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Mike Hendren

  • Total Karma: -1
SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« on: March 06, 2019, 01:29:20 PM »
I'm planning on heading over with the Mrs. in September and will likely schedule golf every other day or so.  As a couple we have this approach down pat.  Preliminary thoughts include flight into Shannon with overnights book-ended at Dingle and Lahinch/Doolin.   Golf at Sandfield House Pitch & Putt, Lahinch, Ballybunion Old, Dingle and Castlegregory. 

Maybe one more round among Dooks, Tralee or Ballybunion Cashen.  While a hacker I'm leaning toward Cashen for a nice game of cartball and pick-em-up.   Make your case among these three and feel free to offer other advice. 

Kindest regards,

Bogey
« Last Edit: March 06, 2019, 01:33:41 PM by Michael H »
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....

Jason Topp

  • Total Karma: 1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2019, 02:01:58 PM »
My advice is to let logistics decide between your options.   


Cashen is a beautiful piece of property and I enjoyed the course even if it does not fit within ones concept of an ideal links.


Tralee is a beautiful property with some stunning and unconventional holes. 


Dooks is a charmer that makes me think of Brora.  It probably has the least resort-like feel of any of the options. 

Jon Claydon

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2019, 02:08:30 PM »
can't go wrong with Dooks.  But, I enjoy the Cashen more than most, and you have the added bonus of potentially staying at the 19th Hole Lodge with Mary and Jim Beasley.  You can also get a pint at Mikey Jo's and enjoy great conversation. 

If you're down south far enough, Park Hotel in Kenmare is a great spot to spend a night. 

Mike Sweeney

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2019, 04:22:02 PM »
With Mrs Bogey along, I would definitely go to Cork Ireland, which is 2 hours from Ballybunion. I have not been there, but everyone raves about the town and food. Obviously Ireland is not known for food, but Cork seems to be the best on the Island.

Bogey might even get an extra round in at Cork GC = Alister MacKenzie.

Happy wife, happy life...
"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Bob Jenkins

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2019, 06:04:43 PM »



Bogey,


I too will be in that part of Ireland with my sweeetie in September and am hoping to get a few rounds under my belt. It would be great if you could send an email and we can compare our planned whereabouts and the possibility of getting together. After a year of hardly any golf due to knee problems I will still be trying to find my game again or maybe I will just continue to hack my way around.


Thanks,


Bob J

jeffwarne

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2019, 06:39:57 PM »
Normally I'd say Dooks-charming and incredibly scenic...but last time I was there it felt very "on the beaten path" and was unpleasantly crowded with tourists compounded by multiple singles and two balls roaring through with nowhere to go
The Cashen cart ball experience is not bad (I'm pretty sure the green fee is included with Old so it will probably be quite busy)
I must say I'm a sucker for Killarney Mahoney's Point though and could certainly be part of a nice drive on the Ring of Kerry.


Staying in Dingle is a good call-enjoy and be sure to arrive via Dingle Pass at least one day if the weather is good.


If you do wander down to The Ring of Kerry, and it's a nice day...stop in and play 9 hole Parknasilla-enchanting on a sunny day
"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

Tommy Williamsen

  • Total Karma: 2
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2019, 10:26:04 AM »
Dingle/Ring of Kerry is one of the most charming and well worn tourist path in Ireland. I'd trade Dingle in and play Dooks. I'd rather play Tralee than Cashen. Not sure if you are into hiking but Carrauntoohil is the tallest mt in Ireland. I'd also be certain to check out the beehive huts and Gallarus Oratory, remnants of eighth century monks. If you feel adventurous take a boat to Skellig Michael. There is so much to do there that golf every other day is a good schedule.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2019, 10:29:24 AM by Tommy Williamsen »
Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

jeffwarne

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2019, 11:32:02 AM »
Do not  "trade in" Dingle (i kow you won't)
it has not yet succumbed-part of the charm of that entire peninsula is that it's just remote enough


I've donet he boat trip to and climb up Skellig Michael-I do not recommend it and I was 28 at the time(it's a whole 'nother climate out there and those Star Wars pictures are a 1 in 365 day occurence.) Seasick passeners and 40mph wind driven rain  with waves breaking over boat on a day it was 65 , calm and sunny at the dock-
"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

Mike Hendren

  • Total Karma: -1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #8 on: March 07, 2019, 11:57:42 AM »
What ho, Jeff.  Thanks for the heads up on Skilling Michael - I was keenly interested but the Mrs. gets seasick just thinking about a boat voyage.  Won't skip Dingle - I like to see a spectrum of courses when I visit, hence the pitch-n-putt, Dingle and Castlegregory alongside the "bigs." 

