Customer Review of our Ireland Tour

It’s great to have feedback from our customers on their trips, and we’re delighted to publish a review sent in by Roraigh Kirkness, who recently booked an Ireland golf tour with us:

Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)

The course was quite long, although not unreasonably so and we played off the whites. The difficulty lay with the thickness of the deep rough, which was often just off the fairway, so perhaps in the wind the higher handicap golfers may really struggle. It was in pretty good condition, although some of the tees were a bit ropey. The atmosphere at the course was great, the owner was rushing around all day trying to help us, and the staff in the clubhouse were very friendly. The facilities in the clubhouse were excellent. Sandy Hills was quiet throughout the day, although it looked as though the Old Course gets very full as all of the members seem to play on that course. As per the starter in July the Old Course will be significantly improved with a new 9 holes down in the dunes replacing the current back 9 which is a bit weak by all accounts.

Portsalon

The course was quite tight, particularly at the start, and had some interesting holes. Don’t be put off by the 1st, 17th and 18th which are a bit parkland in nature. The course is almost worth playing just for the 2nd hole alone, which is just awesome. The people at the course were friendly, although it was very slow going round, as it was very full (perhaps understandable on a Sunday). The Clubhouse is very understated and basic, but nothing too dreadful.

Ballyliffin (Glashedy)

For most people this was their favourite course, I myself preferred Sandy Hills as I found it a little bit more imaginative on the eye, one or two preferred the ‘old style’ links nature of Portsalon. The 7th is quirky but a great fun hole offering tremendous views. The course condition was I think as good as I have seen for a while, similar level as Gullane or Western Gailes. It was again pretty long, as set up as a Championship course, and there were an enormous amount of bunkers at both driving area and by the greens. Again a very friendly atmosphere at the club, and the restaurant was very helpful in getting us all through lunch.

Letterkenny and the Ramada Encore hotel

The hotel was perfect for what we needed, I would suggest perhaps elsewhere for a group of Americans who want to pay top $, but for us it was perfect. Breakfast was very good and the rooms very clean. Major plus point was the bar, which as far as I could tell stayed open until you wanted to drop into bed.

Letterkenny itself was surprisingly good, the club we went to was superb (I think.!) and there were various restaurants and pubs catering for all types of parties.

Car timings

• Belfast to Letterkenny was 1hr30mins
• Letterkenny to Rosapenna 30mins
• Letterkenny to Portsalon 30 mins
• Letterkenny to Ballyliffin 45mins

Derry airport would have been closer, 30 mins to Letterkenny, however we didn’t have that option.

Thanks to Roraigh for that fantasic review.

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