Best of the West
WEST OF IRELAND
The triumvirate of Ballybunion, Doonbeg and Lahinch pretty much peaks what you would expect from Ireland. If you go south, there’s
American golfers tend to try and do it all, ie West and Southwest Ireland and I get that. You can get down to Tralee and on to Killarney in an hour so
THE IRISH PEOPLE
So, what’s so special about a golf trip here? Number one for me is the people. I met several fellow Scots at Doonbeg and I was curious why they’d moved here.
“It’s the people!” Greg told me, one of the at Doonbeg. Irish hospitality is legendary but here.
I used to go out with a girl from County Claire. Her name was Claire and she was a stunning Irish beauty.
We stopped in the pub in the village of Doonbeg for a pint. No big deal. It was rather spartan with a few characters quietly chatting. Suddenly one of the old boys at the bar broke into song. It was a sad lament but it brought the place to a hush as they listened and appreciated. It was quite touching. When he finished he went back to supping his pint as if nothing had happened.
But for me I’d rather spend a bit of quality time in specific area.
Ballybunion’s address is Sandhill Road which comes as no great surprise. There is a grand assemblage of high sand dunes and sheltered, velvet valleys through which the course weaves. It’s hard to believe but Ballybunion languished in relative obscurity for the first few decades of its existence before in the late 1930s, the Irish Open brought it to people’s attention. Now it’s on everyone’s bucket list with ex-President Clinton and so many top tour pros ranking it as one of the most enjoyable links courses in all of Ireland.
For many, Ballybunion is the epicentre of golf in Ireland. Ranked within the top 30 in the world it is truly a spectacular experience.
For many, Ballybunion is the epicentre of golf in Ireland. Ranked within the top 30 in the world it is truly a spectacular experience.
You can take your pick whether you go to Doonbeg or Lahinch next. They’re equidistant from Adare Manor and two entirely different but incredible experiences. I haven’t played Doonbeg since Mr Trump took over some three years ago and in a pinch would probably opt for Lahinch. No, sorry, I’d definitely vote for Lahinch! But you should play them both! The last time I played Doonbeg, it was just going into receivership but I hear ‘The Donald’ has worked his magic on both the hotel and golf course and I fully intend to stay and play sometime very soon.
LAHINCH
But Lahinch? Now, this is one of my all-time, all-star favourites, an uncontrived, rolling testimony to natural linksland. It might not be to everyone’s taste, so simple are its characteristics and rustic its surrounds but somehow it all works in a cavalcade of exciting, oft eccentric challenges. The rough nature of the place only provides contrast to the silky greens and fairways. It can be frustrating on holes such as the 4th and 5th with their blind shots, the former Par 5 for its second shot and the latter from the tee on a blind Par 3. Goats wander freely usually munching in the rough and wild Atlantic weather often plays its part but this is one of my personal favourites in this part of the world.
