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Tim Book

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Ireland Golf in May
« on: February 01, 2017, 12:16:38 PM »

A group of weather pampered San Diego golfers are considering a "last minute" trip to Ireland in early May.  None have even been and unfortunately due to (marriages, divorces, graduations and the like) it appears only early May will work.  Having never been there my inclination would be that early May might be a challenge weatherwise.   We have all been to Bandon and can "gear" up for any weather, but the cost and "marital capital" required for such a trip has given some in our group a slight pause.  Any help would be appreciated. 

Tony_Muldoon

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2017, 05:02:28 PM »
Tim, go for it.


May is the driest month in Donegal and much of the west coast. Although the courses wont be in 100% prime condition as the ground hasn't fully warmed up to encourage grass growth, it all adds up to less rough and less tourists. You will have the pick of tee times, wherever you want to play.  The first of the BIG amateur Competition's is the west of Ireland played at CO Sligo at Easter and that proves conditions are good enough.


So try and focus on one or two areas and restrict windscreen time. The more you enjoy your trip the more likely you are to return and see the rest.


Ciade mile failte.



Let's make GCA grate again!

Tim Book

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2017, 06:48:25 PM »

Tony,


Thanks for the reply.  I think we are shooting for S/W coast and try and hit most of the most well known venues.  Sounds like it doable.

Jay Mickle

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2017, 07:16:44 PM »
Was there 2 years ago this coming May. Weather ranged from sunny cloudless days, to deluge, to 40 mph sustained winds with light rain, to cloudy and cool, to repeating black walls of rain and sleet off the Atlantic, well you get the idea. you are in Ireland. When foxhunting in Ireland a number of years ago the Master was asked if we would hunt the following day in the rain. His reply: "there is no such thing as inclement weather, only inappropriate clothing"
Prepare mentally and physically and have a great time. Pub weather is always good.
@MickleStix on Instagram
MickleStix.com

Jim Sherma

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2017, 09:43:57 PM »
Just pulled the trigger for 8 days at the end of May and I nto June. Heading to the Northwest this time.

When going to the Southwest try to make time for Dingle. The town is great, Caen Sieble is not a world beater but plenty interesting. Follow it by 9 holes at Castlegregory GC and a trip over the Connor Pass back to Dingle town for food and drink.

mike_malone

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2017, 10:33:35 PM »
May is the best month for golf in Ireland followed only by June,July, August.......Sorry Mr. Twain.
AKA Mayday

jeffwarne

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2017, 10:58:42 PM »
Just pulled the trigger for 8 days at the end of May and I nto June. Heading to the Northwest this time.

When going to the Southwest try to make time for Dingle. The town is great, Caen Sieble is not a world beater but plenty interesting. Follow it by 9 holes at Castlegregory GC and a trip over the Connor Pass back to Dingle town for food and drink.


If that's your idea of a great day....
you're really going to love the Northwest...
Dunfanaghy...mmmm
"Let's slow the damned greens down a bit, not take the character out of them." Tom Doak
"Take their focus off the grass and put it squarely on interesting golf." Don Mahaffey

Thomas Dai

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2017, 03:58:43 AM »
So try and focus on one or two areas and restrict windscreen time. The more you enjoy your trip the more likely you are to return and see the rest.
Very wise advice.
Atb

Mike Baillie

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2017, 12:32:32 PM »
Tom, depends on how much time you have and where you fly into and out of.  I was throughout the SW last year for almost 2 weeks in and out of Dublin during late May. More of a trip with my wife and only played 3 times.

Some thoughts for a group of guys assuming you have about 8 to 10 days with flight in/out of Dublin.  You could save some time with into Shannon and out of Dublin if your airline choice does that.

Start with Lahinch.  If you are into 36 on some days options are their other course or a short drive south to Doonbeg.  Next Ballybunion Old.  These are likely the 2 best of 4 must plays in the Southwest.  These were two of 3 I played and the new greens at BB are surely better and faster now.  Second round choices on the BB Old day could be the Cashen Course there or Tralee.

Especially if you have played 36 the prior two days I recommend an easy day.  As note here by a few others Dingle is a great town.  I don't know anything about the golf.

