In the last installment of Baker’s Blog, we explored several of the less heralded and overlooked links of Scotland. Like The Home of Golf, Ireland is also home to numerous off-the-radar courses which are not only worthy of play, but just might provide as many lasting memories as their Top-100 brethren.
For those looking to journey off the well worn path during an Ireland golf trip, here’s 5 destinations to consider for the itinerary.
The Island
The legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin once remarked that The Island was… “The best course in Ireland that you’ve never heard of. Play it, and tell no one.” Enough people have ignored his advice to keep The Island a secret that one might say the course has one foot on the well worn path. If you’re in the Dublin area, play it… We’re pretty sure you’ll then tell everyone.
Ardglass
While driving north from Royal County Down to Royal Portrush, we suggest making a slight detour to Ardglass. This is another links which has gained some rightfully earned notoriety of late, yet it is still often overlooked by the hopscotching golfer. The question you’ll likely ask yourself – while standing on the first tee, along the cliff’s edge, in the shadow of a 14th century castle turned clubhouse – is why anyone would ever choose to keep on driving.
The Northwest
If an entire region of golf can be considered off the well worn path, then it is most certainly Ireland’s Northwest. The remote nature of the region often leads to it being overlooked in favor of its cousins to the East or South, but the golf here is no less worthy of a trip across the pond. The courses at Carne, Enniscrone, County Sligo, Narin & Portnoo and many others are brilliant tests of links golf, played through rugged dunes that at times can best be described as “lunar.” Most are unlikely to make the trip to the Northwest on their first, or even second, time to Ireland, however the seasoned Irish traveler will surely enjoy this corner of the country.
Dooks
When your neighbors are Lahinch, Ballybunion, and Waterville, standing out in the crowd is no easy task. For our friends at Dooks Golf Club, the stunning, yet almost understated, natural beauty of the links serves as their best marketing asset. The course – recently updated by Martin Hawtree – is a delightful stroll along the shores of Dingle Bay, through various natural flora, and in the shadow of the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountains. Yet it’s the gracious hospitality and unique club logo – the rather hideous Natterjack Toad – which is sure to earn a place in the memory bank for years to come.
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Although the famous links courses are understandably Ireland’s biggest draw, those looking to venture off the beaten path should consider turning inland. Perhaps the finest choice among the parkland courses is the Killeen at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club. This former host of the Irish Open is within easy reach to the links of Southwest Ireland, and is also convenient for a visit to Killarney National Park. A perfect pairing of Golf and the Good Life if there ever was one.
What is your favorite “Off the Path” course in Ireland?
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