Ireland in March

[Dan_Callahan]

I coach a high school golf team and, much to my surprise, a group of players asked to skip the requisite Florida fun-in-the-sun trip. Instead, they want to go to Ireland for a new and, for many of them, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would love to make this happen for them.

My question is, Will the weather be so brutal that time of year that the trip will be a disappointment? My players really want to venture into the  northwest, where I suspect the weather in March is worse than in the south.

Any advice?

[THuckaby2]

Not that I am any expert on this whatsoever, but I do have a cousin who lives in Northern Ireland way up by Portrush, and I've asked him about just this from time to time.

His answer is what you'd expect:  that is, the weather can be just fine in March, and might even be better than summer... but also can be brutally cold and wet.

That's really the standard answer for any day of the year in Ireland, God love it.

So... the answer here is it's not like you're guaranteed good weather even if you go in the summer!  Any trip over there always has its risks.

So don't let weather stop you if you want to go in March.  It could be great and if it's not, well then that's part of the learning experience.

TH

ps - if you do go, let me know... I've mentioned it on here many times but my cousin is a member at a great club called Castlerock and I'm sure he could set up matches against local highschoolers, or club members, if you wish... talk about a life experience!  

[Sean Leary]

Dan,

I was there about 5 years ago in March and I got the full gamut.  Shortsleeves at Lahinch, pouring rain at Ballybunion,  snow and hail at Waterville, and all of the above at Old Head.  While my wife didn't appreciate it, a bunch of New England high school kids will. It should be quite a bit cheaper that time oif year as well, making it easier on the parents...

[THuckaby2]

Great summation by Sean.  Another thing is getting teetimes at the famous courses will be far easier in March than in summer, especially for a group.

Not that you were thinking of going in summer Dan, but this is all just to say March is a perfectly fine time to go over there.

 

[Don Dinkmeyer]

It certainly will be "low" season in terms of rates. The temps may be hi 50's to 60's. Rain and wind are more the problem, if they are a problem. There's about 12 hrs of light with darkness about 7pm...

Conventional wisdom is very late April, Mid-May is earliest for "good" weather. This group would probably have more stories to tell after going in March!

[Dan_Callahan]

Tom,

Thanks for the advice, and I might take you up on the offer to get in touch with your cousin. Setting up a few matches against some local players would be an incredible experience for my kids.

I'm not sure we will get as far north as Castlerock. Right now, we are looking at staying put in the Carne-Enniscrone-Rosses Point-Donegal area. We're hoping to do more golfing than traveling, although I would love to figure out a way to play at Lahinch (perhaps if we fly into Shannon).

You never know, however. We are still in the early stages of planning, and we might end up farther north.

[Jack_Marr]

The weather will be fine - don't even bother bringing rain gear...

Actually, the weather in March can be beautiful, much like it is today.

It can also be brutal...

Ireland is such a small country that the weather doesn't vary a huge amount from north to south for latitudinal reasons. It's more to do with topology and the lovely warm water exported to Ireland from your friends in Mexico.

Parts of the northwest are completely exposed to weather coming in off the atlantic, but you need a bit of that.

Maybe contact the GUI and see can they arrange matches against players over here? I don't know if this is done, but you could try.

[Jack_Marr]

Here are the average weather conditions for Valentia

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/city.shtml?tt=TT003930

[Johnny_Browne]

Dan,
I live in N Ireland and play quite a bit of golf in NW Ireland. March would be fine to travel and play - will probably always be windy, sometimes wet, dark at about 6pm but the courses will always be open.  Conditions of courses will vary as often a lot of work is done during the winter.  The students would have a great time and would learn a lot.  Email me off list if you want any more information.
It is interesting how we in Ireland love to go to USA to play golf in good weather often on courses GCA would think very ordinary - I think because at times we get tired of the wind and the rain and a little blase about the quality of our courses in Ireland and just love to play golf with the sun on our backs!
Regards,         Johnny Browne

[Philip Gawith]

Dan - I have played quite a bit in NW Ireland and I would highly recommend you visit. In terms of quality of golf, and value for money, it takes a lot of beating. If your boys regret their decision, you will need to ask them some hard questions   but that seems pretty unlikely given it is their initiative.

As for the weather, provided your expecations are suitably modest (likely to be cool, sometimes windy, with showers) it will not be an issue.

[Jack_Marr]

Ireland and Britain has been forcasted with the worst winter in X years this time around. Long range forecasts are only 66% accurate. Still, can't say I like those odds.

[Tommy Williamsen]

Dan, I have been to Ireland in every season.  In March I would stick to the East and South East coast.  There are some obviouse choices but there are some little known gems like Arklow that are worth the trip.  Have you thought about going to Devon or Cornwall in SouthWest England instead.  Golf is great and the weather might be a little more benign.

[Jack_Marr]

Yes, Arklow is wonderful, although I don't think the members of this board would like the new holes there. Artificial pond etc.