We are an active couple and will be flying in and out of Shannon in early May; what advice would you give us for three bases in western Ireland, for 2-3 nights each (total 7 nights). We will likely play several rounds of golf during our stay but are very interested in sightseeing as much as possible (including hiking), and in the evenings experiencing wonderful Irish food and music in a quaint environment. We have considered Dingle for 2 days, and also considered Killarney or Kenmare (are they too close to Dingle for a separate stay, or would either be better than Dingle?), as well as Kinsale. In addition, we have considered more northern areas around Tralee, Ennis, or Lahinch. Would 2 days north be reasonable as well?
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
514 posts
Lahinch is very near Doolin. If you stayed in Lahinch of Doolin for a few days it could be a base for visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands (ferries from Doolin) and the Burren. Doolin has great trad music pubs. Logistics would depend on whether you will have a car or rely on public transport and taxis. The Burren and the cliffwalk trail are good for hiking. I am not a golfer but I know that people go to Lahinch for golf and you mentioned it.
Posted by
78 posts
I took a solo trip through Ireland last summer where I played 10 rounds around the island over three weeks.
If you are flying into Shannon you can go north or south in my opinion but not both. I would suggest you watch some U Tube's on golfing in Ireland. The more popular the more the cost. OLD HEAD down in Kinsale is a months mortgage payment to play. BALLYBUNION is a top course so top dollars to play it. Their second course is half the cost. So that is something you may want to look at. I would always play their second course, it's not like they take care of one better then the other in my opinion.
What type of links courses do you want to play. You want some wild courses there are some in Mayo County that you may want to check out. They are Cairne, Enniscrone and Cruik Island are a few you will never forget. SLIGO is a good base for those courses.
Galway can be a good base city also. If you want some nightlife with music in pubs.
Killarney can also be a great spot to stay and play down south. I stayed out on the Dingle area but it was out there so I had some long drives to get to courses. I wished I stayed their instead of Dingle. Plus Killarney has the National Park and it has some nice hikes.
I would suggest you take a falcon walk when you are there. That was one of the coolest walks I've ever taken.
Look at the inland courses also. They are a great value not only in cost but in the saving of lost balls you will have in the links grass. One of my favorite courses I played was the Cork Golf Club. A parkland course designed by Alister Mckenzie.
I'm sure where ever you choose there will be a course nearby.