates are simplified to show prices for

the May through September high season and are
per round per person, unless otherwise indicated.
Most courses charge weekend rates on holidays.
As you know, green fees are subject to change
and if they change you can be assured the direc-
tion will be up.
10
Golf Courses
From nearly 400 golf courses in Ireland, we’ve narrowed it down to the
following courses you should consider when planning your trip.
Adare Golf Club SW F13-4 Arklow SE N12-7 Ballybunion – Cashen SW D13-21 Carlow - Deerpark SE L11-61
Adare, Co. Limerick Abbeylands, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Ballybunion, Co. Kerry Deerpark, Carlow, Co. Carlow
Parkland. An 18-hole championship course on the Links. Excellent fairways, brilliant greens, and a Links. While some have been critical of its difficulty– Parkland. The Deerpark course is laid out over un-
840-acre estate of Adare Manor. If you’re in the area, comfortable clubhouse with friendly staff. What length, massive dunes, elevated greens, blind shots–I dulating terrain with numerous elevated tees, several
why not treat yourself and take a break from the links more could you want? say lighten up. You’re in Ireland, playing a spectacular excellent dog-legs, and small slick putting surfaces.
courses for just a day. Reduced rates for hotel guests. Phone +353 402 32492 links course, and 18 holes (max) away from a pint of With sandy subsoil, Carlow is an inland links and is
Phone
Fax
+353 61 396 566
+353 61 396 124
Fax
Web
+353 402 91604
Free Demo Version
www.arklowgolflinks.com
Guinness—how can you go wrong? So, get out there
and enjoy a fine round of golf.
Designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1993)
playable twelve months of the year.
Phone +353 503 31695
Web www.adaremanor.com Fax +353 503 40065
Email arklowgolflinks@eircom.net Visitors No visitors Sundays.
Email reservations@adaremanor.com This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
Designer Fred Hawtree & John Taylor (1927) Rates 95; 180 for both courses on same day
Web www.carlowgolfclub.com
Eddie Hackett (1990s rework) Email info@carlowgolfclub.com
Designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1995) Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see. Designer Cecil Barcroft (1922), Tom Simpson (1937
Visitors No restrictions Visitors Weekdays best. Monday is Ladies day so times
are limited. Some Saturday times are available. Ballyliffin – Glashedy Links NW K1-27 rework)
Rates 120 non-residents, 100 residents Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal
Rates 40 Mo–Th; 48 Fr–Su Visitors No visitors Sundays. Times limited on Tuesdays
Directions Off the N20, 15 km southwest of Limerick. Near To purchase a versionLinks.
of the guide“thewith
Christened Dornoch of Ireland,” for years to allow for Ladies Club competitions.
Shannon airport. Directions Off the N11 in Arklow. Signposted. golfers in the know have regarded Ballyliffin as the
Note Not to be confused with the local Adare Manor Note all of the content,ultimate
please
Arklow is a popular tourist destination and is visit:
hidden gem. The Glashedy Links is a big
Rates 45 Mo-Fr; 60 Sa-Su
Golf Club, which is not associated with the busy on the weekends. modern links course that winds its way through the Directions Off the N9, 2 miles north of Carlow. 50 miles
Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort. massive sand dunes on the 360 acres in this northern- south of Dublin.
Ballybunion – Old SW D13-21 most tip of Ireland. Note The 9-hole Oakpark course designed by Jeff
Ardglass NE P6-6 Ballybunion, Co. Kerry http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Phone +353 74 937 6119 Howes opens in Spring 2003.
Ardglass, Co. Down, Northern Ireland Links. One of the classics. Golfers are restricted to Fax +353 74 937 6672
Links. Stunning views and excellent golf on this largely one round per day on the Old Course (no exceptions). Carne (Belmullet) W C6-39
Web www.ballyliffingolfclub.com Carne, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
undiscovered course. A 14th-century castle forms part There’s a special rate for playing both the Old and
of the clubhouse, adding to the overall charm. Cashen courses on the same day. Email info@ballyliffingolfclub.com Links. Turasoireacht Iorrais (Erris Tourism)—a com-
Phone +44 28 4484 1219 Phone +353 68 27146 Visitors No restrictions. munity owned and controlled company—undertook
the construction of Carne Golf Links on part of 260
Fax +44 28 4484 1841 Fax +353 68 27387 Rates 65 Mo-Fr; 75 Sa-Su
Both courses: 100 Mo-Fr, 110 Sa-Su acres it purchased in 1985. The first nine was opened
Web www.ardglassgolfclub.com Web www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie in 1992. Play began on the second nine in 1993 and the
Designers Pat Ruddy & Tom Craddock (1993) clubhouse was completed in 1995.
Email info@ardglassgolfclub.com Email bbgolfc@iol.ie
Directions Off the R238, just north of Ballyliffin town. 11mi Phone +353 97 82292
Founded 1896 Designers Jo McKenna & Members (1897), north of Buncrana.
Visitors Sunday mornings members only. Wednesday Tom Simpson (1937), Tom Watson (1995) Fax +353 97 81477
is Ladies day so times are limited. Saturdays Visitors No visitors Sundays. Other days foursomes only Ballyliffin – Old NW K1-27 Web www.carnegolflinks.ie
limited to visitors playing in open competitions. (no singles). Ballyliffin, Inishowen, Co. Donegal Email carngolf@iol.ie
Rates £32/round or £48/day Mo-Fr Rates 135; 180 for both courses on same day Links. The Old Course plays over the “flatter” terrain
£45/round or £67/day Sa-Su Designer Eddie Hackett (1993)
Directions Off the R551, half a mile south of the town of between the dunes and sea, but you’ll rarely find an
Directions Off the A2, 19 miles (30 minutes) northeast of Ballybunion. Visitors No restrictions.
even lie during your round. This is a classic, no-non-
Newcastle. 30 miles (50 minutes) from Belfast. Note Make tee times early! This is a tough course to sense links golf course. Rates 55
Note If you’re in the area to play Royal County Down get on. Designers Mother Nature Directions Off the R313, 12 km west of Bangor, 2 miles
give Ardglass a try. Beautiful photos of the Eddie Hackett, Lawrie, Pennick, Hopkins (1973) west of Belmullet on the Mullet Peninsula.
course on their web site!
Rates 50 Mo-Fr; 55 Sa-Su Note Eddie Hackett’s final design.
Both courses: 100 Mo-Fr, 110 Sa-Su
11
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12
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13
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14
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15
Free Demo Version


Open Fairways Ireland
Open Fairways (www.openfairways.com) of-
fer discount passes good at 170 courses and
over 100 hotels in Ireland. Typical offers are
“4 for 2”, “2 for 1”, and 25% off green fees;
hotel discounts are typically 50%. The price
is 150. Check out their web site for details.
Not all the courses and accommodations in

our guide are on their list, but many are. We
looked at two of our itineraries. Based on
their published discounts, we figure you’d
save 580 on the Northwest Adventure
and 430 on the Around The Top itinerar-
ies (based on four golfers). On those trips,
discounts were available at Donegal, Ballylif-
fin, Portsalon, Rosapenna, Narin & Portnoo,
Enniscrone, and Carne golf courses; Tower
Hotel and Bushmills Inn accommodations.
16
Golf Course Rankings

