The Irish Open is at Ballyliffen. Can't get much more different than Glashedy and Old.
Although The Old Links and Glashedy at Ballyliffin offer different kinds of links experiences, Glashedy was recently ranked #9 in the Republic of Ireland and The Old Links was #15. On the Doak Scale, both have a rating of 5, also suggesting little difference in ratings.
Many members prefer The Old Links due to the natural quality of the layout, related to the lack of much power equipment when the nine hole layout built in 1947 was altered and expanded in the early 70s, at very little cost and with donated labor. Some visitors also prefer the Old Links. The Glashedy originallly had the capacity for a lot more length and member tees add about 300 yards compared to The Old Links. Glsshedy has a par of 72 and The Old a par of 71. For the Irish Open, new tees were built for #2, #4, and #9, stretching length to up to 7500 yards.
Bunkering is fairly penal on both courses, but the depth of the Glsshedy bunkers is much greater.
When I travel there, I play each course about equally and often I base my choice on which one has a competition, people I am playing with, time affording quicker play.
The Old Links has one mediocre par three and Glashedy has a transition hole which is out of character with remaining holes. The remaining holes on each course offer varying degrees of difficulty, depending on wind magnitude and direction.
Charles Lund