Tom,
Thanks for your thoughts. A 5 or 6 was exactly where I would have expected you to place it.
Ken,
Second home because when I moved to Ireland in '99, I spent a lot of time in Clifden & Roundstone. We got married in the Zetland House in 2004 and still try and get away to Ballynahinch Castle for a weekend once a year.
I have been told that Hugh O'Neil did a good job and everyone I know swears by his character and passion so I'd be interested to see photos.
As for the club not using the best land for the best course, they had permitting difficulties when they developed the third nine, did they not (meaning one or two holes by the shore had to be abandoned)?... I wonder if this played its part when the original 18 was built?... But ideally, I agree: If the shore area could have been used instead of the land around 3-7 (albeit 6 is a lovely wee one-shot hole), then the course would have been another level up.
Ally