As you circle back along Dingle Bay, you have two choices for your next stop.  If your group is into golf course architecture I would stop at Glenbeigh and play Dooks.  This is a hidden gem that is no longer hidden or priced like it.  Imagine a wild natural links 100 years ago and you have Dooks.  I played last year paying 100 E and if I recall their web site now says 120!  If your group likes more modern and better conditioning drive a bit further on the Ring of Kerry to Waterville.

By now you are heading east.  Make your way to Kinsale.  Another great town with super places to dine.  A really unique course outside of town - Old Head.  A stunning setting, not great architecture.  If you want a break stay two nights here.

A long drive to Dublin and you are likely about your 8th day.  You can either play a course in the area then head to the airport or  spend a few days in the city mixing in golf

Overall I'm a novice relative to many here.  However, others can jump in with their thoughts.

PS
- If you are into lots of golf and driving there was a post last summer where 5-6 guys drove all round theisland including Portmarnock, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush plus the prime ones I mentioned in a week.  Foolish in my view but can be done if that is all you do.




Charles Lund

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #9 on: February 05, 2017, 09:40:07 AM »
For most people, a first trip to Ireland probably should include the Southwest.

I started there for the first ten days or so of a five week trip.  The Southwest has well known courses and a couple of lesser known courses with character and charm.

On my first trip, the extended duration allowed me to play courses out in the West and Northwest, Northern Ireland, and around Dublin.

I have now been back nine additional times and have spent over six months playing golf in Ireland.  I am partial to County Donegal due to the remoteness of the area.

There has been a lot of discussion here about individual courses and trips people have done.

I have gone mostly in May and June and been in Ireland during the U.S. Open a few times now.  in late May and June, the influx of tourism is starting but not overwhelming.

I also like September and have done two trips a year the past three years, one in late spring/early summer and one in late summer/early fall.

From San Diego, you can fly Delta through JFK or fly British Air which goes through Heathrow.  I have been separated from checked luggage on three of four flights through Heathrow.  The Heathrow connection is a hassle with long lines.  You are required to go through immigration there and then go through security to get on your flight.  You don't actually enter the UK and you still have to go through immigration in Ireland.

One benefit of flying Delta (or American) is that when you fly from Dublin, you go through the immigration entry process in Dublin so you don't have to do it at JFK (or O'Hare in the case last year when I flew American).

Most people take on too much long distance driving.  I agree with Tony.

Charles Lund



Tony,


Thanks for the reply.  I think we are shooting for S/W coast and try and hit most of the most well known venues.  Sounds like it doable.

Keith Grande

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2017, 11:36:05 AM »
I'll mirror what many others have said here.


We went to SW Ireland for a week at the end of May in 2013.  Weather was beautiful, and we only had rain one day in the afternoon - late evening on our first day. 


We stayed a week. We flew into Shannon overnight, played LaHinch, then next day drove down to Ballybunnion, then down to Killarney for lodging the rest of the week.  From there, Tralee, Dooks, Waterville all within 45 -1hr drive from Killarney.  We also did a day trip to Old Head, which was about 2 hrs away.  We went back to Ballybunnion for an extra day there as well.

Ed Tilley

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2017, 01:13:03 PM »
Just pulled the trigger for 8 days at the end of May and I nto June. Heading to the Northwest this time.

When going to the Southwest try to make time for Dingle. The town is great, Caen Sieble is not a world beater but plenty interesting. Follow it by 9 holes at Castlegregory GC and a trip over the Connor Pass back to Dingle town for food and drink.

Castlegregory
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,61544.msg1461630.html#msg1461630

Dingle
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,61587.msg1468860.html#msg1468860

Dooks
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,61641.0.html


Craig Sweet

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2017, 08:51:08 PM »
They are experiencing a very mild, and relatively dry winter. Some courses are mowing grass...newly growing grass! Many that did over seeding have grass germinating and growing. So...I think, if the weather maintains yyou will find exceptional conditions for May. In fact, the Island Club looks real good right now!


https://twitter.com/festucaman/status/818427878614437888
« Last Edit: February 06, 2017, 08:57:42 PM by Craig Sweet »
LOCK HIM UP!!!

Craig Sweet

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2017, 08:54:03 PM »
Charles, I heard Aer Lingus is flying direct from SFO into Dublin now?
LOCK HIM UP!!!

