Druids Glen or Carton House?

Chopper83

What would be better for 1 night and two rounds of golf for 4 average golfers?
Would be coming up for Belfast and order of importance would be:
1) Golf Course quality
2) Atmosphere for few drinks
3) Location
4) Cost (both seem pretty similar)
Thanks!

Pedanticness

I'm a bit biased as I worked in Druids Glen while in college, but this the Glen course is of a much higher quality then either of the Carton House courses. Druids Heath isn't aesthetically as nice as Druids Glen but a quality golf course. 
1) Think the Glen gets the nod here, I don't really rate the Carton courses.
2) I think they are fairly similar, as in both are a bit hotelily (if that makes sense). The Druids Glen club house which is a 4 min drive away (they do have a shuttle service) has a fantastic atmosphere.
3) From Belfast I'd imagine Carton is probably 20-30 mins closer to you.

ForeRight

Druids Glen all day long

Ronney

1) Golf Course quality

Druids Glen is probably the best of the courses however Druids heath can be a real slog to play. So Carton's 2 probably come out tops


2) Atmosphere for few drinks

Both fairly isolated so little or no atmosphere. Carton is 10 mins from Maynooth or 30 from Dublin City. Maynooth a good size town for atmosphere

Druids 50 mins from Dublin City or 15 from Greystones (closest place with a few pubs)

3) Location

Carton obviously nearer Belfast by about 30 mins.


4) Cost (both seem pretty similar)

thewobbler

I wouldn’t recommend Druids Heath to anyone. It’s a horrible course. Ugly and unforgiving, and a bit bizarre in places.

Druids Glen on the other hand is absolutely superb, and a good notch up from either Carton course. Probably my favourite parkland I’ve stood on. So much fun, so easy on the eye, but a great challenge too.

Carton Monty is very much worth playing and it’s conditioning is brilliant. O’Meara is pleasant enough but apart from its (outstanding) amen corner, is no real step up on any €25 course in Ireland.

——

If you’re supping pints, I’d suggest go to Carton. Maynooth is next door and you’ll have a good night there. You won’t hang around the hotel for too long I’d imagine.

Druids Glen hotel is extravagantly priced for food and drink, which it can do, because apart from one (fairly decent) pub in Newtownmountkennedy pub, you’re half an hour from a night out.

——

Chopper83

Thanks all for the quick replies
Courses - Looks like the order is Druids Glen, Carton Monty, O'Meara, Heath.
Carton - Better location for pints with the option
I'm probably leaning towards Carton on the basis of the shorter drive, proximity to Maynooth and the two courses being decent whilst not at the same standard as Glen.
Thanks again all

Russman

thewobbler wrote: »

I wouldn’t recommend Druids Heath to anyone. It’s a horrible course. Ugly and unforgiving, and a bit bizarre in places.

Druids Glen on the other hand is absolutely superb, and a good notch up from either Carton course. Probably my favourite parkland I’ve stood on. So much fun, so easy on the eye, but a great challenge too.

Carton Monty is very much worth playing and it’s conditioning is brilliant. O’Meara is pleasant enough but apart from its (outstanding) amen corner, is no real step up on any €25 course in Ireland.

——

Agree with this ^^^

IMO though, Druids Glen is so good I'd be tempted to pick there just for the opportunity to play it alone. Light years ahead of either of the Carton Courses.

It is a little bit in the middle of nowhere though to be fair !

prawnsambo

Druids Glen. No question. They like to call it the "Augusta of Ireland" and if you discount that by about 25% for hyperbole, they're spot on.

In terms of local pubs/eateries, Carton is probbaly better. But Druids Glen is close to Newtownmountkennedy, Kilcoole and Newcastle (inside ten minutes) and near enough to Ashford, Rathnew, Wicklow and Greystones (around 10 to 20 minutes). All have good pubs/restaurants and there's also a hotel in Newtown.

Pedanticness

prawnsambo wrote: »

Druids Glen. No question. They like to call it the "Augusta of Ireland" and if you discount that by about 25% for hyperbole, they're spot on.

In terms of local pubs/eateries, Carton is probbaly better. But Druids Glen is close to Newtownmountkennedy, Kilcoole and Newcastle (inside ten minutes) and near enough to Ashford, Rathnew, Wicklow and Greystones (around 10 to 20 minutes). All have good pubs/restaurants and there's also a hotel in Newtown.