So many great courses, so little time. Deciding which to play, or rather
not play, will be the hardest part of planning your trip. Use these rankings
as another frame of reference as you develop your list.
Ireland has nearly 400 golf courses and approxi-

matley one-third of all of the links courses in the
world. The typical golf trip to Ireland is 10-14 days   
which means we need some way to decide which
courses to play.
One obvious method is to concentrate on one or

two geographic regions. This minimizes driving Free Demo Version
and limits accomodation changes while still giving

you lots of great courses to choose from.
This is a FREE DEMO VERSION
 of the Ireland Golf
Another method is to play all the “top-rated” Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
courses in Ireland. Our 5-star courses are the only
courses in Ireland to make Golf Magazine’s Top
100 Courses in the World list from 2003. To purchase a version of the guide with
We took that idea one step further and ranked all of the content, please visit:
the other courses in our guide, placing them into
three additional groups. The parkland and 9-hole
courses were placed in their own categories.
 http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase

About These Rankings
The rankings are based on course reviews, articles,
golfer feedback, and our own personal experience
and opinions. Within each group, the courses are
listed in alphabetical order; an absolute ranking
was far too difficult. Yes, these ratings are subjec-
tive, but we think they’re useful.
When you get to the point in the trip-planning

process when you’re trying to decide between two Another Comment On These Rankings
or more courses, use these rankings as another  Every course in this guide is a gem. You could
datapoint. For example, if the choice is between throw ten darts at this page and end up playing
Ardglass and County Louth, we would recommend ten great golf courses (but you might do a lot of
playing County Louth. Between Galway Bay and driving if you created your itinerary this way). This
Galway, choose Galway (Salthill). guide contains the top 15% of all courses in Ire-
land. No matter which ones you play, you can’t go
wrong. Still, everyone has opinions; these are ours.
17
Golf Course Designers

Really love a course? Use this page to find others designed by the same
architect. Then create a custom itinerary, e.g. the “Hackett Classics” tour.
Free Demo Version


18
Getting to Ireland
Ireland is an island, so your only two options are by air or sea. Unless
you’re bringing your own car over on a ferry from Great Britain or France,
you’ll be flying. Both options are covered in the following sections.
From the United States From Great Britain From Mainland Europe
If you can avoid it, don’t fly through London Aer Lingus There are oodles of flights between Great Britain There are a surprising number of direct flights
Heathrow. It makes the trip longer, plus you’re www.aerlingus.com and Ireland. Another alternative is to travel across between major European cities and Ireland. Most
more likely to lose your checked baggage, espe- 800 474 7424 (US & Canada) the Irish Sea via ferry, which affords you the option are into Dublin, but Belfast, Cork, and Shannon
cially if you don’t have a minimum of two hours 0818 365 000 (within Ireland)* of bringing your car into Ireland. airports are also served. Of course, you can book
between connecting flights. You may make the
connection between terminals, but your golf clubs
American Airlines
www.aa.com
Free Demo Version The Flights Between Great Britain & Ireland
chart on page 20 shows which airlines offer direct
connecting flights into Ireland through many of the
airports in Great Britain.
may not. Do yourself a favor and fly directly to
800 443 7300 (US & Canada) flights between various British airports and Ireland. The Flights Between Mainland Europe & Ireland
Ireland. This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
+353 1 602 0550 (Ireland)** In addition to flights serving Dublin and Shannon, chart on page 21 shows which airlines offer direct
Aer Lingus, Continental, and Delta operate direct Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
Continental Airlines
you also have the option of flying into Belfast, flights to Ireland.
flights to Dublin and Shannon from Atlanta, Cork, Londonderry, and Knock airports. Depending
www.continental.com The Ferry Service to Ireland chart on page 22
Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New on your golf itinerary, you might want to consider
800 231 0856 (US & Canada) shows which companies offer ferry service be-
York. The Flights Between U.S. & Ireland chart To purchase a version of the guide with
1890 925 252 (within Ireland)*
these cities as arrival and/or departure points.
tween various French and British ports and Ireland.
on the next page shows available direct flights
from the U.S.. Schedules vary throughout the year Delta Airlines
all of the content,Theplease visit:to Ireland chart on page 22
Ferry Service
Contact information for the airlines and ferry com-
shows which companies offer ferry service be-
(flights are added during the high season and www.delta.com panies is given on their respective charts.
tween various British and French ports and Ireland.
departure/arrival times fluctuate in early April and 800 241 4141(US & Canada)
late October when the U.S. and Ireland are out of http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
(01) 407 3165 (within Dublin) Contact information for the airlines and ferry com-
synch between regular and daylight savings time) 1800 768 080 (within Ireland)* panies is given on their respective charts.
so don’t be surprised if you encounter minor From Elsewhere in the World
variations. US Airways
Air Canada (www.aircanada.ca) operates daily
www.usairways.com
flights from Toronto-Pearson (YYZ, departs 10:
Our advice for booking flights? Overall it’s a lot less 800 622 1015 (US & Canada)
25pm) non-stop to Dublin (DUB, arrives 9:55am)
hassle if you use a local travel agent. If you have 1890 925 065 (within Ireland)*
and then on to Shannon (SNN, arrives 11:45am)
a preference, tell them which flights you want to
from May 1 to October 23.
take into and out of Ireland (use the chart), and
let them book it all for you. Online travel sites * You must dial the 0818, 1890, and 1800 pre- There are no direct flights to Ireland from Canada,
are great, but it’s not always easy to configure fixes when dialing within Ireland. Australia, New Zealand, or elsewhere to our knowl-
specific flights consisting of multiple segments and edge, so the usual route involves flying through
airlines. ** See the phone dialing instructions on page 33 New York or London and then on to Ireland.
for calling this number from within Ireland.
American Airlines and Aer Lingus are code-share If you have a connecting flight through London
partners, so if you fly American into one of the cit- Heathrow, make sure your layover is at least two
ies served by Aer Lingus you can book your entire hours to give your checked baggage enough time
flight with American, which is quite convenient. If to make it onto your flight to Ireland.
you’re flying out of one of the cities on the chart,
book with the airline directly.
19
Flights Between U.S. & Ireland

Aer Lingus, Continental, Delta, and US Airways offer direct flights from the
United States to Ireland. Here’s their schedule* for the summer season.
Free Demo Version


20
Flights Between Great Britain & Ireland

Here are the known direct flights between various British
airports and Ireland. Lots of options here!
Free Demo Version


* These are not the standard airline industry codes, but rather two-letter abbreviations that most closely match the airline name.
21
Flights Between Mainland Europe & Ireland

Here are some of the most popular direct flights between various
mainland European airports and Ireland.
Free Demo Version


22
Ferry Service to Ireland

Bring a car into Ireland using one of the ferries providing connections
between Scotland, North Wales, England, and France.
Free Demo Version