Ira Fishman

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2017, 09:01:55 PM »
Tim, the courses in the SW are top drawer (do not think Old Head is worth the drive though), but if you do fly in or out of Dublin, The Island Club is most worthy of a visit. Raw and wild links golf. Enjoy your trip.

Charles Lund

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #15 on: February 06, 2017, 09:51:04 PM »
Think Aer Lingus also had direct flights from and to LAX.

I haven't flown Aer Lingus,  but many Irish people I know fly it.

I pretty much confine my flights to airlines which partner with Alaska Air so I can get mileage accrual for status on Alaska and miles to spend.

I heard Norwegian Air is working on getting direct flights to Belfast but not sure from where.

I have been to Ireland quite a bit, often as part of trips which meander elsewhere.  For people who fly a lot, I think there are other considerations.  Aer Lingus would work for many people.

Charles Lund

Charles, I heard Aer Lingus is flying direct from SFO into Dublin now?

Paul Stockert

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #16 on: February 06, 2017, 11:27:42 PM »
Happy to add to the folks saying go for it in May!  I took a trip with my wife in May 4 years ago for 10 days in early May.  It was a trip to explore the country, but I got some golf in too.  We did Dublin, down to Cork and Kinsale, then up to Galway a couple days, then Connemara in the NW. 


I played Old Head with a caddie and my wife walking along for company and pics.  I know Mr. Doak calls it a 'hot blond' gorgeous but no substance, but I loved every second.  Didn't hurt that it was 60 with sun, no clouds, and barely a breeze and the place is seriously gorgeous.  I'll never forget it and it's probably one of the best 19th holes in golf.  As far as 'worth the drive' I suppose it just depends on where you are.  Kinsale was one of our favorite towns with phenomenal seafood and scenery.  A night there with golf at Old Head would be hard to beat. That said, it's not true Irish links so I understand why it's not high on this site.  Nearby are Fota Island (I played 9 and it wasn't bad but it's not at the top of the list) and Cork Golf Club is a Mackenzie course that I wish I could have added but the day I called they couldn't accommodate me.


From Galway we did the cliffs of Mohr (which are worth an afternoon and skipping a round of golf...blasphemy I know!) and I played Lahinch. Everyone on here saying play Lahinch is spot on.  It's one of my favorite courses I've ever played and one of the most fun days of golf I've ever played.  I loved it.  It was windier and chillier because the sun never came out, but I was dry and had a blast with the two aussies I was paired up with. 


In ten days we had two of rain.  A partial day in Dublin, and then a full day up in the NW (which is pretty standard there I think).  Otherwise it was the usual, coat on, coat off, coat on, coat off type Irish weather.  Plus as I've read and heard, no flies in May! 


I don't think you'll regret it. I can't wait to go back with buddies some day!


PJ
~ PJ

“Golf... is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”
― P.G. Wodehouse

Kevin Pallier

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #17 on: February 07, 2017, 08:49:19 PM »
Tim

I did my sojourn to Ireland in May and copped only 2 terrible weather days (ie: sideways rain).

However, I think its part of the pure links experience to play some golf in the wind / rain. Enjoy what you are given.

Bill Healy

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #18 on: February 08, 2017, 04:07:36 PM »
Tom,
Last May 2016, we played in bright sunshine for seven days.
In May 2015, we played in cold, rainy, windy weather.
Go for it and have fun!
Bill Healy

Ian Andrew

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #19 on: February 08, 2017, 10:55:39 PM »

Enjoy! There are no wrong places to go, just don't try to overdo the travel.
As others have said, pick a general area and stick to that.


I've gone to the UK - in April - 7 of last 10 years.
You will get some bad weather - but you can get that mid-summer too - it's actually a good time to be there.


Pack well, you must have a great rain suit and waterproof shoes.
Remember, the wildest round is usually the most fun to play.




I'm off to the north coast of Ireland this April to see Ballyliffen, Portsalon and Rossapenna.
Bet there not even on your list - there's so much to enjoy.

With every golf development bubble, the end was unexpected and brutal....

Sean Walsh

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Re: Ireland Golf in May
« Reply #20 on: February 10, 2017, 10:20:44 PM »
I liked parts of Ballyliffen Old and Rosapenna as much as I like the best parts of The Eden (and for me that's very high praise). Other parts of both properties, not so much..

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