Golf never as bargain as in Ireland in 2010

In 2005, at the height of the Celtic Tiger boom, a new golf course opened in County Kildare. Moyvalley Golf and Country Club was a dazzling affair with a hotel and spa plus on-course houses available to buy or rent. Membership was pitched at a signing on fee of €75,000 with annual subs of €3,000. Initial take up was good but as the signs of a slowdown became evident, customers dried up. Today you can join Moyvalley for between €5,000 and €10,000 depending on your negotiating skills!

Ireland - Top 10 Links Golf Courses Reviewed by a Ordinary Golfer

Links golf is played on the natural terrain of seaside dunes and land banks and requires different playing techniques than when playing on the more common parkland course. Ireland has the highest ratio of links courses in the world per head of population, even more than the "home of golf" that is Scotland. Links golf introduces more of the element of chance into the game rather than the "target" golf you find on some manicured parkland courses. Even a slight breeze can utterly transform a links course from a benign creature to a monster.

Arguments will always abound as to the best golf course in any country or region and the matter is by nature subjective. Every year dozens of well known magazines that review golf courses to a broad range of criteria course publish their Top 100 or a Top 10 links and parkland courses in a particular country or region. They review links and parkland courses throughout the country but sometimes you wonder with what eyes are they are they looking at these courses.

Is their view that of the expert low single-figure handicap amateur or even the tour professional? Sometimes I would query the terms of reference that these reviews are based upon. I feel lack of consideration is given to what might make a great golf course from the point of view of players with handicaps from, say 10 to 24. An interesting statistic is that 95% of the world's amateur golfers have a handicap of 15 or over and only 1% of the golfing population of the world have single-figure handicaps. Any professional golf course reviewer is by nature a fairly handy golfer and being so can perhaps make it difficult for them to view the course from the higher handicapper's perspective. That is not to say that they don't try - I have no doubt they do - but if you play of a handicap of 4, you don't encounter the obstacles that a 20 handicapper will come across.

As a hacker playing off 12 with a love of links golf in particular, the following are my Top 10 Irish links courses. It may not necessarily agree with the glossy magazine reviewers but they reflect my own experiences and I think any golfer of any handicap low or high will find these fantastic courses. I did not rate courses I haven't played which may explain some obvious omissions compared to a professional reviewer list. But here goes anyway, and let the arguments begin!

1. BALLYBUNION (Old Course), Ballybunion, Co. Kerry

2. PORTMARNOCK, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

3. ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, Newcastle, Co. Down

4. THE EUROPEAN CLUB, Brittas, Co. Wicklow

5. DOONBEG, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Co. Clare

6. BALLYLIFFIN, Ballyliffin, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

7. ROYAL DUBLIN, Dollymount, Clontarf, Dublin 5

8. THE ISLAND, Corballis, Donabate Co. Dublin.

9. DONEGAL (MURVAGH) Murvagh Co. Donegal

10. COUNTY LOUTH (BALTRAY) Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Ireland Off-Season - Travel at It's Best! Unexpected Surprises and Tips for Everyone

Unexpected Surprises and Tips for Everyone Including Solo Travelers, Vegans, and Those Looking for a Bit of Magic Any Time of Year.

If you have your sights set on Ireland, or any exotic travel locale for that matter, then don't be put off by mass opinions and appeal. Ireland, especially its magical west coast, is a must-see whether traveling en groupe or going it alone. And all you vegetarians and vegans out there will find Ireland to be surprisingly accommodating with interesting and fairly elaborate options available. You simply need to ask. This Emerald Isle offers a nice blend of down-to-earth goodness, ancient and exotic mystique, and lively pub night life. There's something for everyone indeed.

