Did you know there are over 400 golf courses in the island to experience?  You can check on them at: http://www.shamrockgolftours.com/golfcourses.html    

Did you know: 

“IRELAND VOTED INTERNATIONAL GOLF VACATIONS DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2004?

240,000 international golfers enjoy Ireland's golfing product .

Did you know: Ireland, which attracts over 240,000 golfers from across the world each year, and has been voted International Golf Destination of the Year - 2004 by the members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

The Association's 145 members in 28 countries gave Ireland the highest rating for:

Customer satisfaction,

Quality of golf courses and accommodation,

Value for money,

Professional conduct of suppliers,

Support from the local tourism industry,

Accessibility to tee times.

Top World and European ranked golfer Padraig Harrington said: "I'm not surprised at this latest recognition for Irish golf. I play all over the World and in my experience Ireland's whole golfing package in terms of choice and quality of courses, combined with that distinctive Irish welcome, is something special".

Ireland's nomination as International Golf Destination of the Year - 2004, reflects the significant investment that Ireland has made in the development and marketing of Ireland's golfing product in the past 10 years. This features Ireland being nominated to stage the Ryder Cup in 2006 at The K Club.

Ireland now attracts in the region of 240,000 golfing visitors annually, generating close to €200 million for the Irish exchequer. The breakdown of visitors into Ireland shows approximately 153,600 from the UK; 45,600 from the USA; 40,800 from Continental Europe and 6 per cent or 14,400 representing the Rest of the World.

Golf Ireland has over 400 golf courses including one third of the world's links courses.”  

From:  http://www.shamrockgolftours.com/?s=golfireland#ireland-golf-vacations-article-shamrock-golf

Why not consider B & B and Golf in Ireland?

Ireland offers a wonderful selection of hotel and guesthouse accommodation.
Hotel accommodation ranges from small quaint and often family run premises, to the larger international hotel chains, to the up market historical castle accommodation.

Ireland also offers a comprehensive selection of guesthouse accommodation. Many of the guesthouses are akin to smaller hotels. Guesthouse accommodation often boast home cooking as their uniqueness. The traditional Irish breakfast with freshly baked brown bread has often provided enough sustenance to see many a tourist through the day.  http://www.ebookireland.com/index.htm

(Picture to the left) Take a look at Dromoland Castle for your Ireland golf and B & B needs.   http://www.irelandgolfandleisure.com/itinview.php?id=4

Tralee (picture)
This magnificent links was the first golf course Arnold Palmer designed in Europe in the early 80s, and he said of it: I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course. I am happy we have one of the world's great links here. It is a stunning setting, which was used in the filming of Ryan's Daughter. Bounded by water on tree sides there is a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean from every hole. The Sliabh Mish mountain range is to the south.

Old Head of Kinsale (picture)
This remarkable course is built on a 216 acre promontory jutting out into the Atlantic. The result is a course that affords spectacular views, particularly from the 9 holes along the cliff tops. This demanding course has been visited by David Duval, Mark O'Meara, Stuart Appleby and Tiger Woods, all who have spoken highly of their experience here. The challenge to design a course in such a unique area was ably met by the four architects responsible for its creation.

Ballybunion (old)
This world famous golf course located on the Kerry coast has become a haven for tourists. It is consistently rated amongst the top ten courses in the world. Over the years, a multitude of renowned golfers have sung its praise. Tom Watson considers it "the best in the World". This magnificent course has several holes right on the shore with massive dunes creating a very challenging experience.

The above information and pictures from:

http://www.irelandgolfandleisure.com/itinview.php?id=8

"Set on 230 lush acres of the Adare Manor Estate, Adare Golf Club was designed by legendary golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr. and offers a magnificent parkland layout. From his first perception of Adare Manor as having all the flavour of Augusta National, he has created a true masterpiece and one of the leading parkland courses in Ireland.

The Adare Manor Estate has a long history but was purchased in 1987 by the Kane family of Palm Beach Gardens in Florida. Major work on the Manor ensued and the golf course opened for play in August 1995. Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, Adare Golf Club is an American styled course, with rock walled streams, subtly undulating greens and Jones' signature cloverleaf bunkers. A 14 acre lake dominates the outward nine holes while the River Maigue meanders its way through a densely wooded back nine. Its testing design and manicured greens have already assured Adare Golf Club's position as one of the finest Irish inland courses.

Water comes into play at ten holes, including the opening two, which are menaced by a meandering little stream waiting to punish wayward approach shots. This is nothing however, compared to the huge lake, which anchors the front nine holes. It cleverly protects the right hand side of the par 5, 7th where the fun is in cutting off as much as the hazard as possible without actually entering a watery grave. And so it continues every hole is a worthy challenge.

The closing stretch at Adare is particularly challenging. Precision is essential on the relatively short par 4, 15th, while on the short 16th, you are confronted with a lake between the tee box and green, located some 170 yards away. The 17th is a superb hole, which requires a threaded drive through mature trees. Trent Jones sees the closing hole at Adare as one of the finest finishing holes in golf a potential birdie hole and card wrecker at the same time. At 510 yards in length, two well hit shots to the fairway will leave a tantalizing pitch to a narrow green. For those who fancy getting home in two, remember it's a potential card wrecker!"

From web site: http://www.europegolf.com/courses/ireland/south-west/adare-manor-golf-club.htm

With international travel getting cheaper, world terrorist threats in many countries, golfing in Ireland sounds very reasonable does it not?

Happy traveling.