23
Choosing Where to Stay

Ireland has a wonderful selection of hotels, guesthouses, manors, and
B&Bs to fit every budget and lifestyle. Here’s what we recommend.
We all play basically the same golf courses and Our Recommendations Picking Cities Online Resources
drive the same rental cars. But your choice of
accommodations — and that includes which cities The accommodations listed on the next five pages We use the following “rules” when planning our If you want more accommodation options, you
you stay in — enables you to customize your golf are our recommendations for where to stay if you own itineraries: can find them on the web. Here are the best
trip to best suit your travelling style. don’t want to put too much extra time and effort resources:
• Stay at least three nights in the first city
into this part of the planning process. Whenever
Free Demo Version

We couldn’t possibly list all options here, and what • Stay at least two nights in each city Irish Hotels Federation
possible, we’ve included choices in varying price
would be the point anyway? Our job is to help you • Maximize your stay in cities you enjoy www.irelandhotels.com The 1000+ hotels,
ranges as well as in-town and out-of-town options.
choose your accommodations by narrowing down • Minimize your stay in cities that are a bit dull lodgings and guesthouses featured in the Ireland
Ratings and Rates • Minimize driving, i.e. no backtracking Hotels directory are all members of the Irish Ho-
the choices. So that’s what we’ve done. Still, if you
find other places to stay that look more suitable
The star ratings are from the Irish Hotels • Break any of the rules as needed for golf tels Federation. This is a great resource for finding
than our recommendations, by all means stay Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
Federation and are explained on their web site places to stay or checking up on a place you may
there. You won’t hurt our feelings. (www.irelandhotels.com). The room rates are typi- For example, let’s say we’ve been in Tralee and have read about in a guide book.
cal price ranges you’ll find during the April to Octo- want to play Ballybunion, Doonbeg, Lahinch, En- Ireland’s Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants
ber golf season. The designation “pps” stands for niscrone, and County Sligo. Coming from Tralee, www.irelands-blue-book.ie A unique association
per person sharing; there is usually an additional
charge (often called a “supplement”) for singles.
here are what we consider to be the “wrong” and comprising Ireland’s most gracious country manor
“right” ways to plan where to stay. houses, castles, and restaurants. They will mail a
The rates shown here are highly subject to change
The “Wrong” Way booklet/brochure upon request.
and seasonal variation, so please use them for
comparative shopping purposes only. Play Stay Town and Country Homes
Ballybunion Ballybunion www.townandcountry.ie The best Irish Bed and
Do Your Research Doonbeg Doonbeg Breakfast directory. Their online guide covers
We encourage you to do additional research Lahinch Lahinch 1,700+ Irish homes.
before booking — at least see what the place looks Enniscrone Ballina
like. Almost all hotels and guest houses have their County Sligo Sligo The Hidden Ireland
own web sites and this guide provides convenient www.hidden-ireland.com The Hidden Ireland is a
web links to access them with a single click. The “Right” Way unique collection of private houses offering visitors
Play Stay the opportunity to sample Irish country life at its
B&Bs Ballybunion Ennis very best, in a style not usually experienced by the
We don’t include B&Bs in our accommodation Doonbeg Ennis ordinary tourist. The houses are not hotels, guest
listings — there are simply too many of them. Lahinch Ennis houses or B&Bs, but historic listed buildings of
However, the Town and Country Homes web site Enniscrone Sligo great character, with unusual and interesting own-
(www.townandcountry.ie) provides an extensive County Sligo Sligo ers who all enjoy sharing their homes and their
listing and online search engine.
You might choose to stay in Lahinch instead of way of life with appreciative visitors.
Ennis, but the point is we enjoy Ennis and Sligo so
we want to maximize our time in those towns.
24
Accommodations
Listed alphabetically by town and golf club. When the club name is not
the same as the town, cross-references to nearby towns are given.
Adare F13 Ballybunion D13 Inishowen Gateway Hotel —  Hotel Belmullet C6
Adare is relatively close to Shannon airport, so Most golfers stay in either Tralee/Killarney or Ennis/ Railway Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal Carne Golf Links is in Belmullet.
consider staying here as a first or last night in Ireland Lahinch and play Ballybunion as they travel north or Phone +353 74 936 1144
treat. Not a great base-camp location. For the golf south between these base-camp cities. Fax +353 74 936 2278 Western Strands Hotel —  Hotel
courses in Co. Kerry, staying in Tralee or Killarney Web www.inishowengateway.com Main Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
is better. For the courses in Co. Clare, stay in Ennis Teach de Broc —  Guesthouse Email info@inishowengateway.com Phone +353 97 81096
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or Lahinch. Ballybunion, Co. Kerry Rates 55-60 pps (19 single supplement) Fax +353 97 81096
Phone +353 68 27581 Note 15 minute drive to Ballyliffin Web belmullet.mayo-ireland.ie/Strands.htm
Adare Manor —  Hotel Fax +353 68 27919 Email westernstrands@mayo-ireland.ie
Adare, Co. Limerick Web www.ballybuniongolf.com Rates 31 pps or 38 single
Baltray
Phone
Fax
+353 61 396566
+353 61 396124
Email
Rates
teachdebroc@eircom.net
50-80 pps
of the
See County LouthIreland
GC, DublinGolf Teach Iorrais —  Hotel
Web www.adaremanor.ie Adventure Guide. I hope you
Southern Hotel —  Hotel
like what you see.
Belfast P4
Geesala, Co. Mayo
Phone +353 97 86888
Email info@adaremanor.ie
Sandhill Road, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry Unless you really have your heart set on spending Fax +353 97 86855
Rates 280-640 per room
Phone +353 68 27022 time in Belfast, we recommend staying in Bushmills Web www.teachiorrais.com
Note Adare GC golf course on site.
Fax +353 68 27085 To purchase a version of the guide with
or Portrush when playing the courses in Co. Antrim Email info@teachiorrais.com
Web or staying in Newcastle when playing Royal County Rates
Ardglass
Email
www.southern-hotel.com
southotel@eircom.net Down and Ardglass. Note
52-62 pps
15-minute drive to Carne Golf Links.
See Newcastle, Belfast
Rates 35 pps (40 single) Jurys Inn Belfast —  Hotel
Ballina F6 Fisherwick Place, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, NI Bushmills M2
Consider staying in Ballina when playing Enniscrone Ballyliffin http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
K1
Stay here two nights if you’re playing 36 holes at Bal-
Phone +44 28 9053 3500 The town of Bushmills is nothing special really, but
Bushmills Inn is a great place to stay. Stay in Bush-
(15 minutes), Carne (60 minutes), or Westport (50 Fax +44 28 9053 3511
minutes). lyliffin. Drive to Ballyliffin the night before, play the Web www.jurysdoyle.com mills or Portballintrae if you want to avoid the more
Glashedy Links and Old courses the next day, spend Email jurysinnbelfast@jurysdoyle.com touristy Portrush and Portstewart scene.
Downhill Inn —  Hotel another night and then get up early the following Rates £65-75 per room
Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo morning and drive to that day’s course. Bushmills Inn —  Hotel
Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim
Phone +353 96 73444 Hilton Templepatrick —  Hotel
Ballyliffin Hotel —  Hotel Castle Upton Estate, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, NI Phone +44 28 2073 2339
Fax +353 96 73411
Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal Fax +44 28 2073 2048
Web www.downhillinn.ie Phone +44 28 9443 5500
Email info@downhillinn.ie Phone +353 74 937 6106 Fax +44 28 9443 5511 Web www.bushmillsinn.com
Rates 53–58 pps (65–75 single) Fax +353 74 937 6658 Web www.templepatrick.hilton.com Email mail@bushmillsinn.com
Web www.ballyliffinhotel.com Email None Rates £49-99 pps (68–148 single)
Downhill House Hotel —  Hotel Email info@ballyliffinhotel.com Rates £80-170 per room Note Walk to the Old Bushmills Distillery.
Ballina, Co. Mayo Rates 89 double (twin) room or 57 single room Note 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport. Bayview Hotel —  Hotel
Phone +353 96 21033
Strand Hotel —  Hotel Portballintrae, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, NI
Fax +353 96 21338
Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal Phone +44 28 2073 4100
Web www.downhillhotel.ie
Email info@downhillhotel.ie Phone +353 74 937 6107 Fax +44 28 2073 4330
Rates 91 pps (114 single) Fax +353 74 937 6486 Web www.bayviewhotelni.com
Web www.ballyliffin.com/strand/ Email info@bayviewhotelni.com
Email strandhotel@ballyliffin.com Rates £75-110 pps
Rates 45-55 pps Note One mile from Bushmills, overlooking the
Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giant’s
Causeway.
25
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26
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27
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28
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Restaurants We Enjoy
The food in Ireland is fantastic—especially if you love fresh seafood, which is always available.
An exhaustive restaurant listing is beyond the scope, and expertise, of this guide but we can’t
resist sharing a few of our favorites (in alphabetical order):
Annelie’s (Kinsale, Co. Cork) • Bistro Bianconi (Sligo, Co. Sligo) • Cullinan’s Restaurant &
Guest House (Doolin, Co. Clare) • Hal Pino’s (Ennis, Co. Clare) • Kirwan’s Lane (Galway, Co.
Galway) • Lord Baker’s Restaurant & Bar (Dingle, Co. Kerry) • QV2 (Dublin, Co. Dublin)
Ask your hotel or a local resident for directions and other recommendations.
29
Renting a Car
Considering all of the options and types of insurance coverage, renting a
car in Ireland may be the trickiest part of the planning process.
The Basics Two Golfers Three Golfers Four+ Golfers