Most sources will tell you that mid-Spring to mid-Fall, particularly April to October, is optimal travel time to Ireland. And sure, Spring is gorgeous with everything a-bloom, especially May, Autumn colors are bountiful in October, and July and August are peak, but not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of tourism at its height. What they fail to share with you is the fact that Winter is actually pretty amazing, especially if you catch the end of it right before Spring rolls in. Not only do you pretty much get the place to yourself, but you also get to capture some of the true magic and mysticism of this ancient land.

Now of course, all depends on personal interest and preferences, yet don't be put off by the colder Winter months. Winter can actually be pretty mild, with little to no rain, gorgeous nebulous, cloud-filled skies, fog rolling across mountain tops and just skimming the edges of the Lakes of Killarney, beautiful bursts of sun-lit days lighting up the fairy-filled forests, and fabulous, ancient winds that sweep you into a world of Celtic and Druidic splendor. What magic to behold and all to yourself, on top of that!

Ireland's west coast hosts a multitude of things to see and experience, including the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, Inisfallen Island on the Killarney Lakes, many castle ruins, well-known and off-beat Stone Circles and Standing Stones, the famous Ring of Kerry, gorgeous Beare Peninsula, sacred Skellig Michael Islands, and Killarney National Forest with its famous Muckross House to name just a fraction of possible destinations. The beauty of traveling off-season is that you will find yourself having the sites, and experiences of them, all to yourself. Skim across the mystical Killarney Lake waters with your very own warm-hearted Irish boatman to tell you tales and share folklore or take a walk through Killarney National Park and feel the grandeur of its old, knotted oak trees while skipping along the fairy trails. Better yet, imagine standing, as the Druids once did, amongst the ancient energy of Uragh or Grange Stone Circle, wind sweeping across the hilltop as you take in the serenity and sacredness without a sound or presence around to disturb you. Whether a history buff, photographer, artist, avid traveler, or spiritualist, you'll find exactly what you're looking for and be grateful for the serene opportunity any other "peak" traveling time would not oblige you.

For those of you with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, not to worry. You'll find more than enough options and surprises in store for your culinary tastes, to suit any occasion. If you're looking for an ideal place to stay, while loading up on great meal options, Friars' Glen Guesthouse is #1 on the list. Located just a couple of miles outside of Killarney town center, in the beautiful Killarney Forest, this exquisitely quaint home-away-from home, bed and breakfast not only offers unmatched quality service and exceptional serenity, but the owner Mary is one top-notch chef, whipping up hardy vegetarian and vegan surprises for breakfast and if asked, packed lunches as well! And the nearby, beautiful Killarney Park Hotel has a wonderful bar restaurant where the chef is most accommodating, creating fabulous vegan soups and such options as vegan risotto made with coconut milk! And for the luxury seeker and spa enthusiast, Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney offers a multitude of sensuous pleasures to cater to your every whim, including a top notch chef who will prepare some pretty fancy vegan meals from start to finish! Some vegetarian options can also be found in small deli/bakeries and cafes, as well as the occasional small health food stores. The simple key and secret always, is simply to ask and your wish will be granted. Ireland does host home to some of the warmest and friendliest people in the world.

That being said, those who also prefer traveling alone will find Ireland to be most welcoming and a perfect destination for the adventurer, as well as the peace seeker. Of course this island is a wonderful host to groups, families, and romantics, but those who venture for their own experience and enjoy the exciting possibilities that are available for ones who march to the beat of their own drum, will discover how truly fulfilling a journey to Ireland can be. Whether you decide to follow your heart's desire in the moment, or desire a personalized itinerary, you'll find an overwhelming amount of experiences awaiting you. For a truly unique and sacred experience, Celtic Spirit Journeys with international teacher and writer on Celtic spirituality, Mara Freeman, are not to be missed. Or, simply contact her and she'll be more than happy to tailor-make a special custom journey that suits your personal needs, even equipped with fabulous personal driver, Michael Burniston, as your historical encyclopedia of knowledge and folkloric entertainment.

No matter what you are looking for, Ireland, ANY time of year is truly a place not to be missed; Winter, vegan, solo traveler, and all.