JT, good call on logistics.  I like to stay put a few days in each locale. 

Tommy, excellent non-golf suggestions.  Those 8th century monks were earlier adopters, no?

Sweeney, I was hoping you'd recommend a course as the "Cape A" or Ireland!" 

Look forward to other suggestions.  This site is a treasure-trove for travel.  Many thanks.

Kindest regards,

Mike
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....

Cliff Hamm

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #9 on: March 07, 2019, 12:25:13 PM »
Dingle and Doolin are great calls. Dingle is delightful as a mid size town. Great place to stay for Lahinch  Tour the Dingle peninsula, but get a driver.  You can get one at the visitors center, downtown next to the harbor. 


Recommended over Ring of Kerry.  No need to do both and Dingle is more scenic and less crowded. Cost a few years back was about $25-30.  Well worth it.  Driving in Ireland is not easy and if you drive Dingle u will miss the beyond gorgeous scenery.  Extremely narrow and at times only one lane.


 Doolin is a very small town less than a 1/2 hr from the cliffs of moher.  2 pubs, known for  Irish trad music.  Great fun!


I would second Cork Golf Club.  Not links but when I played hard and firm with few holes on water.  The front was as good as it gets.  Just excellent. Tjhe back is also very solid. Members are most welcoming and you likely won't see another American...that's a good thing.  Also keeps the price to under $100.  Underrated and off the radar for tourists...


Cork is Ireland's second largest city.  Drive 30 minutes past it and go to Kinsale.  Believe me you won't regret it.  It is the sister city to Newport RI.  Excellent food and sits on the harbor.
« Last Edit: March 07, 2019, 07:17:14 PM by Cliff Hamm »

Tommy Williamsen

  • Total Karma: 2
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #10 on: March 07, 2019, 12:32:25 PM »
Do not  "trade in" Dingle (i kow you won't)
it has not yet succumbed-part of the charm of that entire peninsula is that it's just remote enough


I've donet he boat trip to and climb up Skellig Michael-I do not recommend it and I was 28 at the time(it's a whole 'nother climate out there and those Star Wars pictures are a 1 in 365 day occurence.) Seasick passeners and 40mph wind driven rain  with waves breaking over boat on a day it was 65 , calm and sunny at the dock-


C'mon Jeff, I am 72 and did it a few years ago. Not every day blows 40mph.
Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Mike Sweeney

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #11 on: March 07, 2019, 12:40:38 PM »


I would second Cork Golf Club.  Not links but when I played hard and firm with few holes on water.  The front was as good as it gets.  Just excellent. Tjhe back is also very solid. Members are most welcoming and you likely won't see another American...that's a good thing.  Also keeps the price to under $100.  Underrated and off the radar for tourists...


Cork is Ireland's second largest city.  Drive 30 minutes past it and go to Kinsale.  Believe me you won't regret it.  It is the sister city to Newport RI.  Excellent food and sits on the harbor.


Bogey,


Cliff refined what I was thinking:
  • Cork GC = Cape A
  • Kinsale (not Cork) = Kennebunkport
If "The Boss" was included on this summer's Father & Son trip (she is not!), I would follow Cliff's model.


Slainte
"One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us."

Dr. Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Tommy Williamsen

  • Total Karma: 2
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #12 on: March 07, 2019, 12:53:50 PM »
Michael, early Irish monastic practices fell into two distinct parts: hermits and communities. Irish monasticism has its roots in the sixth century. Ireland is replete with early monks. Many took their inspiration from the desert fathers and mothers of the fourth and fifth centuries.They became solitaries. Monastic communities were different from contemporary monasteries. They were communities of families with an elected "abbot" as its head. They gathered in community for protection. As to their theology, it was a mix or Christian thought and Celtic practice. Early Irish Christianity had a flavor all its own. I love the wedding of the the two spiritualities.
Early Irish thought spoke of "thin places." Those are places where the access between heaven and earth is thin and the gods are close at hand. There are some ethereal places in Ireland that don't exist anywhere else. I think that is why Ireland has some incredible mystical poets. I love the island for all kinds of reasons and make an annual month long retreat at the Cistercian monastery outside Carlow.
Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

jeffwarne

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #13 on: March 07, 2019, 10:27:34 PM »
Do not  "trade in" Dingle (i kow you won't)
it has not yet succumbed-part of the charm of that entire peninsula is that it's just remote enough


