Doug:
This was my initiation into golf in Ireland. On a one-week trip last November, I managed to squeeze in rounds at Lahinch, Waterville, and The European Club - not bad for what was really a sightseeing trip with my non-golfing wife. For Ireland in general, and November in particular, I was very lucky with the weather.
At Lahinch it was in the 60's, sunny, and just a gentle breeze. It had been raining heavily all morning, but quit and the sun came out just when we arrived at Waterville. This was the one day the wind was really howling - I had never played in anything like it. It was relatively warm, but the wind was blowing so hard it had blown the flagsticks out on at least 3 of the holes. It was more overcast at The European Club with a little misting rain occasionally, but the wind was pretty gentle.
The European Club. Looking back down #13 from the tee on 14. Rain squall in the background.
I couldn't have been luckier with the weather. This trip totally hooked me on links golf - I can not wait to go back. It won't be this year, unfortunately, but I am already thinking about a golf-only trip in 2006.
Andy