James Michael K. Says:
Hi Ronan. I liked your piece on Portugal and golfing. We want to do a week in Ireland driving about with the clubs later this year. Any suggestions?
Real Estate Trend Alert Founder Ronan McMahon Says:
Hi James,
For me, some of the best, most overlooked golfing in Ireland is in Mayo on the Atlantic coast.
County Mayo is filled with Ireland’s ancient heritage: Ring forts, megalithic tombs, Ogham stones, holy wells, and tumbledown abbeys—some of which date back to before the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids.
As for the golf… Mayo is home to 11 parklands and links courses within a 40-mile radius, with membership options from as little as $440 and green fees from an unbelievable $16.50.
Carne Golf Links is one amazing example. It’s like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Five hundred feet above sea level, on a landscape of almost-untouched sand dunes, with spectacular views out to the Atlantic and the islands Inis Glóire and Inis Géidhe, which feature in Irish legend.
This is the cream of the crop. It’s got scenery beyond belief and the biggest dunes in golf. It’s a course you have to experience.
Some others worth a visit are Westport Golf Club, which has hosted the Smurfit Irish PGA Championship; the award-winning Ballina Golf Club; and Mulranny Golf Links, where you’ll play right by the wild Atlantic beach.
If you’re a member of my Real Estate Trend Alert group, you should check out my book, How to Retire Early and Golf Every Day, which has my full list of recommendations for Ireland, Portugal, and beyond.
Best of luck with your week in Ireland!
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