Thanks for posting the article, Dave.
Been to the Northwest of Ireland on all 14 of my trips there, generally the area where I spent most of my time. My five week, trip in 2009 started with the must plays of the Southwest, up the west coast to Donegal, over to Northern Ireland, and back down to Dublin. The combination of accessible and more affordable golf, the welcoming character of the small town (some village like), the craic, and the opportunity for cultural immersion brought me back, over and over.
I spent about ten days in the area last summer and did two day trips over to the Valley Course in Portrush, got in rounds at the Ballyliffin courses, and played one round each at Murvagh, Sandy Hills, and St. Patrick's.
My experience in this area of Ireland, along with my first few trips to Australia, helped clarify to me the kind of golf travel experiences that worked best for me.
Charles Lund