Here are the important things to consider when A mid-size/intermediate car is just right for two You’ll need at least a small/intermediate wagon For four golfers or more, you’ll need a vehicle
renting a car in Ireland for your golf trip. golfers and their luggage. Put your clubs in the when you have three golfers in your group. Put from the minivan/minibus group to hold you and
trunk, where they’ll be out of site. When travelling your clubs and a few of the suitcases in the back. all of your gear.
Vehicle Size
between accommodations use the back seat for Luggage that won’t fit in the way back can go on
Free Demo Version

Make sure you get a vehicle that is big enough to
your luggage. one side of the back seat leaving enough room for
hold all of your luggage and golf clubs. See our
a third passenger on the other side.
recommendations to the right.
What’s Included? This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf

When you get quotes, ask for an “inclusive” price
and carefully note what’s included. Also, get any
optional charges so you can make an accurate
comparison between companies. The worksheet
on the next page gives contact information for six
Vehicles in this rental group include the Ford
of the top firms and will help you keep track of the all of the content,Vehicles
Mondeo, Nissan Primera, Opel Vectra, Renault
please visit:
in this rental group include the Ford
price information you gather. Vehicles in this rental group include the Ford Tour-
Laguna, Toyota Avensis (pictured), and VW Passat. Focus (small) & Mondeo (int., pictured) Wagons,
neo, Hyundai Trajet, Mercedes V Class (auto), Seat
Opel Astra (small) & Vectra (int.) Wagons, Renault
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) Alhambra (auto), Toyota HiAce, and VW Caravelle
If your credit card claims to provide free auto
Approximate Rates http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Laguna (int.), Toyota Corolla (small) & Avensis
(pictured). The Ford Galaxy is in the “van/people
Here are example rates based on a 10-day rental (int.) Wagons. Malone doesn’t appear to have
rental insurance, you’d better double check. Visa carrier” group and does not have room for four
in June, inclusive of compulsory insurances (CDW, these vehicles in its fleet.
does not offer insurance protection for car rentals golfers, especially with the third-row seat in place.
theft protection, and third part insurance), taxes,
in Ireland. Typically, the only credit cards ac- Approximate Rates
and unlimited mileage (manual transmission). Approximate Rates
cepted for CDW coverage in Ireland are US-issued Here are example rates based on a 10-day rental
Gold/Platinum MasterCards. Even then, coverage Here are example rates based on a 10-day rental
• Argus, 42/day (Toyota Avensis) in June, inclusive of compulsory insurances (CDW,
is usually limited to $50,000 and only for rental in June, inclusive of compulsory insurances (CDW,
• Avis, 47/day (Opel Vectra) theft protection, and third part insurance), taxes,
periods of 14 days or less. Call the customer ser- theft protection, and third part insurance), taxes,
• Budget, 36/day (Opel Vectra) and unlimited mileage (manual transmission).
vice number on the back of your credit card and and unlimited mileage (manual transmission).
• Dan Dooley, 48/day (Renault Laguna)
ask them specifically about their rental insurance • Argus, 52/day (Toyota Corolla Estate/Wagon)
• Hertz, 36/day (Ford Mondeo 1.6) • Argus, 100/day (Hyundai Trajet)
coverage in Ireland. • Avis, 65/day (Toyota Avensis Wagon)
• Malone, 37/day (Toyota Avensis) • Avis, 87/day (VW Caravelle)
• Budget, 52/day (Opel Astra Wagon)
Where You Can and Can’t Go • Budget, 122/day (Toyota HiAce)
• Dan Dooley, 58/day (Ford Focus Wagon)
You cannot take a rental car onto any of the ferries Most companies offer automatic transmission • Dan Dooley, 121/day (VW Caravelle)
• Dan Dooley, 69/day (Renault Laguna Wagon)
that leave Ireland. If you rent your vehicle in the models for about 20-30 extra per day. • Malone, 95/day (Hyundai Trajet)
• Hertz, 52/day (Ford Mondeo Wagon)
Republic of Ireland and intend to drive into North-
ern Ireland you need to let them know when you Another option: Hire a minubus/coach and
Dan Dooley offers an automatic transmission Ford
pick up your rental car; there will be a one-time Note. Car rental rates vary widely and change driver. More details in the Coach & Bus Hire sec-
Wagon for about 100 per day.
additional insurance fee of 25-30. rapidly. These are ballpark figures. Ask your tion on page 34.
travel agent about special rates and offers.
30
Rental Car Price Quote Worksheet

Desired Rental Car Model/Group
Use this worksheet to track and compare rental car quotes. Place a
checkmark next to standard items included in the quote. Note prices Pick-up Date Drop-off Date
of any items not included or optional items you may desire. Flight Number Arrival Time
Free Demo Version


31
Tour Operators & Tee-time Services

From full-service escorted motor-coach tours to tee-time reservation
services, here are a few options for handling the details of your trip.
Their web sites and brochures are also good sources of information.
Free Demo Version


