North-West was good fun with some really good original holes. But it certainly has some weak holes as well. If you don't go expecting too much and choose a quiet time, it would make a great quick fill-in round.
Personally, I'd add Strandhill also as one of your lesser knowns... And I'm glad to see Portsalon on your list... Grab Mulranny's 9 holes on the way up to Carne as Rich said...
Ally,
I don't mind if NW has a few weak holes - it looks like it has some pretty good ones as well, and some really cool and interesting greens, so that will more than make up for any shortcomings. I'm sure the members up there will be pretty welcoming too.
I'll add Strandhill. Between you, Brian and Sean, it's pretty difficult to turn down those three opinions.
Mark
Stunning itinerary. Sounds like the basis for a golf book.
I would probably drop Ballybunion Cashen too, and play The Old twice instead.
Martin,
At least a magazine article or two...
I am hoping to play BB Old twice, but even if I only manage once, I think I would still shell out for Cashen, even if it was on another day. It seems to be a real love or hate type of course, and that intrigues me.
I'd recommend you play Laytown & Bettystown (L&B) on your way to Co. Louth (Baltray). L&B is just south of Drogheda along the coast and is a delightful links course. It's not long, but it has some fine holes. It's not a "championship" course; more of a hidden gem. Here's the club's website:
Donal,
Thanks for that. L&B certainly looks interesting. There goes Doonbeg from the itineracy...
Is Rosapenna open in November ? possibly not after looking at their website?
Ted,
The course is open, just not the hotel. Which is a bit of a bummer, as I am sure I will need a massage from some comely, flame-haired Irish lass by then...
You're not missing a thing with Rosapenna's Hotel being closed.
Several good options for lodging and excellent pubs in the area.
And I do recommend The Old Tom Morris course(what's left of it)
Strandhill and Northwest are great additions,as would be Dunfanaghy.
Northwest is an easy walk,charming, a welcoming pro and membership, and has quite a few good holes.
An interesting use of an ever tightening piece of property (and Buncrana is quite a fun town)
Otway is a odd charming 9 holer near Portsalon
On the way to Carne as memntioned Mulranny is good choice, and if you get near Galway, just west of the city is a wonderful 9 hole gem Connemara Isles.
4 weeks is long time....
Personally I'd spend it at a reasonable pace adding gems, rather than doubling up on the famous,expensive and surely more crowded courses.
although in November, you shouldn't have any problems anywhere, and may have problems finding anyone
;)at the courses I mention