Attracting more Americans than any other Irish golf club, Ballybunion has mastered the art of making overseas visitors feel welcome and providing them with first-class facilities. And the club has accomplished this without sacrificing any of the charm, warmth and friendliness that makes golfing in Ireland such a treat. But what puts Ballybunion right on the top of most discerning golfer's wish list are the two spectacular courses, the Old and the Cashen.
The Old Course at Ballybunion emerged as an icon in 1957 when it hosted the Irish Professional Championship and remains a necessarily pilgrimage spot for throngs of links enthusiasts. The links are maintained firm and fast and the green complexes - full of humps, dips and pot bunkers - especially shine, Brandon Tucker writes. It's the kind of course, in fact, on which you'd be happy to play your last round.
Southwest Ireland's two most famous 19th-century links, Ballybunion and Lahinch, hold tight as the region's top draws. But closely behind stands Tralee Golf Club, which holds the distinction as a 19th-century club with a relatively new location outside of town. And it boasts as many "wow" moments as its nearby rivals, if not more.
Golf Channel's Matt Ginella is back in Ireland for the Carr Golf Travel World Invitational Father & Son Golf Classic. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram.
Ireland has far more fabulous golf courses than it really needs. Three of the very best are in the southwestern counties of Kerry and Clare, but they are only part of the appeal of golf in Ireland. What makes it irresistibly attractive are the wonderful characters and barely believable stories that enrich the overall experience, Clive Agran writes.
Architect Martin Hawtree is on the property this week as Donald Trump continues to give the southwest Ireland resort a shot in the arm since buying it in February.
Tour operators who sell golf packages in Ireland said Donald Trump has received a warm Irish welcome since buying the Lodge at Doonbeg in County Clare in February for a reported 15 million euros. But will it last? Trump does have some turf wars potentially looming against another wind farm and supporters of the rare snail that derailed Greg Norman's original vision at Doonbeg. However, most tour operators seem to agree Trump's high-profile name and proven track record will be a good fit.
Doonbeg Golf Club has matured into one of the world's greatest links courses since opening in 2002, but that's not the only reason to visit Doonbeg. Combined with the resort, named 2010 European Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, this might be the best combination of links golf and on-site accommodations in the world. Doonbeg has the ability to make you feel at home, even when you're an ocean away.
The Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club in Co. Kerry, Ireland stands next to a cemetery, but you'll never feel so alive. Links golf just doesn't get any better than this.
Located in County Kerry on the southwest coast, Tralee Golf Club is one of the most spectacular links courses in Ireland. Don't miss the 16th hole: Known as "Shipwreck," this seaside par-3 sits next to rocky cliffs where many ships have met their maker in years past.
The old Doonbeg is almost gone, but the new Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg will emerge next spring when Martin Hawtree's finishing touches debut. What won't change is that magical setting in southwest Ireland.
One of southwest Ireland's hidden-gem links near Killarney is Dooks Golf Club in County Kerry, founded in 1889. It's most famous for its club logo, a smiling frog, and perhaps sets the tone for what is considered to be one of the more player-friendly links in Ireland.