In Ireland golf courses abound, both links and parklands varieties, about 410 in total, and this is a good number compared to the population of almost 6 million (4 million people in the Republic of Ireland, and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland). Ireland is one of the world's great venues for a dream golfing holiday.
Links golf courses are usually found around the coastline where they've been scratched out of the abundant sand dunes, where the wind often challenges players, especially on the west Atlantic Coast side of the island. Their designers have also used the proximity of water to make the game on these courses more interesting. One of the most famous links courses is the Ballybunion Old Course, whose contures and sea breazes challenge every player.
Parkland golf courses are mainly inland amongst the naturally hilly landscape where woodlands provide tree-lined fairways, which are used to advantage by their designers to test the competence of even the best of the pros. A notable parkland's course is the K Club just outside Dublin, which has been chosen to hold the Ryder Cup in September 2006. The Slieve Russell course in the Irish midlands is also another fine example.
Seven of Ireland golf courses are included in a list of the best 100 golf courses worldwide (Golf Digest)
They are: In Northern Ireland: Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce) and the Royal County Down In the Irish Republic: the "Old" club of Ballybunion (in the 1st ten world ranking), Lahinch, Portmarnock, The European Club and Waterville.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Golf high season: June, July, August Mid season: May, September, October Low season: November through to April
Book tee times well in advance of your vacation. About 20% of Ireland golf courses have their own website on which you can make a booking. Visit the author's website to see a list of them.
Take care of how you dress. You may have difficulty at some venues if you do not take notice of the following advice regarding clothing. Wear proper shirts with sleeves and collars, golf shoes and sports socks, trousers or smart, tailored shorts. Clothes NOT TO WEAR include - denims, short shorts, trainer shoes or runners, track suits, sweaters without shirts, clothing with slogans.
Always be at the course well before your tee time. Most courses allow spikes - some encourage their use in wet weather. Many links courses do not allow motorised golf buggies because of the hilly terrain.
Take your handicap certificate with you as many golf courses will insist on visualising it. The handicap limit will usually be 28 for men, and 36 for women.
If you are taking your own golf clubs with you, you'll need to acquire a very strong golf bag to protect them during manhandling by luggage personnel. Some find an easier solution is to hire golfing equipment in Ireland, in which case this should be done at the earliest time, when booking tee times.
You'll find a friendly welcome not only from the Irish golfing community, but also from the population in general. Ireland has now become a very popular venue for a stimulating golfing vacation.
Then we have your solution, leave for Ireland tomorrow and take your clubs with you. An Ireland Golf Tour allows you to visit sights and views that are unbelievable.
Ireland is arguably one of the world's most beautiful vacation destinations. Rolling hills, Mountain streams, buildings and Townships that are centuries old.
Imagine the sight of dew filled fairways glistening in the morning sun and your there with your friends and your golf clubs.
Take your time and research which golf courses you would want to play. All have different amenities so you can pick exactly what you are looking for.
The Balbriggan Golf Course is located 20 miles north of Dublin. It was originally a 9-hole golf course but has been expanded to 18 holes now.
It offers scenic views and even though there is not to much water to contend with it still offers the challenge most golfers are looking for. The social calendar, club, and restaurant are beyond compare.
Beech Park Golf Club is another fine destination with great reviews on their 18-hole golf course and amenities.
Eddie Hackett the designer of Enniscrone, Malahide and the Links at Waterville & Killarney designed it. The golf course offers a 18 hole Parkland Course with a newly renovated club house for that 19th hole.
If you are looking for a smaller city than Dublin, try Cork. Cork is located in the Southwest Region of Ireland. With its picturesque coastlines and surrounding Townships, Cork is truly one spectacular place.
The Cork Golf Club is known as one of the finest inland courses. Playable year round it has hosted many Professional as well as Amateur Championships. The Golf Club and Course was founded in 1888 so it has a lot of history behind it.
Located only 5 miles from Cork City, this golf course is one of the more beautiful courses in all of Ireland and is challenging for players of all skill levels.
East Cork Golf Club is not as old as the Cork Golf Club but it offers more of the World Famous beauty that is Ireland. It is located three miles north of Middleton.
It was converted into a golf course from what used to be a dairy farm and is located between to rivers making for a spectacular Parkland setting. It is another 18-hole golf course that provides a challenge for players of all skill levels.
Harbor Point Golf Club is another example of the quality of the golf courses in Ireland. Located on Little Island six miles from Cork City. The 9th and 18th holes overlook Lough Maher.
The large undulating greens and densely tree-lined fairway on this 18-hole golf course make for a challenging afternoon.
Mallow Golf Club is the prefect choice for those who want the rural look of a course and the view of majestic mountain ranges.
The course is a tree lined Parkland course that was redesigned to make a more challenging course without making it unplayable for the non-professional player.
There are hundreds of Golf Courses located throughout Ireland. Many are built on rolling foothills making for the most of a relaxing vacation.
Strolling through one of the World oldest civilizations, walking upon the land that Legends fought for and songs were written about would make for the perfect Golf vacation.
The courses that were designed by Eddie Hackett have been described as being cut out of the ground with Gods own sword. There are other famous course designers that have spent the time to make Ireland one great place to golf.
When you think about land like Ireland its not hard to envision spectacular courses built to up your game. Give it a try and enjoy your vacation.
Reed Langdon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Career Change, Politics and Pets. Reed Langdon is an avid golfer now living in Northern Thailand with his family. He has traveled the world and enjoyed many Golfing experiences. Visit his website for more information on Golfing news and adventures. Reed Langdon's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.