32
Practical Matters
Most travel guides have pages and pages of fairly obvious travel tips.
Here’s what we’ve found to be most relevant for golfers in Ireland.
Money Distances Electricity Car Ferries

Before each round, note if the course’s distance
The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro () and markers are in yards or meters, and to the front The electrical system is 220 volts in the Republic Shannon Ferry
Northern Ireland, which is part of Great Britain, or the middle of the green. Write it on your score and 240 volts in Northern Ireland (50 Hz). Plugs Shannon Ferry Ltd (www.shannonferries.com)
uses the British Pound (£). Visa, MasterCard, and card, if it isn’t there already. If you’re used to think- are of the flat three-pin variety as pictured in the operates a car ferry service between Killimer (Co.
Eurocard are accepted virtually everywhere. ing in yards and the course distances are meters, plug adapter below (not the round two-pin variety Clare) and Tarbert (Co. Kerry) greatly reducing
ATM Machines
Avoid the hassle of traveler’s cheques and ex-
Free Demo Version
add about 10% (1.093613 yards per meter to
be precise) to convert from meters to yards. For
used throughout Europe). the driving time as you travel north and south
between Ballybunion and Doonbeg/Lahinch.
Electrical Plug Adapter
change bureaus. Get cash in the local currency at example, if you’ve got 150 meters to the front of
If you’re coming from the U.S., most of the gear
ATMs which accept Visa, MasterCard, and Eurocard This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
the green, that’s 164 yards.
you might bring that needs recharging (shaver,
1st April – 30th September
Trolleys & Buggies Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
as well as Plus and Cirrus debit cards. Make sure Departure Mon–Sat Sunday
laptop, PDA, battery charger, etc.) can take either
you know your card’s PIN before you leave. Real Irish golfers walk. Rent a trolley (“pull cart” in 220/50 or 110/60 input, so a grounded plug Killimer On the hour 7:00–21:00 9:00–21:00
the U.S.) from the pro shop for 3 or take a caddy. adapter is all you’ll need. Tarbert On the 1/2 hour 7:30–21:30 9:30–21:30
Exchange Rate
Get the latest exchange rates online at
Unless you’re a glutton for punishment, don’t carry
OANDA.com or XE.com. In February 2005, the all of the content, please visit:
your clubs. If you’re on an extended trip playing Mid May – End September (peak season)
exchange rates were: golf every day, take care of yourself and give your Half-hourly service each way between 10:30 and 18:00.
back and feet a break.
 1 = 1.30 US Dollars
1st October – 31st March
£ 1 = 1.88 US Dollars http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Don’t expect to rent a motorized cart (“buggies” in
Departure Mon–Sat Sunday
 1 = 0.70 British Pounds Ireland). While a few courses do have them, just
say no unless you really need one for a medical Killimer On the hour 7:00–19:00 10:00–19:00
Exchange Rate Cheat Sheets condition. The exercise will do you good. Tarbert On the 1/2 hour 7:30–19:30 10:30–19:30
OANDA.com lets you create and print a wallet-
sized currency converter table. Clothing & Rain Gear Greencastle to Magilligan Ferry
URL: www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet Dress in layers. Avoid cotton. Bring your GoreTex The Lough Foyle Ferry Company operates a car
rain gear. Leave the umbrella at home; it’s useless ferry service between Greencastle (Co. Donegal)
Enjoying Golf in Ireland in the wind. Instead, wear a bucket-style rain hat. and Magilligan (Co. Antrim). Over 30 crossings a
When it’s wet, use rain gloves and forget about day starting at 7:20 Mon–Sat and 9:00 Sun-
Really make a point to enjoy your Irish golf Available at Amazon.com, REI.com (search for
trying to keep your grips dry. Your hands may get a days. Phone: +353 74 9381901, Fax: +353 74
experience. Embrace any inclement weather, bad “plug adapter”). Also try Magelllan’s and Travel-
little colder, but your grip will be rock solid. 9381903 Web: www.loughfoyleferry.com
bounces, or less-than-perfect greens. And don’t Smith.
Golf Balls
expect to score well. Just relax and savor it all.
Be prepared to lose a lot of golf balls. Don’t spend Dates Two-Finger Salute
Playing in the Wind too much time (fruitlessly) searching for your Also known as “flicking the vick.” Holding up two
Our succinct advice is “When it’s breezy, swing it The Irish write dates as day/month/year. That
wayward balls in the thick, thick rough. Drop a ball fingers with your palm facing you (a backwards
easy.” Take a few extra clubs and swing easier than means 5/7/2006 is July 5th, not May 7th. Avoid
at the edge of the fairway, add a penalty stroke, peace sign) is a serious insult. Be careful when
normal. With less loft, your initial ball flight will be ambiguity in all written correspondence like fax
and get on with the hole. All of the golfers behind ordering two pints of Guinness in a crowded,
lower keeping it out of the wind. And by swinging confirmations by writing out the month name.
you will be thankful and may even buy you a pint noisy pub. Either avoid hand gestures entirely, or
easier, you’ll impart less spin on the ball which will at the 19th hole. e.g. 5 July 2006 (preferred) or July 5, 2006 be sure your palm is facing away from you.
keep it from ballooning in the wind.
33
Phone Calls Irish–American Dictionary Irish Language

Irish phone numbers in this guide are given in the following format: Irish and American English have colorful differenc- English and Irish are co-official languages of the
es. Here are some common words and expres- Republic of Ireland. English is really all you need,
International access code added here
sions Americans need to know and use properly. but many road signs are in both languages and a
Area code (leading 0 omitted)
knowledge of Irish can be helpful when trying to
+ 353 65 905 5246 bacon – Canadian-style bacon find your way around town or into the correct toi-
Local phone number biscuit – cookie let. Here’s a smattering of Irish words and phrases
Country code black pudding – sausage made from pig’s blood you’re likely to encounter on your golf holiday.
When calling from outside Ireland, replace the ‘+’ with your international access code; 011 for the USA buggy – motorized golf cart an lár – town center
and Canada, 00 for UK and Europe. Next, dial the country code. The Republic of Ireland country code champ – mashed potatoes Baile Átha Cliath (BALL-yah A-ha CLEE-yah)
is 353 and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, is country code 44. Throughout this chemist – pharmicist – Dublin
guide, phone and fax numbers in Ireland are shown without the leading 0 in front of the area code. When bodhrán (BOW-rahn) – hand-held goatskin drum
chips – french fries (more like steak fries)
calling from within Ireland, add a leading zero to the area code if you are calling from outside that area
crisps – potato chips Bord Fáilte – Irish Tourist Board
code. When calling from within the same area code, the area code is omitted. Note that the Republic
of Ireland has a special way to call Northern Ireland (048, then the local number without the 028 area dual carriageway – divided highway céad míle fáilte (KAY-ed MILL-uh FAULT-chuh)
code). – a hundred thousand welcomes
en suite – bathroom is attached to room
céilí (KAY-lee) – Irish dance and music gathering
Free Demo Version