You are almost spot on! Druids Glen is the "Augusta of Europe" - Woodenbridge is the "Augusta of Ireland". Byrne's pub in Kilcoole wont let you down for a few pints. 5 mins away.

Russman

prawnsambo wrote: »

Druids Glen. No question. They like to call it the "Augusta of Ireland" and if you discount that by about 25% for hyperbole, they're spot on.

In terms of local pubs/eateries, Carton is probbaly better. But Druids Glen is close to Newtownmountkennedy, Kilcoole and Newcastle (inside ten minutes) and near enough to Ashford, Rathnew, Wicklow and Greystones (around 10 to 20 minutes). All have good pubs/restaurants and there's also a hotel in Newtown.

Actually I forgot how close Greystones is, can't be more than about 15 mins.

Chopper83

I'm nearly tempted now to just booked Druids and play Glen twice!

frink

Echoing what has already been said here but I wouldn't play Druids Heath for free. One of the most unenjoyable rounds I've played. Unforgiving, long, featureless

The Glen is spectacular though, some of the nicest holes you'll see in the country. I'd personally have Mount Juliet just ahead of it but its a great course. If you are looking for a second course in the area, could maybe try Powerscourt.

Pedanticness

frink wrote: »

Echoing what has already been said here but I wouldn't play Druids Heath for free. One of the most unenjoyable rounds I've played. Unforgiving, long, featureless

The Glen is spectacular though, some of the nicest holes you'll see in the country. I'd personally have Mount Juliet just ahead of it but its a great course. If you are looking for a second course in the area, could maybe try Powerscourt.

Featureless, not sure I agree with that. I've heard a lot bad things about it over the years (mostly from shorter hitters) but that's a new one. 
Par 4 first tees off to one of the best views on a course in Wicklow, par 5 2nd has a 3/4 island green, par 3 3rd plays over a lake to a beautifully slopped green. Par 4 12th plays from an elevated tee into a valley of a fairway. Par 4 13th (sometimes driveable) plays along side and over two lakes to a well protected green. Par 3 14th plays into an old quarry. 
Above is just a snap shot.

kopkidda

Druids Glen and then play another course, woodenbridge is nice spot ,although a bit away, plenty of other courses close by.

Druids heath is a dog of a course.

prawnsambo

kopkidda wrote: »

Druids Glen and then play another course close by, woodenbridge is nice spot.

Druids heath is a dog of a course.

Nah, he's right. Druids Glen twice.

3putt

Druids glen twice if you can would be my pick

Hoboo

Stay in the city and drive out to Druids Glen.

Or stay in Carton House, drive to Druids for one round, and play the Monty as well. Its all motorway, 45 mins.

thewobbler

Hoboo wrote: »

Stay in the city and drive out to Druids Glen.

Or stay in Carton House, drive to Druids for one round, and play the Monty as well. Its all motorway, 45 mins.

Makes no sense.

There’s roughly 100 courses between Druids Glen and Belfast, with 20 of them better than and/or cheaper than a single fee at Carton.

There’s also 100 hotels more centrally located and/or cheaper.

The pull for the OP is almost certainly a 2 round hotel package; hence combining Carton and Druids is nonsensical.

spacecoyote

I'd say stretch the legs as far as Mount Juliet & head out on the batter in Kilkenny!

Chopper83

thewobbler wrote: »

Hoboo wrote: »

Stay in the city and drive out to Druids Glen.

Or stay in Carton House, drive to Druids for one round, and play the Monty as well. Its all motorway, 45 mins.

Makes no sense.

There’s roughly 100 courses between Druids Glen and Belfast, with 20 of them better than and/or cheaper than a single fee at Carton.

There’s also 100 hotels more centrally located and/or cheaper.

The pull for the OP is almost certainly a 2 round hotel package; hence combining Carton and Druids is nonsensical.

Yeah pretty much although it appears only a silly o'clock tee time exists for the Saturday morning which after a good few pints probably isn't appealing. Option of Druids Glen on Friday + another course on way home that has a decent Saturday tee time might be the best alternative
Replies here have been very helpful, cheers all.

prawnsambo

Chopper83 wrote: »

Yeah pretty much although it appears only a silly o'clock tee time exists for the Saturday morning which after a good few pints probably isn't appealing. Option of Druids Glen on Friday + another course on way home that has a decent Saturday tee time might be the best alternative
Replies here have been very helpful, cheers all.