I've donet he boat trip to and climb up Skellig Michael-I do not recommend it and I was 28 at the time(it's a whole 'nother climate out there and those Star Wars pictures are a 1 in 365 day occurence.) Seasick passeners and 40mph wind driven rain  with waves breaking over boat on a day it was 65 , calm and sunny at the dock-


C'mon Jeff, I am 72 and did it a few years ago. Not every day blows 40mph.


Good to hear but that was one scary trip-water in the boat, waves breaking over the sides of the boat-bitter cold water(and it was August) There was no passenger cabin-just folding chairs on a deck and the side of the boat to cling to.
when we got to Skellig Michael the Captain roared it up on top of the swells and I literally had to toss my wife onto the rock landing before jumping myself. I'm of course looking for the gift shop at this point which of course didn't exist. Staying on the boat was not an option(per the Captain) and we were left to scale the steep, winding, exposed slippery railingless steps to the top to seek refuge in a stone behive and await the Captain's return in 2 hours_i still remember crawling in the unlit damp dark beehive and realizing there was another couple cowering in there as well. My wife pulled out a dramamine and we had to debate whether to split it or not for the ride back.
The return trip was equally bad if not worse as far as driven rain/waves but much faster.
When we got within sight of land several of the passengers were crying and the Captain announced we weren't going to shore until eeryone had paid up.
nd of course it was 65 and partly sunny back at the dock.....
"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

Mike Hendren

  • Total Karma: -1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #14 on: May 02, 2019, 12:34:00 PM »
Trying to sort my trip and wondering if I'll have any trouble getting on Ballybunion  and Lahinch as a single in early October.   It appears that Ballybunion online reservations are only available through 9/30 and that Lahinch shows no internet times available and/or tee times reserved in the first week of October.  I'm guessing times will open up as the dates approach.  Should I contact them directly?  Suggestions appreciated.

Mike
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....

Michael Whitaker

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #15 on: May 02, 2019, 12:58:16 PM »
With Mrs Bogey along, I would definitely go to Cork Ireland, which is 2 hours from Ballybunion. I have not been there, but everyone raves about the town and food. Obviously Ireland is not known for food, but Cork seems to be the best on the Island.

Bogey might even get an extra round in at Cork GC = Alister MacKenzie.

Happy wife, happy life...
Another vote for Cork... especially with the Mrs.  Fun town with lots to see and do. She can really entertain herself while you play Cork GC.

Also, Dooks is a joy. One of my most favorites.
"Solving the paradox of proportionality is the heart of golf architecture."  - Tom Doak (11/20/05)

Ally Mcintosh

  • Total Karma: 1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #16 on: May 02, 2019, 01:45:25 PM »
Trying to sort my trip and wondering if I'll have any trouble getting on Ballybunion  and Lahinch as a single in early October.   It appears that Ballybunion online reservations are only available through 9/30 and that Lahinch shows no internet times available and/or tee times reserved in the first week of October.  I'm guessing times will open up as the dates approach.  Should I contact them directly?  Suggestions appreciated.

Mike


Hi Mike,


Both courses can be extremely busy, even in to October. I would definitely call them to put your mind at rest, even though you sound quite flexible. Far easier dealing over the phone than through the internet.


Ally

jeffwarne

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #17 on: May 02, 2019, 09:09:25 PM »
Trying to sort my trip and wondering if I'll have any trouble getting on Ballybunion  and Lahinch as a single in early October.   It appears that Ballybunion online reservations are only available through 9/30 and that Lahinch shows no internet times available and/or tee times reserved in the first week of October.  I'm guessing times will open up as the dates approach.  Should I contact them directly?  Suggestions appreciated.

