Wonderful Ireland with Joe and CarolAnn
Joe and CarolAnn are members of Lemon Bay Golf Club in Southwest Florida. To say they’re keen golfers is an understatement! Both very accomplished, they play several times a week, often choosing to play together. And each just love to beat the other! This trip to Ireland was designed to allow them to enjoy all the fine courses in the South West of the island, and we agreed on an itinerary that offered three bases over 13 days.
The first stop after flying into Shannon airport was a short hop to Trump Doonbeg. We know that President Trump can be a divider but his golf resorts are amazing and both the hotel and the course at Doonbeg are spectacular. They played Doonbeg itself on day one followed by Lahinch on day two. Both courses were challenging but they loved them and the thrill of playing great links courses was clear.
On day three we checked out of Doonbeg and using the quick ferry crossing across the Shannon river it was only a short transfer to Ballybunion. Now Ballybunion is consistently in the top 10 courses in Ireland and it’s high dunes and narrow fairways explains why. By this time the ongoing competition between the two was heating up. CarolAnn took full advantage of playing from the ladies’ forward tees and complained loudly when Joe’s tee was, in her opinion, too generous! It was all in very good fun, and a win or loss taken in great spirit.
From Ballybunion we headed to Killarney – to the 5 star Hotel Europe to be precise. The Europe was perfect. Located just a few miles outside the busy wee town of Killarney, it offered everything they wanted – a beautiful room overlooking the lake, a fabulous spa and gym for Joe to work out each morning, and a great range of eateries on site.
Spending 5 nights there, they played The Dooks, Waterville and Killarney Golf and Country Club as well as doing The Gap of Dunloe Adventure and a Couples Spa day for some well earned RandR. The golf was great – but they were blown away by the Gap. They sailed down Killarney Lake before transferring to a horse and jaunting cart for two, driven by their Jarvie who was full of chat, information and fun.
The Gap of Dunloe is a single track through the mountains. It was the last place in Ireland to have electricity and remains very remote, only accessed by walking or by carts. The views were spectacular. It was a day away from golf but definitely not to be missed.
On day nine we were heading to our final destination – the beautiful harbour town of Kinsale.With it’s medieval heritage and colourful buildings it’s quite charming and Joe and CarolAnn loved it. Kinsale has developed quite the reputation as a foodie resort, and friends had given dinner recommendations which we booked well in advance so as not to be disappointed.
They loved everything about Kinsale and knew that a round on Old Head awaited them.
Playing Old Head would be, for many, the pinnacle of any golf trip to this corner of Ireland but the forecast for the day they had scheduled was worrying. It is such a fabulous track – a spit of land jutting dramatically into the Atlantic, with every hole offering spectacular views – it would be such a shame to have it spoiled by rain and wind.
Never daunted, we negotiated with the booking staff and they managed to change the day of play, allowing them to enjoy their last round of golf to the max. A birdie on hole 18 was the cherry on the top of what had been a fabulous cake!
So, 13 days of an Irish experience was over. They were more than happy and absolutely loved the whole experience. Here’s to 2027 when they plan to do it all again with us – this time in Scotland. We can’t wait!
Start your booking journey today!
Discover more about the The Links Connection Swings and to begin planning your golfing trip of a lifetime to Scotland, Ireland (or maybe both).
