Planning on going golfing in Ireland and Scotland May 2017, any suggestions that would help me to plan a wonderful trip.
We are planning on flying into Shannon. We were looking at playing Ballybunion, Doonbeg, and Lahinach
In Scotland we are looking at The Old Course (Maybe) Carnousite, Kingsbarn.
I have not played any of the big name courses, but the Darley Course at Troon Municipal is an outstanding "links" type course that parallels its more famous cousin, Royal Troon on the other side of the train tracks. Unlike Royal Troon, which is private, Darley is public with 18 holes in the 35 to 40 GBP range. The Lochgreen course next to it is a "park" course, more like an American style course and there is also the Fullarton, which is an executive course. All three are walking distance from Troon train station.
For the St. Andrews Old Course, you will need to either be in a golfing tour group, or there's a daily lottery.
I don't play but I walk along when my husband does. We both enjoyed Dingle Golf Links (Ceann Sibeal) and the course in Westport. They each have lovely views from multiple holes (the Sleeping Giant in Dingle and Croagh Patrick in Westport) and were sufficiently challenging for the average weekend golfer.
If you don't get selected in the daily lottery for the Old Course, you can line up in the pre-dawn hours by the starter's box.
Annalee - Advanced reservation for St Andrews Old Course normally occurs in late August through mid September. Other than the Old Course there are 6 wonderful course associated with the St Andrews Links to play. Check out www.standrews.com.
Also as others have mentioned there is the ballot(I've had success with the ballot) and arriving in the wee hours and maybe the starter will be able to get you on(I've had success with this also).
On other golf thing to do in St Andrews is the Himalayan Putting Course. Its only £3 and is loads of fun. Check out www.standrewsputtingclub.com
One other thing I forgot is the minimum handicap requirement to play the Old Course 24 for men and 36 for women. I have never had my handicap card checked, but I did carry it with me.