Mike


Contact them directly-you will have no problems though you may run into them not having a group to put you with (yet) with online reservations not open at that point
as a single, waiting will not be a problem as they won't give you a tee time, but can pair you with a group once there are some on the books
"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

Jeff Schley

  • Total Karma: -3
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #18 on: May 03, 2019, 06:13:25 AM »
I'll be there with a golfing buddy in early June and just staying at a B&B near Kerry. Can't wait.
"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice your gifts."
- Steve Prefontaine

Mike Hendren

  • Total Karma: -1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #19 on: May 03, 2019, 10:13:14 AM »
Have been advised that they close to visitor play after October 4th.  A bit of a gut punch.  What sayeth the treehouse - on to Tralee or Waterville? 

Bogey
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....

Ed Brzezowski

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #20 on: May 03, 2019, 10:30:26 AM »
Have been advised that they close to visitor play after October 4th.  A bit of a gut punch.  What sayeth the treehouse - on to Tralee or Waterville? 

Bogey


either is good, both a blast to play.


Outside Dingle is a place called Canen Siebel. Cool course where English is the second language. Nice course with killer good views.
We have a pool and a pond, the pond would be good for you.

Ally Mcintosh

  • Total Karma: 1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #21 on: May 03, 2019, 11:25:13 AM »
Have been advised that they close to visitor play after October 4th.  A bit of a gut punch.  What sayeth the treehouse - on to Tralee or Waterville? 

Bogey


There has to be someone on here can help you. Drop an IM to Patrick Glynn on Lahinch - although I haven’t seen him post on here for a while, he’s always willing to help.


Ally

jeffwarne

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #22 on: May 03, 2019, 10:01:44 PM »
Have been advised that they close to visitor play after October 4th.  A bit of a gut punch.  What sayeth the treehouse - on to Tralee or Waterville? 

Bogey


I'm a big fan of Waterville(and the drive is spectacular)...but if you choose Tralee you can hit Dingle the town(very worthwhile)(and/or the course), or Castlegregory for 9-with a pretty special drive down to Dingle as well.
I'll even make the ludicrous statement that both would be my choice over Ballybunion(for the combination of golf, scenery, drive and towns)
"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

RJ_Daley

  • Total Karma: 0
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #23 on: May 04, 2019, 01:06:38 AM »
You didn't say how many days you have to work with.  I got lucky and had great weather for a full 2 weeks, tooling around the southern Republic loop.  Considering you'll have your non golfer wife along and we ain't getting any younger, I'd say to ease up on wearing yourselves out with rushing from golf course to course.  Obviously along the areas you are contemplating, the most outstanding things to experience are the ROK and the Dingle-Slea Head drive.  Conveniently, Dooks works well for ROK, and Ceann Sibeal works for Dingle.  Wife can have a lovely day exploring Kilarney whilst you drive the 1\2 hour to Dooks, and you can explore the near attractive scenery around Killarney before dark.  Then, take a slow and exploratory day to circumnavigate the entire ROK stopping frequently for attractions and the short hiking paths from scenic car park lots.  Then, try to schedule your Dingle days on weekend so you can play the more Irish community style Ceann Sibeal, where your wife can stroll about the neighborhood or take the car around the near region, will feel comfortable hanging about the friendly clubhouse for the 3 1\2 hours you are playing, then finish the day slowly circling Slea Head drive, with stops at Ryan's Daughter and Bee Hives, etc.  Finish your day on a pub crawl where you should find a handful of pubs with real trad musicians.  There is good food everywhere.

If you end up in Cork, the city center is very nice for shop browsing for Mrs., and try not to miss Cohb not too far from Cork CC.  Cohb was last land seen by Titanic and there are Titanic and Lusitania attractions, and the outstanding St. Colman Cathedral- a lovely town walk-about.
« Last Edit: May 04, 2019, 01:09:29 AM by RJ_Daley »
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Mike Hendren

  • Total Karma: -1
Re: SW Ireland w/ Non-Golfing Sweetie
« Reply #24 on: May 06, 2019, 03:07:49 PM »
Thanks to all for the recommendations.  Moved the trip up a few days and am good to go at Lahinch and Ballybunion Old.  Hoping to access Doolin Pitch and Putt as well - please advise if you know a guy.  Other golf likely on the fly, but to include Dooks and Dingle.   Three nights in Doolin at Sea View House, four nights in Dingle at Pax House and 3 nights in Kenmare at Park Hotel - perhaps stealing away to Cork while the Mrs. enjoys the spa.   One night in Adare for the Mrs. while I'm hacking it around Ballybunion.

Boom,

Bogey
Two Corinthians walk into a bar ....