Golf in Kerry - ideas?

Anatom

I'm heading to Kerry shortly for a couple of days this week on me tod with the bag of clubs in the boot!! :D:D

I will DEFINITELY be playing Waterville and might get Dooks in on the way home, but I'm looking for that third round to really finish me off...

Has anyone any ideas about what's playing well and doesn't cost the earth to play?

Kevinmarkham

Anatom wrote: »

I'm heading to Kerry shortly for a couple of days this week on me tod with the bag of clubs in the boot!! :D:D

I will DEFINITELY be playing Waterville and might get Dooks in on the way home, but I'm looking for that third round to really finish me off...

Has anyone any ideas about what's playing well and doesn't cost the earth to play?

Depends where you're staying...

But if you're playing Waterville, then Skellig Bay is practically next door. Would strongly recommend it and it's not pricey. Photos here (although hole order has changed)

If you're looking for something simple, that's pretty and fun, then you could try Kenmare, right on the edge of town. Photos

I'd also recommend Beaufort, just outside Killarney and next to the Gap of Dunloe. Photos

None of these will set you back, price-wise... otherwise you're looking at one of the bigger lads - Killarney, or even Tralee or Ballybunion, depending on how much you want to drive.

curly from cork

Dont miss Dooks.. wonderful course.

link_2007

curly from cork wrote: »

Dont miss Dooks.. wonderful course.

Curly did you have your trip to Scotland yet?

bailey99

Steer well clear of the Ring of Kerry anyway, the place is a bog and in the worst condition I have ever seen.

Tralee have special rate of €50 til end of March to my knowledge. Waterville is €58 til end of March. Would be surprised if Balybunion didn't have a similar special rate til end of March. Take a look at the Cashen course instead of the Old course.

Anatom

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Depends where you're staying...

But if you're playing Waterville, then Skellig Bay is practically next door. Would strongly recommend it and it's not pricey. Photos here (although hole order has changed)

If you're looking for something simple, that's pretty and fun, then you could try Kenmare, right on the edge of town. Photos

I'd also recommend Beaufort, just outside Killarney and next to the Gap of Dunloe. Photos

None of these will set you back, price-wise... otherwise you're looking at one of the bigger lads - Killarney, or even Tralee or Ballybunion, depending on how much you want to drive.

Thanks Kevin - I'll be just outside Caherciveen. I was actually leafing through my copy of the latest edition of Hooked last night to get a better idea myself (!), and Skellig B is a definite possibility. I'm delighted to hear Waterville is "only" €58. It was €75 the last time I played it two years ago (Mind you, I still thought it was a bargain!).

Beaufort sounds like a runner too as I've heard great things about it. So, Waterville on Friday, Beaufort/Skellig Bay on Saturday and then Dooks on the way home on Sunday. Not a bad little trip, provided I can get out on all of them...!

Thanks for the replies folks.

curly from cork

link_2007 wrote: »

Curly did you have your trip to Scotland yet?

Not going to happen sadly, just could nt convince the others to play Scotland in April. They were afraid ( maybe correctly ! ) of the weather. But we have booked flights to Malage for a week in May. So looking at courses there instead. Checking out courses around Mijas as we will be based there.

link_2007

curly from cork wrote: »

Not going to happen sadly, just could nt convince the others to play Scotland in April. They were afraid ( maybe correctly ! ) of the weather. But we have booked flights to Malage for a week in May. So looking at courses there instead. Checking out courses around Mijas as we will be based there.

Not a bad substitute!

curly from cork

link_2007 wrote: »

Not a bad substitute!

indeed I still have Scotland on my list though

If you're looking for a really cheap alternative, Castlegregory is a challenging 9-hole links course! The Ballybunion courses would be good to play but the fairways will probably be out of play at this time of year. In terms of parklands, there is the 3 Killarney courses and the cheaper options of Killorglin and Castleisland (though the Castleisland greens might drive you to insanity!).

WHIP IT!

Just to add, don't miss Skellig Bay if you're in the area. About 15 mins from Cahirciveen. One of my favourite courses anywhere in the country.

Anatom

Thanks WHIP IT!. I played Waterville alright - a true piece of heaven! There was no one on the course at all when I started off (with a par!) but I was caught and passed on the 7th by one American and his son who were literally running around the first nine ("just because we were passing by and the weather was so good"). It was a perfect day and I played OK, considering - including stitching one to six feet on the par 3 17th with a ranger and a groundsman watching me. They lost interest when I missed the birdie putt though..! I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I didn't play Skellig Bay because about three locals told me it was in rag order at the moment and was too boggy. I did go up and it does look very wet at the moment. In the end I didn't play Dooks either because they're still off mats and I was just too lazy - enjoying the beaches, the pints, the rugby (well, not enjoying the rugby - just watching the rugby!) and the general peace and quiet.

I'll try again in August probably.:D

denishurley

Ceann Sibeal near Dingle is a real hidden gem