Golf holidays in western Ireland are certain to be a memorable ones. The region includes counties Clare, Galway and Mayo and the spectacular scenery of The Burren, Connemara and Erris. The original Hackett links at Carne remains our favourite Irish golf course and squeezes into the value bracket as it would be a shame for anyone not to play this unmissable links.
Unfortunately Carne is the only links course to be considered great value (although Strandhill is no that far outside the region). Fortunately there are several inland courses that can be considered some of which are outstanding value for money. These include Westport, Ballinrobe, Castlebar, Galway, Gort, Shannon, East Clare and Woodstock.
Westport Town rivals Killarney as a visitor destination and features freqeuently on suggested golf itineraries to western Ireland given its relative proximity to Carne and having three fine inland courses close by. Westport golf course itself is a renowened championship course overlooking Clew Bay and across to Croagh Patrick - the par-3 12th is only 220 yards but can play a par-4 into the wind. Ballinrobe is a course on the grounds of an old agricultural college - perhaps a reason for its truly wonderful greens. Castlebar completes a trio of great value courses -- a new national road project has meant that Castlebar has received the attention of both Peter McEvoy and Jeff Howes to provide a course that befits the majestic surroundings.
Galway city is probably Ireland's best visitor city with its lively atmosphere along the pedestrianised streets of the city centre. Galway golf course is an old traditional course and club that provides an intersting and scenic round just oustide the city. Gort is a course on the edge of the Burren region and as an O'Connor Jnr. design is great golf value in a nutshell. Other courses near Galway that may be included here in future are Oughterard (on the shores of Lough Corrib) and Bearna (in the hills overlooking Galway Bay). Galway Bay golf course has moved into the premier price bracket in recent years.
Ennis is the principal town of County Clare and close to Shannon Airport. Shannon golf course is a proper inland golf course that can be affected by the wind blowing off the Shannon Estuary. Shannon has seen some famous names from the past grace its fairways including Ballesteros and Norman. East Clare is in rural countryside and deserves considertion as does Woodstock golf course just outside Ennis. Those seeking a round of links golf may consider the Castle Course at Lahinch.
As with Galway Bay, Dromoland golf course has drifted into the premier price bracket in recent years.
The golf courses of western Ireland are geographically spread and many alternatives are avaiable for accommodation along the way. As ever choices are required between staying at a base and adding travel, or changing accommodation more often to reduce travel. Ballina, Westport, Lahinch and Ennis are the largest and 'hub' towns but there are plenty of smaller and local alternatives.
Lahinch is a popular seaside resort with a blue flag beach and all asoociated facilities and amenities. There are several choices of accommodation. An alternative, especially for parties with non-golfers, is the village of Doolin, west of Lahinch and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin is famous for Irish music in any of the three village pubs and is also a ferry point to the Aran Islands. Both Lahinch and Doolin are close to the unique Burren area.
Ennis, the county town of Clare, offers a larger urban centre and has two excellent 4**** hotels. It is a good base for both Lahinch (35 minutes) and Doonbeg (45 minutes) before departure from Shannon Airport (20 minutes).
For last nights close to Shannon Airport the village of Bunratty provides a choice of accommodations centred around the famous Bunratty Castle (medieveal banquets) and its associated folk park and the equally famous Durtie Nellies pub nearby.
As well as being 'the capital of Connemara', Clifden is the nearest acoomodation centre to Connemara golf links. It is worth taking a day off from golf to explore the magnificent scenery all around. Connemara can also be played on a day trip from Galway - obviously with less time for sightseeing.
Galway is probably Ireland's best city. The pedestrianised thoroughfare is busy and atmospheric both day and night and one is never too far from an excellent public house.
Westport rivals Killarney as Ireland's best visitor destination. It is a planned town beautiful in itself, but the attraction is the majestic scenery that can be found in all directions. Westport can be considered as a base when playing Connemara, Carne & Enniscrone although all three courses are over an hour away. There is also a fine parkalnd course at Westport.
Ballina is more famous for salmon fishing on the River Moy than for golf but nevertheless is an alternative base when playing Carne and Enniscrone with County Sligo only one hour east. Belmullet has a good 4**** hotel and is the accommodation preference when playing Carne on more than one day.
Ireland's west coast - in recent years marketed as the Wild Atlantic Way - is its star attraction and this region offers the best of both golf and attractions along the vast coastline. From the Loop Head Peninsula south of Doonbeg to the Céide Fields and Dún Briste sea stack on the north Mayo coast there are oodles of beautiful sights and interesting attractions, led by Connemara in County Galway and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
7 miles west of Lahinch are the stunning Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most visited attractions. Nearby is the village of Doolin, a gate way to the Aran Islands and famous for Irish music. Occupying the northwest corner of Clare is The Burren, a unique limestone landscape famous in equal measure for its flora, dolmens, Black Head drive and seafood at Monk's Bar in Ballyvaughan.
The Loop Head Peninsula is a less travelled gem - blow holes, Loop Head Lighhouse and dolphin trips on the Shannon Estuary from Carrigaholt. Closer to Shannon Airport Bunratty Castle and the adjacent Folk Park are popular.
Many believe that Connemara is the most beautiful part of Ireland. Vistas of sea, mountains and lakes abound and the light seems ever changing. Connemara National Park Visitor Centre & Kylemore Abbey are north of Clifden and nearby is Cleggan Pier from where ferries depart for beautiful Inishbofin Island. The Sky Road is a circular secbic route from Clifden while the little fishing village of Roundstone is on the south coast and connected to Clifden by the Old Bog Road.
From Clifden to Westport in County Mayo is one of Ireland's most scenic routes, leading past Kylemore Abbey and on past Kilary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
Wesport is a charming town and Westport House & Gardens are worth visiting. To the west is Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. Further west is Louisburgh and on to Roonagh Pier where ferries depart for Clare Island or Inishturk Island. Northwest of Westport is another stunning and very popular island, Achill Island (connected by landbridge).
Heading north to Belmullet and crossing vast blanket bog takes us to Ballycroy National Park. West of Belmullet, and home to Carne golf links, is the glorious Mullet Peninsula. Another spectacular drive along the North Mayo coast towards the village of Ballycastle and the Céide Fields, the earliest known site of organised agriculture in Ireland. Heading back to Ballina, a short diversion to Downpatrick Head and Dún Briste Sea Stack.
Inland, 18km from Westport, is the county town of Castlebar and nearby is the Museum of Country Life, part of the National Museum of Ireland. Also of interst may be the Foxford Woollen Mills located just south of Ballina.
Almost in the centre of County Mayo is Ireland West Airport at Knock, convenient for anywhere in Sligo, Galway or Mayo. Dublin Airport is 3-4 hours drive from the western region, Shannon Airport is in the south of the region.
From North America the Shannon Airport offers the most convenient access to County Clare although the modern road network from Dublin now means that Dublin Airport is just 2 hours more travel. Most other destinations in the western region are equidistant from both major airports.
Ireland West Airport has routes from Milan, Paris, Barcelona and Dusseldorf.
From the U.K. there are services Ireland West Airport from Edinburgh, Bristol, London, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, and Manchester.
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