Saturday tee times are always going to be difficult to get. Going in the opposite direction (but not more than half an hour or so) would be Wicklow GC, The European and Macreddin. The European is very expensive but would probably have space on the time sheet and Wicklow would be busy enough. You'd have a very good chance of getting a suitable tee time at Macreddin if you were willing to head in that direction.

Northwards you're into the busier tracks, so Saturday would be difficult to get anything good.

What are your dates?

Chopper83

thanks prawnsambo, it's the bank holiday weekend 25th/26th May so we're late on the ball trying to get it organised.

yeah something north is best, I looked at Powerscourt but again tee times are very limited for Sat morning. Will take a look at a few you have suggested thanks

GreeBo

Stay in Wicklow and play Druids Glen and the European.

European first, then Druids Glen on your way home the next day.

Seve OB

I've stayed in Carton a few times and visited on day trips/weddings/golf plenty of times
I've never stayed in Druids, but have been in it plenty.

I've played all the courses on multiple occasions.

NEVER EVER give up the opportunity to play Druids Glen. It is a bucket list course.

Therefore decision made

thewobbler wrote: »

I wouldn’t recommend Druids Heath to anyone. It’s a horrible course. Ugly and unforgiving, and a bit bizarre in places.

O’Meara is pleasant enough but apart from its (outstanding) amen corner, is no real step up on any €25 course in Ireland.

I really don't get the hate for Druids Heath. I think it is a quality golf course. Sure it is no Glen or Mount Juliet, but it is still a good course and way better than a lot.

As for your ridiculous comments about the O'Meara course.... :rolleyes:

thewobbler wrote: »

If you’re supping pints, I’d suggest go to Carton. Maynooth is next door and you’ll have a good night there. You won’t hang around the hotel for too long I’d imagine.

Druids Glen hotel is extravagantly priced for food and drink, which it can do, because apart from one (fairly decent) pub in Newtownmountkennedy pub, you’re half an hour from a night out.

Thats Bull I'm afraid.
Druids hotel is no more pricy than Carton. Both the same.
Carton to Maynooth is about the same as Druids to Greystones, 10 minutes each.

Chopper83 wrote: »

I'm nearly tempted now to just booked Druids and play Glen twice!

was actually going to suggest that But really you want to play a new course. I'm sure that you will get a package deal to play both Druids courses and playing the heath the second day will probably cost you next to nothing extra. If it was 40-50 more, then look at playing Catron the next day on your way home, either course is smashing, but I would recomend O'Meara over Monty. If you can't get them, look at Luttrelstown or K-Club (will be expensive).

Chopper83 wrote: »

thanks prawnsambo, it's the bank holiday weekend 25th/26th May so we're late on the ball trying to get it organised.

yeah something north is best, I looked at Powerscourt but again tee times are very limited for Sat morning. Will take a look at a few you have suggested thanks

It's not a bank holiday

kiers47

Seve OB wrote: »

It's not a bank holiday

It is if your coming from Belfast

Seve OB

kiers47 wrote: »

It is if your coming from Belfast

Yea but his point was regarding booking courses here

Hoboo

thewobbler wrote: »

Makes no sense.

There’s roughly 100 courses between Druids Glen and Belfast, with 20 of them better than and/or cheaper than a single fee at Carton.

There’s also 100 hotels more centrally located and/or cheaper.

The pull for the OP is almost certainly a 2 round hotel package; hence combining Carton and Druids is nonsensical.

And there was me thinking the OP asked specifically about Carton House and Druids Glen.....

thewobbler

Hoboo wrote: »

thewobbler wrote: »

Makes no sense.

There’s roughly 100 courses between Druids Glen and Belfast, with 20 of them better than and/or cheaper than a single fee at Carton.

There’s also 100 hotels more centrally located and/or cheaper.

The pull for the OP is almost certainly a 2 round hotel package; hence combining Carton and Druids is nonsensical.

And there was me thinking the OP asked specifically about Carton House and Druids Glen.....

Well if we are being snooty about it he actually asked about Carton House OR Druid’s Glen.

