Adrian
I can appreciate your comments regarding the "20 minutes" grunts from your clients but like everything in life, you have to look at the big picture. I would love to play Waterville, Old Head, Tralee and yes even Doon Beg but the time between those courses is quite bit. Now, if you bite the bullet on day 1 from the airport and drive to Carne and then head North West for 10-14 days, you are in for a treat. The drive time between courses and cost for those courses is nothing compared to the south west. More importantly, there is a strong case to be made that the best links courses are actually in the Northwest.(Not looking to start that discussion). I agree the North West does not get the publicity it requires and also, it is off the normal path but after having done the run twice, it has no equal for a 2 week trip when considering cost, travel time, scenery, accomodations, the locals and obviously, the courses. Green fees in Ireland do not relate to better quality of golf course but rather geography.
The reason they built Carne was to attract tourist and the selfish part of me likes that it is still consider too remote for the majority of the travellers but as I wont be back to Carne for a number of years, I truly hope the northwest gets its due but I fear the green fees upon my return. I could play Carne twice and have more than enough money left over for some beers after if I were to pay one green fee at Doon Beg.......is Doon Beg that much better than Carne?
As for the hotel at Doonbeg, not my cup of tea when travelling to oversees to play golf. 18 holes, quaint pro shop, and a bar...all I need. I can get gaudy in North America, I am in Ireland to experience remote links golf and it is incredible.