first floor – second floor
Calling To craic (crack) – good atmosphere & conversation
football – Gaelic football, which is like a mixture
of football (soccer) and rugby fáilte (FAULT-chuh) – welcome
Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland
fir (fear) – “man” (on toilet door)
e.g. Doonbeg GC This is aCounty
e.g. Royal FREE DownDEMO
GC VERSION ofbreakfast
full Irish the Ireland Golfof bacon, 2 sau-
– 2 rashers
sages, 1 small grilled tomato half, 1 fried egg, 1 gaeltacht – Irish-speaking area or district
Calling From +353 65 905 5246 Adventure
+44 28 4372 3314 Guide. I hope you
piece oflike what
black you1 piece
pudding, see. of white pudding, galchumann – golf club
USA or Canada 011 353 65 905 5246 011 44 28 4372 3314 and all the toast you can eat. Plus tea or coffee.
galfchúrsa – golf course
England, Scotland, or Wales 00 353 65 905 5246 028 4372 3314 gammon – ham
To purchase a versionhalf ofnine
the–guide with
9:30 (not 8:30)
garda – policeman, short for Garda Síochána
Northern Ireland 00 353 65 905 5246 028 4372 3314 meaning in English “Guardian of the Peace”. The
all of the content,hireplease
– rent visit: plural is gardaí (gar-DTHEE)
Continental Europe 00 353 65 905 5246 00 44 28 4372 3314
holiday – vacation mná (min-AW)– “woman” (on toilet door)
Republic of Ireland 065 905 5246 048 4372 3314
hurling – a game similar to field hockey, played oifig an phoist (UFF-ig an fwisht) – post office
Republic of Ireland (Same Area Code) 905 5246 http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
———
with a small ball and a curved wooden stick. quay (key) – waterside street
When calling to the USA or Canada from anywhere in Ireland, dial 00-1-area code-phone number. napkin – feminine hygiene product sláinte (SLAWN-chuh) - cheers, to your health
Toll Free Numbers nappy – diaper
There are some toll-free phone numbers — valid within the Republic of Ireland only — in this guide with pants – underwear (underpants)
the prefixes1890 and 1800. You must dial those prefixes when calling. petrol – gas
Time
Ireland is 5 hours ahead of eastern time in the
Credit Card Calls plaster – Band-Aid
United States. Make all of your calls to the golf
You can make long-distance phone calls with your credit card or calling card using the following access post – mail clubs before 17:00 (5pm) local Ireland time.
numbers: ride – to have sex; ask for “a lift” not “a ride”
San Francisco 9:00
From Republic of Ireland From Northern Ireland ring – call (telephone)
Denver 10:00
AT&T 1800 55 0000 AT&T 0500 89 0011 serviette – napkin Chicago 11:00
Sprint 1800 55 2001 Sprint 0500 89 0877 strand – beach New York 12:00
MCI 1800 55 1001 MCI 0500 89 0222
take away – take out or to go (food) Dublin 17:00
trolley – pull cart London 17:00
Berlin 18:00
trousers – pants
Sydney 6:00 (next day)
water closet / WC / toilet – bathroom, restroom
Auckland 8:00 “
way out – exit
34
Paying for This Guide

If you haven’t already paid, we accept payments via PayPal (an eBay
company) which is the web’s most-trusted online payment system.
Our Request How to Pay Online Feedback

If you’ve purchased this guide, we’d like to thank To make a payment online via major credit card, Please contact us with ideas, suggestions, or
you. If you’ve somehow downloaded or received a go to corrections so we can incorporate them in future
copy of this guide without paying, we’d like to ask updates and versions of this guide.
www.golfadventureguides.com/ireland/
you to pay for it.
We put the same effort and expense — actually a

lot more — into developing this guide as any other
Free Demo Version
and click on the Purchase This Guide button.
Golf Adventure Guides
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San Jose CA 95125 USA
Credit card orders are handled by PayPal, an eBay
book. We deliver it in printed and digital formats feedback@golfadventureguides.com
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company. You’ll be taken to a secure payment
page on PayPal’s web site where you can pay with
that’s leaner, more accurate (you get free online Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
a major credit card. If you’re paying in a foreign
updates), and more useful (we can deliver extra
currency, they’ll take care of the conversion.
digital and online goodies you can’t get with just a
paper book). To purchase a version of the guide with
The entire purchase and download process is fast,
Thanks. safe, and easy.
The Price Electronic Version
The price for this guide is US$ 39. * http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
If you purchased a print version of this guide
from a third-party web site, be sure to send us
This includes free updates. When we update the proof-of-purchase (email us a copy of your online
guide, registered customers can download the purchase confirmation) and we’ll send you the
latest up-to-date version without any extra charge. digital version of the guide, which includes the
Try that with a printed book! course cards, calendard, and fax templates.
Using this guide makes the planning process

easier, faster, and more enjoyable. We think it’s a
Our Mailing List
great value. What’s $39 worth to you? Subscribe to our email mailing list and we’ll notify
you when updates are available. And that’s all we’ll
• A box of golf balls (you’ll need ‘em!) use this list for. We will never share your email ad-
• A few rounds of Guinness for the lads dress. Plus, you can unsubscribe at any time. Ireland Golf Adventure Guide, v2.11
• A nice bottle of wine at dinner in Ireland Copyright © 2003–2005 Golf Adventure Guides.
• Countless hours of tedious research avoided; All rights reserved. Cover image courtesy of Doon-
we’ve done all the hard work for you! beg Golf Club and © Steve Uzzell. No part of this
guide may be used or reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission except for
* Suggested retail price. Subject to change without printing purchased copies for personal use and
notice. the use of brief quotations embodied in critical
articles and reviews.
35
Index
Budget 29–30 D G
Bushmills accommodations 24 Dan Dooley Rent-A-Car 29–30 Galway accommodations 26
Bushmills Inn 24 dates, order of writing 32 Galway Bay GC 12
Butler Arms 28 daylight savings time 4 Galway GC (Salthill) 12
Delta Airlines 18–19 Galway Great Southern Hotel 26
Symbols
C dialing phone numbers 33 Glassdrumman Lodge 27
9-hole courses, ranking of 16
calendar, printing the 1 dictionary of Irish-American differences 33 golf book recommendations 3
Campbell, Sir Guy 17 Dingle accommodations 25 golf courses
A
Carlow accommodations 25 Dingle GC 11 alphabetical listing of 10
accommodations
Carne Golf Links 10 Dolmen Hotel and River Court Lodges 25 designer index of 17
alphabetical listing of 24–28
Ballina accommodations 24 Donard Hotel 27 map of 9
choosing 23
Bellmullet accommodations 24 Donegal accommodations 25 ranking of 16
Actons Hotel 26
Carr, Joe 17 Donegal GC 11 Golf International 31
Adare GC 10
Carr, Phillip 17 Dooks GC 11 Grand Hotel 28
Adare Manor 24
Carrigart Hotel 27 accommodations 25 Granville Hotel 28
Aer Lingus 18–21
Carr Golf & Corporate Travel 31 Doonbeg accommodations 25 Greenbrier Inn Guesthouse 26
Aghadoe Heights Hotel 26
car ferries 32 Doonbeg GC 11 Greencastle to Magilligan Ferry 32
Air France 21
car rental 29–30 Ennis accommodations 26
Air Wales 20
Cashel House Hotel 25 Lahinch accommodations 26 H
Alitalia 21
Castlegregory GC 11 Downhill House Hotel 24 Hackett, Eddie 17
Free Demo Version

