A buddy and I just got back from a golf trip to Ireland, where we played (in order): European Club, Royal Dublin, The Island, County Louth, RCD, Castlerock, Portrush (Dunluce), Portstewart, Portrush (Valley), and Portmarnock. There's a lot to say about each course and how they compare to one another, and not to take anything away from a group of fine courses, but we both thought that RCD is head and shoulders above the other courses we played. [I also agree with Jason that the back nine is great for match play, including #16, which is a great short par 4.]