Sunday, January 1, 2006

Ireland

Hidden gems and must-plays for the ultimate golf pilgrimage

By Dave Smith

Ireland Must-Plays

Ireland has many magnificent courses; it has even been said, “the best courses in Scotland are located in Ireland.” However, unlike Scotland, and to a certain extent England, the championship courses of Ireland are not tightly bunched together, and the roads are meant for leisurely journeys admiring the scenery, not races between tee times.

Western Ireland
www.westcoastlinks.com
The collection courses on the west coast of Ireland may be the most hauntingly beautiful layouts found anywhere on the planet. They are unspoiled and somewhat undiscovered due to their remote location, but more than worth the effort. They are also well suited to combine with either a west coast Scotland itinerary by ferry or with the Northern Ireland courses in an itinerary from Shannon to Dublin around the top of the Emerald Isle.