Like several other GCA people, my wife and I are going on a 2 week trip to Ireland in May. I've got the itinerary partially booked, but another couple is going with us for part of the trip. We arrive in Dublin on the 19th, and by the Wednesday the 24th at noon, will have finished playing Portstewart. My plan is to get the other couple to a flight at the Donegal airport on Saturday at 2:30 PM. Choices include Castlerock, going to Ballyliffin, or heading to Donegal. I'd like to make the Narin & Portnoo their last game before taking them to the airport on Saturday, because of its proximity.
Right now, my favorite alternative is either Castlerock,and then Donegal (with a tour of Londerry's walled city, and tweed shopping for wives), or skipping Castlerock to go directly to Donegal, and possibly trekking to County Sligo. I'm thinking that might that Saturday might be our only 27 hole day, with Cruit Island done after we drop them at the airport. From there, the two of us will head south, with our last round at Lahinch.
Any advice about whether County Sligo is worth the drive from Donegal and back vs Castlerock is appreciated. Also, would Ballyliffin for a couple days be a better couples destination? My wife and I could always pick up County Sligo, as it along with Carne, Enniscrone and Connemara are in the discussion for our three other remaining days.
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I'm a little confused, but then that's normal.
Given that you're definitely going to NI and you're definitely going to Donegal Airport/Narin and Portnoo, I'd say either Castlerock or something in Donegal would work.
I see NO reason to detour to play play Sligo with the other couple as you can catch that on the way down to Lahinch.
Ballyliffin is a fine choice, friendly people -solid links courses.
I'd say neither Ballyliffin course has the uniqueness or charm of Northwest Golf Club or the raw spectacular beauty of Portsalon, and Ballyliffin only makes sense to me if you're seeking a 36 hole destination.
Here's my suggestion as it sounds like you're looking at 18 per day
Wed afternoon drive over or take the ferry to Greencastle-if taking the ferry perhaps a drive around the Inishowen peninsula stopping for drinks and a peek at Ballyliffin, then stay in Buncrana-a lively town.
Alternatively, play the new 9 at Castlerock(very cool compact wild and wooly nine).then drive or ferry to Buncrana
Thursday play Northwest GC-stay in Buncrana again-Northwest is very easily walked.
Friday play Portsalon-a beautiful drive over from Buncrana-there may be a ferry operating there as well to Rathmullen-maybe not.
After golf, lunch at the clubhouse or Sarah's/Store's pub-then drive to Dunfanaghy.
On the drive to Dunfanaghy
take the NEW Bridge route-spectacular scenery and stay there-lively town on Friday night with traditional music etc.
Saturday early rise to Narin and Portnoo(Saturday time may be tough)
or play Cruit if tee time hard to come by-will free up Friday night a bit
Then take them to airport and play the other course that afternoon.