American Airlines 18–19
Dingle accommodations 25 Downhill Inn 24 The Harcourt Hotel 26
An Tintean 25
Tralee accommodations 28 Doyles Seafood Bar & Town House 25 Hawtree, Fred 17
Arbutus Hotel 26
Castlerock GC 11 driving in Ireland Hayfield Manor 25
Ardagh Hotel 25
Bushmills accommodations 24 times and distances 8 Hertz 29–30
Ardglass GC 10
Belfast accommodations 24
Portrush accommodations 27 tips 8 Hidden Ireland, The 23
Newcastle accommodations 27 Adventure Guide. I hope you like what you see.
CDW (collision damage waiver) 29
Ceann Sibéal. See Dingle GC
Dromoland Castle 27
Dromoland Castle GC 12
Higgins, Liam 17
hotel listings 23–28
Argus Car Rentals 29–30
celsius to fahrenheit conversion 5 Druids Glen GC 12 Howes, Jeff 17
Arklow GC 10
Central Hotel (Donegal) 25 Druids Glen Marriot Hotel 27 hypertext links, using 1
Armstrong, Rob 3
Central Hotel (Dublin) 26 To purchase a version of the guide with
Dublin accommodations 25–26
Atlantic Hotel 26
Avis 29–30
CityJet 21
Clifden accommodations 25
all of the content,E please visit: I
Iberia 21
collision damage waiver (CDW) 29 EasyJet 20 Inishowen Gateway Hotel 24
B
Colt, Harry 17 electrical plug adapters 32 Irish-American dictionary 33
Ballybunion accommodations 24
Ballybunion GC 10 http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Comfort Hotel Portrush 27 Enniscrone accommodations 26 Irish Ferries 22
Connemara GC 11 Enniscrone GC 12 Irish Hotels Federation 23
Ballygarry House Hotel 28
Clifden accommodations 25 Ballina accommodations 24 Irish language 33
Ballyliffin accommodations 24
Conrad Dublin 25 Sligo accommodations 27 IRISH LINKS Tours & Travel 31
Ballyliffin GC 10
Continental Airlines 18–19 Ennis accommodations 26 Irish Meteorological Service 5
Ballyliffin Hotel 24
Coopershill House 27 Euro 32 Irish Tourist Board 1
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel 25
Cork accommodations 25 European Club GC Island GC 12
Baltray. See County Louth GC
Cork GC 11 Dublin accommodations 25 Dublin accommodations 25
Barcroft, Cecil 17
country houses 23 Wicklow accommodations 28 Portmarnock accommodations 27
Bayview Hotel (Bushmills) 24
County Louth GC 11 exchange rates 32 itineraries 6–7
Bay View Hotel 28
accommodations 25
Bed and Breakfast 23
County Sligo GC 11 F J
Belfast accommodations 24
onsite accommodations 25 fahrenheit to celsius conversion 5 J.D. Golf Tours 31
Belmullet. See Carne Golf Links
course cards Faithlegg GC 12 Jerry Quinlan’s Celtic Golf 31
Belmullet accommodations 24
printing 1 Faithlegg House Hotel 28 Jones, Robert Trent Sr. 17
Blue Book of Country Houses & Restaurants 23
using, to build itinerary 6 ferry service to Ireland 22 Jurys Cork Hotel 25
Bord Fáilte 1
Craddock, Tom 17 Finegan, James 3 Jurys Inn Belfast 24
Braid, James 17
Cromleach Lodge 28 Finnair 21 Jurys Inn Christchurch 25
British Airways 20
Cruit Island GC 11 flights to Ireland 18–21 Jurys Inn Cork 25
British European 20–21
accommodations 25 Fota Island GC Jurys Inn Galway 26
British Midland 20
Czech Airlines 21 Cork accommodations 25
British Pound 32
Kinsale accommodations 26
Brittany Ferries 22
36
K Newport House 28 route planning, driving 6–8 Temple Gate Hotel 26

Kildare Hotel & Country Club (K Club) 28 Newtownmountkennedy accommodations 27 Royal Belfast GC 14 Thomastown accommodations 28
Killarney accommodations 26 Nicklaus, Jack 17 Belfast accommodations 24 time differences 33
Killarney GC 13 Norman, Greg 17 Bushmills accommodations 24 Tinakilly Country House 28
Killarney Park Hotel 26 Norse Merchant Ferries 22 Newcastle accommodations 27 tourist boards
Killarney Royal Hotel 26 Northern Ireland Tourist Board 1 Royal County Down GC 14 Northern Ireland 1
Killeen House Hotel 26 Newcastle accommodations 27 Republic of Ireland 1
Kinsale accommodations 26 O Royal Court Hotel 27 tour operators 31
Kirby, Ron 17 O’Connor Jr., Christy 17 Royal Dublin GC 14 Tower Hotel 27
Knockranny House Hotel 28 O’Shea, Haulie 17 Dublin accommodations 25 Tralee accommodations 28
K Club GC 12 O’Sullivan, Dr. William 17 Portmarnock accommodations 27 Tralee GC 15
Dublin accommodations 25 Olde Railway Hotel 28 Royal Portrush GC 14 travel guide recommendations 3
Straffan accommodations 28 Old Ground Hotel 26 Belfast accommodations 24 Trident Hotel 26
Old Head Golf Links 13 Bushmills accommodations 24 two-finger salute 32
L Cork accommodations 25 Portrush accommodations 27
Lahinch accommodations 26 Kinsale accommodations 26 Ruddy, Pat 17 V
Lahinch GC 13 OnlineGolfTravel.com 31 Ryanair 20–21 Vardon, Harry 17
Lake House Hotel 26 Open Fairways 1, 15
Langer, Bernhard 17 Owenoak International Golf Travel 31 S W
links courses, ranking of 16 Sandhouse Hotel 25 Waterford Castle GC 15
Links Lodge 25
Little Island. See Cork GC
London Heathrow airport, avoiding 18–19
P
P&O Irish Sea 22
Palmer, Arnold 17
Free Demo Version SAS 21
Sayers, Ben 17
SeaCat 22
Waterford Castle Hotel 28
Waterfront House 26
Waterville accommodations 28
Longhurst, Henry 17 parkland courses, ranking of 16 Seay, Ed 17 Waterville GC 15
Lotamore House 25 This is a FREE DEMO VERSION of the Ireland Golf
paying for this guide 34 Seven Oaks Hotel 25 Waterville House 28
Lufthansa 20–21 PerryGolf 31
phone numbers, dialing 33
Shannon Ferry Ltd 32
Simpson, Tom 17
Watson, Tom 17
weather 4–5
M Pickeman, W.C. 17 Slieve Donard Hotel 27 Westbury Hotel, The 25
MacKenzie, Alister 17 plug adapters 32 Sligo accommodations 27 Western Strands Hotel 24
Magherabuoy House Hotel 27 To purchase a version of the guide with
Portmarnock accommodations 27 Sligo Southern Hotel 27 Westport accommodations 28
Malone Car Rental 29–30
maps
Portmarnock Golf Club 13
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links 13, 27
Smugglers Inn 28
Smyth, Des 17
Westport GC 15
West Coast Links 31
driving time and distance 9 Portrush accommodations 27 Southern Hotel 24 when to go 4–5
golf course and town 8 Portsalon GC 14 Spanish Point GC 15 White Sands Hotel 27
recommended road 3 http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase
Ballyliffin accommodations 24 Ennis accommodations 26 Wicklow accommodations 28
Maryborough House 25 Donegal accommodations 25 Lahinch accommodations 26 Wicklow GC 15
McAuley, Roisin 3 Rosapenna accommodations 27 Spring, Dr. Arthur 17 Wigginton, Brook 17
McEvoy, Peter 17 Portstewart GC 14 St. Margaret’s GC 15 Woodhill House 26
Meadowlands Hotel 28 Belfast accommodations 24 Dublin accommodations 25 Woodstock Hotel 26
Merrigan, Patrick 17 Bushmills accommodations 24 Portmarnock accommodations 27
Met Éireann 5 Portrush accommodations 27 Station House Hotel 25 Y
Milltown House 25 printing this guide 1 Steel, Donald 17 Yeats Country Hotel 27
Morris, Tom Sr. (Old) 17 Stena Line 22
Mount Juliet Conrad 28 R Stephen’s Green Hotel 26
Mount Juliet GC 13 rainfall statistics 4–5 Straffan accommodations 28
Thomastown accommodations 28 ranking of golf courses 16 Strand Hotel 24
Mount Wolseley GC 13 Rathmullan House 27 Swansea Cork Ferries 22
Mount Wolseley Hotel 28 Rathsallagh House GC 14 SWING 31
Moy House 26 Rathsallagh House Hotel 27 Swiss Airlines 21
Mulcahy, John 17 renting a car 29–30
Murvagh. See Donegal GC price quote worksheet 30 T
restaurant recommendations 28 Taylor, John 17
N road map 3 Teach de Broc 24
Narin & Portnoo accommodations 26 Rosapenna accommodations 27 Teach Iorrais 24
Narin & Portnoo GC 13 Rosapenna GC 14 tee-time services 31
Newcastle accommodations 27 Rosapenna Hotel 27 temperature statistics 4–5
Newmarket-on-Fergus accommodations 27 Rosses Point. See County Sligo GC Hilton Templepatrick 24
37
Course Cards & Calendars

