Ireland so far...

[Ryan Admussen]

Kevin we did see the Book of Kells, it was my Fiancee's favorite place we visited.

As for my favorite course, I've thought about it quite a bit and narrowed it down to two.

Royal County Down is the easy answer I guess, it is the best course I have ever played great hole after great hole, the feeling you get standing on some of the tees taking it all in is indescribable, intimate is a word that comes to mind. Saying that, playing it day in day out might possibly be too much for my average golf game.

Lahinch would be my second choice, it was the worst weather I have ever played golf in, almost went in after two holes but glad I stuck it out, given the conditions I had an amazing time. I was trying to think of a better word but I think fun is the best way to describe Lahinch.
It is a course I could play the rest of my rounds on quite happily. It will probably be my first replay on a return visit to Ireland.

[Ryan Admussen]

Back at home now where there is still snow on the ground unfortunately, waiting for the Masters to start, thought I would post a few thoughts and pictures to finish up the thread, thanks for all your posts!

The golf exceeded all expectations, met some great people, will definitely be making a return trip after I see some of Scotland and England.
Ranking the main six I played which is really splitting hairs at the end of the day as I would happily play any of them again, it would look like this...

1. Royal County Down
2. Lahinch
3. Royal Portrush
4. Ballybunion
5. Portmarnock
6. Portstewart

Now on to the pictures...

Annesley course at RCD, some really fun holes in the middle section of the course.







The beach at Ballybunion







Cashen Course, played with no wind and for free so not a bad way to spend a few hours in the morning. I would not want to play this course in any kind of wind and can't see putting down money to play here when the Old course is right there.





Adare Manor, stopped in for a quick peek on the way back to Dublin, the hotel is quite impressive, the golf course on the other hand... wouldn't make a special effort from what I saw







Views from Connors Pass





An action shot of our premium rental with 150000 kms which came well equipped with the original tires.

[Brent Carlson]

Ryan,

Great trip report and photos.  The time and effort put into these posts make this site special.

[Mac Plumart]

Ryan...

Bandon or Ireland?  What would you recommend?

[Ryan Admussen]

Mac,

From my perspective they both offer world class golf but should be approached differently.

From my location Ireland is a minimum 2 week holiday or it would be too rushed, there is a lot to take in other than golf and I think you would be missing out if it was the 36 a day, eat, sleep type trip.

Bandon on the other hand is a great 3-5 day trip where I think you should golf till your drop, as the non golf activities are limited.

If I had to pick just one though It would be Ireland, now that I've crossed off my bucket list courses I'd love to go back and play some of the lesser known ones.

[Kevin Pallier]

Ryan

Thanks for the trip down memory lane with the pics and for sharing your thoughts.

I agree that RCD is the crown jewel in Ireland.

[Ivan Lipko]

Ryan, thanks a lot for the pictures!

Ireland is one of my most favorite spots on this Planet.