Brian:
As SPDB said, this topic has been covered several times in the past. I've made four site visits, the first before Norman & Co. began their work and was probably the person who made the first report here at GCA.
Being a great lover of Ireland and knowing how much this project can bring to the local economy, I'm not inclined to offer any criticism. But, GCA does exist, in part, to share candid observations about golf venues, so I'll repeat a few of my earlier comments.
First, I believe Doonbeg is a good but not great site. For golfing value it does not measure up to Lahinch, in my judgement. You will see some great photos of sand dunes, but much of that is unplayable or was declared off limits during the environmental permitting process.
Second, I believe mistakes were made by the Norman team with the design. Generally speaking, the course was built to test very skilled players, but I seriously question whether this is what the market really needs. At Lahinch, most people can have a great deal of fun. Doonbeg, as I last saw it, appeared tough, but probably missed on the "fun" part.
In particular, some of the bunker work needs to be reconsidered. I made a visit with a friend and we came away arguing which bunker was the worst. He claimed my choice for the worst made it to #4 on his "worst bunker list".
On one of my tour of the course I walked around with a fellow from Limerick who indicated he plays to a 15 handicap. He told me "I will play Doonbeg......once".
I find the comments of FOS interesting because it is my understanding that the project team is well aware of some the concerns about the course, but nobody wanted to personally criticize Greg Norman and this has delayed addressing the issue.
I don't care to criticize personally criticize Norman either, but it is worth pointing out that early on people criticized the New course at Ballybunion and it has never been able to shake its negative reputation. From a commercial point of view, the Doonbeg management should think real hard about that experience.
I want to see the project succeed. The location is very convenient relative to Shannon Airport and Lahinch. By way of the Tarbert ferry, Doonbeg is also pretty close to Ballybunion and other venues down in Kerry.
If you are looking for something hard, Doonbeg may be your site. If you are looking for pleasure a la Lahinch, it is probably not your kind of place.