Don’t forget the bonus PDF files included with the guide, which include
the course cards (for itinerary planning), calendars, and fax templates.
June 2005
Ireland Golf Adventure Guide, Course Cards. Copyright © 2003–2004 Golf Adventure Guides. All rights reserved. www.golfadventureguides.com
Ireland Course Cards Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Use these cards to visually organize your itinerary and keep 1 2 3 4
Free Demo Version

track of information during the tee-time reservation process.
Printing the Course Cards
Printing Tips: Print at 100%. Turn OFF Acrobat’s “Shrink Oversized Pages to Paper Size” option. Print on Avery business -card paper and eliminate cutting out each card.
Printing Tips: Print at 100%. Turn OFF Acrobat’s “Shrink Oversized Pages to Paper Size” option. Print on Avery business -card paper and eliminate cutting out each card.
Print at 100% size. That means you want to make sure Adobe Acrobat’s “Shrink Oversized Pages to Paper Size” print option is unchecked.
5
To save paper, don’t print this cover page; print pages 2 through 7 only.
After printing, cut out the course cards. They are in geographical order (top to bottom, left column to right colum). If you keep them in geo-
of6 the Ireland
7
Golf 8 9 10 11

graphic order, it facilitates the initial itinerary-building process.
Avery Business Card Stock

Eliminate the card-cutting step by printing on Avery business-card paper, available at office supply stores. The course cards are 2 inches tall
and 3.5 inches wide. Visit www.avery.com for more information and local retailers.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Using the Course Cards
See “Building a Rough Itinerary” in the Ireland Golf Adventure Guide for a description of how you can use the course cards during the
process of building your itinerary. We find them extremely helpful in identifying visitor-policy conflicts when you’re trying to figure out exactly
which courses you’ll be playing on which days. all of the content, please visit:
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Course Map Location
The golf course name and location. Indicates area of Ireland, plus the grid
coordinates on the Collins Visitors’ Map.
26 27 28 29 30
County Sligo (Rosses Point) NW G5-99
Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
Phone +353 71 917 7134 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Contact Info Visitor Policy Summary
The card gives the course’s Fax +353 71 917 7460        This is a visual summary of
phone and fax numbers. the course’s visitor policy. May 2005 July 2005
See the guide for dialing in- Date: ___________ Tee Time: ___________ # Players: _________ The legend at the bottom 1
Sunday
2
Monday
3
Tuesday
4
Wednesday
5
Thursday
6
Friday
7
Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
1
Friday
2
Saturday
structions. The course’s web Fax Confirmation Required? Yes | No Conf. Fax Sent: _____________ of each page explains what 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
site URL and email address Deposit/Payment Required? Yes | No Payment Info: ______________ the symbols mean. See the 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
is in the golf guide. Notes course’s entry in the guide 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
for detailed policy informa- 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
tion. 31
Tee Time Details & Notes

Use this area to note the date of play, tee time, and number of
players. If a fax confirmation and/or deposit is required you can
keep track of it here. Jot down any other relevant notes.
Legend:  = Visitors welcome;  = No visitors, members only;  = See guide;  = Some restrictions, afternoon tee times best;  = Some restrictions, morning tee times best

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Ireland Golf Adventure Guide

Contents Introduction Using This Guide Ireland Tourist Boards

The Big Picture

1. Rough itinerary 2. Travel reservations 3. Tee times 4. Accommodations

Thankfully, there are many options to choose from

Tools for Planning Your Trip

This Guide A Good Map Another Good Book A Travel Guide

Free Demo Version

To purchase a version of the guide with

As you build your itinerary you’ve got important http://www.golfadventureguides.com/purchase

Temperature & Rainfall Statistics

Free Demo Version

Mean Daily Maximum/Minimum Temperatures

Building a Rough Itinerary

An itinerary is not just a list of courses to be Arrange The Courses In Sequence

Doonbeg Lahinch Castlerock 3 Ballyliffin Cork Cork Rosapenna Old

Enniscrone Sligo Ballyliffin Glashedy To purchase a version Old of Head

Driving Times & Distances

Golf Course & Town Map

About This Map & The Courses

Golf Course Listings

Green fee rates are simplified to show prices for

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Not all the courses and accommodations in

Golf Course Rankings

Ireland has nearly 400 golf courses and approxi-

One obvious method is to concentrate on one or

When you get to the point in the trip-planning

Golf Course Designers

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Flights Between U.S. & Ireland

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Flights Between Great Britain & Ireland

Free Demo Version

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Flights Between Mainland Europe & Ireland

Free Demo Version

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Ferry Service to Ireland

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Choosing Where to Stay

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