Great Golf in Northern Ireland
Less Crowds and Greens Fees Add Up to Great Irish Golf Holiday
Sep 12, 2009
The southwest of Ireland is very popular with American golfers for good reason. The weather is typically tamer, there is an abundance of well-known golf courses and there are lots of touristy towns and sites to keep a visitor busy during non-golf times. But the price of golf in this part of the country can be truly steep and the crowds thick.
An alternative that offers up some of the most spectacular and challenging links in the world is the northwest coast in The Republic of Ireland along with the coast of Northern Ireland. These parts are prolific with wild fairways and clever greens that simply beg the golf lover to give them a go.
Untamed Beauty in Northwest Ireland
Enniscrone Golf Course is about a 45 minute drive from the village of Sligo located on the Northwest coast in Leitrim County. There are 18 stunning holes that roam throughout the towering dunes of the Enniscrone strand. Blind shots abound and slick, tricky greens keep you on your toes as you fight the elements of strong coastal winds. Greens fees are reasonable at about $45 US and they even offer up husband and wife specials.
Another outstanding yet decidedly challenging course is the Rosapenna Sandy Hills links located between the very scenic Sheephaven and Mulroy Bay on the Rosguill Peninsula. The geography of this area, north of the large village of Letterkenny, is breathtaking. Walking this course is not for the faint of heart as the inclines are steep, but that is only part of the challenge. Narrow fairways protected by thick dunes grass make this target golf at its best. Wild winds and rain, should the weather act up, add to the multiple calculations of how to properly survive each hole.
Greens fees are free to Rosapenna Hotel guests (a beautiful, luxurious hotel) and are very reasonable for non-guests at around $70 US (web special). The Downings Bay Hotel, which is virtually just down the road, offers up a terrific deal that includes a low room rate (daily breakfast included and and a dinner for two) plus two rounds of golf at Rosapenna.
A favorite 19th hole is in the town of Downings Bay called Harbour Bar. Live, traditional Irish music is served up in this small, intimate setting where you can share some good craic (conversation) with the locals.
The Country of Northern Ireland
This small, little country on the north of the Emerald Isle is a gem when it comes to beauty, scenery and golf. The Giant's Causeway coastline is stunning with its abundantly green pastures, sea views and historic sites. Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and Bushmill's are all located within a small perimeter. The villages of Portrush or Portstewart make great bases for this area, especially when it comes to the golf.
A standout was the Portstewart Strand course, particularly the front nine holes. A hugely elevated tee box above the fairway is the beginning of some amazing golf and could be the most dramatic opening hole to be found anywhere in the world. The Atlantic ocean is to your right, the wind is blasting across the tee box, and rolling links are to your left. The course is one of the finest to be seen anywhere, although the last three finishing holes could be considered a bit disappointing as 16 heads straight to the clubhouse, 17 goes back out, then 18 comes back to the clubhouse yet again. Greens fees are around $120 US, which is fairly remarkable for such a dramatic, exhilarating course.
The courses discussed are but a wee taste of what Northwest Ireland and Northern Ireland have to offer. Dig up a map of Ireland, buy a book on the local golf courses and begin to design a perfect Northern Isle golf getaway.
 |
 |
 |
