South-West Ireland
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When one thinks of golf in Ireland, it is the magical places in the South-West that are top-of-mind. Just the names of the courses alone conjures up images of whimsical links and beautiful seascapes…Lahinch, Tralee, Ballybunion…the words roll easily off the tongue.
Ballybunion and Lahinch are the elder statesmen of the area, each being considered amongst the top 20 courses in the world. Both have jaw-dropping dunes and breathtaking views of the sea, not to mention a collection of holes that engage the golfer from first tee to eighteenth green. Two newcomers have exploded onto the scene and made South-West Ireland one of the top handful of golf destinations in the entire world. Doonbeg is Greg Norman’s crown jewel of his design business. Built within massive dunes that reach right to the sea’s edge, the course can make the claim of having the best conditioned greens in Ireland. Old Head is not for the faint of heart with its cliff top setting. The entire golf course is built on a peninsula that drops 300 feet to the waves below, affording stunning views from all points. Not to be overshadowed, the links at Waterville has crept into the conversation as a world top 100 course, while Tralee, an Arnold Palmer design, is one of the most scenic courses in the world. Throw in the charming links at Dooks and you see why the South-West of Ireland is a must for any golfer. |