Golfers on the West Coast of Ireland

StevieOB1888

Hi All, This is my 1st post and I am looking for some local knowledge from you golfers on the West Coast of the country. I am looking to move to Ireland with my family (from Scotland) but have still to choose my location. I am looking at the west coast only and would appreciate some info on the best courses to join (both in terms of money and becoming a member). I am looking at Co. Kerry and Clare and perhaps Galway. I know it is pretty vague but any info would be appreciated. I like the look of the good links courses like Waterville, Tralee, Lahinch and Ballybunion but not sure how and how much they are and how easy it is to join these type of courses as I do not know anyone (yet!).

If there are any recommendations for nice towns/villages near the coast, I am all ears.

Thanks in advance
Stevie

Doc Daneeka

Welcome Stevie. I love it, let golf pick your new home!

Can give you a little info on Waterville. Membership was opened for maybe up to 20 new members in the last couple of years. About half of these have been filled as far as I know. Sub is about €700. The sting is there is a joining fee of somewhere in the region of 8k to 10k.

Doc

StevieOB1888

Too right about golf dictating where i stay. I couln't imagine staying too far away from a course.
Thanks for the info, subs are fine but a hefty joining fee!
If my lottery numbers come in its not a problem, or if a get a cheaper house. Problem is my son will also being joining and I have another who is showing a nice swing.

cheers

Clareman

Lehinch is a lovely course, in fact it has 2, I'm not sure of the price of joining, but as with all well established links courses it is difficult. Doonbeg down the road is open as well, lovely course and club house. I think you can pretty much take it for granted than any course will let you join, but you'll have to ring a few to get more information, I know that Doonbeg was doing an offer for returning folks (i.e. people moving to Clare), but not sure about the details.

Off the top of my head, golf courses in Clare
Ennis (my course), fantastic condition, tight course, not long but you'll have to use every club in your bag. Membership is €700 year, no joining sub, this was removed last year due to dropping number of members
Woodstock, fine course but not in great condition, rumours of financial difficulties, I never play well there Same price as Ennis
Lahinch - 2 courses, 1 legendary (Old Course), 1 tight enough (Castle).
Kilrush - long course, again rumours of financial difficulties, I believe membership is ~€500
Kilkee - nice little links course usually overlooked because of the other great courses nearby, again I think membership is ~€500
Doonbeg - New course, Jack Nicklaus designed, fantastic club house, I've heard stories of it being very expensive but don't have any details.
Dromoland - Fantastic course, really enjoy playing there, I don't have any details on prices.
Shannon - see Dromoland
East Clare - again nice course, rumours of financial difficulties, if it's in good condition it's a great course, European Seniors tour have played there.
Spanish Point - 9 hole links course

The_Architect

Stevie,

If you are genuinely choosing a place to live based on golf, there is no better answer than Lahinch.

Aside from the golf course being perhaps the greatest fun to play in the whole country, the town of Lahinch is diverse and a lovely place to stay. The whole town lives and breathes golf (and surfing these days) and you'd be able to stroll down to the 1st tee as it plays from the centre.

There is a good second course that is ideal for beginners and children.

Drop them a letter, explain your situation and that good golf is driving you, explain that you want to get involved and get your kids involved and they may be open to the idea. It is a competitive place to join but most clubs would welcome the enthusiasm.

StevieOB1888

Thanks for the helpful replies. I will focus my house search near Watrerville and Lahinch I think. Will probably make contact with the clubs in advance as see what is the best option.
Cheers

Stevie

Mr. Rager

Galway has some great courses too. If you live in the city, you would be near galway golf club, galway bay country club, barna and Oughterard. Further out around the county, there's some beautiful courses like portumna and connemara links.