Jimmy-
I have played Rosses Point twice, in 1984 and 1994. I also played Enniscrone in '94. I have not played Carne or Ballyliffin.
Rosses Point is very good. You could argue that the holes on top of the ridge (#1, #2 & #18, I think) are a little weak, but the rest of the course is very strong and it is a beautiful spot.
I would not mind visiting there regularly. I think Enniscrone has changed somewhat since I was there. I liked Rosses Point better than Enniscrone. Sligo is a decent sized town for shopping, eating, etc.
Carne and Ballyliffin are awfully remote. They require some effort to get to and, aside from the golf course(s), there is not a whole lot going on once you get there. Remember, the roads on the northwest coast of Ireland are very modest by US standards and travel times may be much longer than you think they will be. That may or may not be what you are looking for.
I am also thinking about establishing a "home away from home" in the British Isles, so I have been thinking about many of these things myself.
My advice is to visit as many places as you can, spend time with the locals, walk around the villages, go into the shops & pubs and ask a lot of questions.
Good luck with your search!
DT