What you’ve recommended is no different to me asking the wife does she want pizza or Chinese,and then her telling me to go down town to get a New Yorker with a side of egg fried rice. Yes of course it can be done, but who really wants that hassle in life?

ForeRight

thewobbler wrote: »

Well if we are being snooty about it he actually asked about Carton House OR Druid’s Glen.

What you’ve recommended is no different to me asking the wife does she want pizza or Chinese,and then her telling me to go down town to get a New Yorker with a side of egg fried rice. Yes of course it can be done, but who really wants that hassle in life?

I agree. Who wants that hassle or that many carbs in life.

AhHaor

Thats some amount of druids heath bashing. The Glen is a stunning course and always in great condition. Just to give you an idea on pint prices, Glen Hotel is 6.20 for a Heineken, not cheap but the balcony overlooking 13 is great.

Heath off the black tees is one of the hardest courses in Ireland and I just wonder if the lack of love here is due to a lack of ability to play a tough course.

Russman

AhHaor wrote: »

Heath off the black tees is one of the hardest courses in Ireland and I just wonder if the lack of love here is due to a lack of ability to play a tough course.

At what point does "tough" become "stupid" ?
Yes, Heath is very tough and there are a number of very good holes on it, but there are also quite a few that, despite being marketed as unique or challenging etc., are just plain silly IMHO.
I'd agree if you're suggesting that most people play it off the wrong tees for their ability, but no matter what tees you play it off, its hardly ever an enjoyable track, again purely IMO.

thewobbler

That's too easy an out AhHoor. The likes of Sandy Hills, RCD, and Enniscrone I'd suggest are tougher courses than the Heath, and the latter two also have their share of unusual/twisted/cruel holes. But they're still all very enjoyable to play, even when they completely destroy you. There's something unrelenting about the Heath, and it's not just the layout. The ingredients seem fine, but it produces a nasty cocktail.

AhHaor

Russman wrote: »

At what point does "tough" become "stupid" ?
Yes, Heath is very tough and there are a number of very good holes on it, but there are also quite a few that, despite being marketed as unique or challenging etc., are just plain silly IMHO.
I'd agree if you're suggesting that most people play it off the wrong tees for their ability, but no matter what tees you play it off, its hardly ever an enjoyable track, again purely IMO.

Answering your question in the Heath, I think White tees are tough, and Blue and beyond are stupid.

What holes are silly? Im genuinely asking, because I only think the 15th is silly (if even) but that's only because it's a rare Par 5 in terms of tightness rather than distance off the Green tees.

Russman

AhHaor wrote: »

Answering your question in the Heath, I think White tees are tough, and Blue and beyond are stupid.

What holes are silly? Im genuinely asking, because I only think the 15th is silly (if even) but that's only because it's a rare Par 5 in terms of tightness rather than distance off the Green tees.

Honestly I think the 12th and 13th are just ridiculous holes. I know they're different and unlike any other, but, meh, for me they're stupid.

There's a couple on the front nine, its a few years since I played it so not 100% sure of the numbers, possibly around 6 & 7, ok in fairness maybe silly is a bit strong, but the elevated greens make them very difficult for Joe Club Golfer (granted Joe might be off the wrong tees).

Irishdaywalker

There are a number of alternate options, that would be similar in standard, with both the hotel and golf courses. Powerscourt could be one of them, nice hotel with a nice bar, its not your standard hotel bar, its like a local pub (if that makes any sense) with 2 very good courses and you can also walk down to the village itself for a few aprés golf pints.- would imagine the price would be similar to Druids / Carton. 
The K Club - although a little away bit away from a town (Clane 10minutes / Maynooth 15 minutes) - again nice hotel with 2 nice courses. 
Druids Glen - Exceptional Course, I actually like the Heath, if you play it on a nice day the views can really add to the experience - can lack a bit of atmosphere in the hotel bar though. 
Carton House - 2 excellent course, both very different styles, location to Maynooth village is a bonus, loads of bars and restaurants to choose from for a bit of grub. 
also if you wanted something different, you could book into somewhere like clontarf castle or similar and play a bit of links golf along the coast, with proximity to Dublin as well you could be an option! 
Either way - you wont be playing a Sh!thole! 
Enjoy !