Golfing In Ireland
Basics
As I mentioned earlier, you will not find better value for money anywhere in the world. The average price for a public course will hover around 25 euros, $25. You can however find hidden gems, particularly along the coast, for a good deal less. Typically these coastal courses are links stlye and have magnificant views. Overall prices range from the afore mentioned K-Club (200) to the practically free Dunmore Demense Golf Club (13). However the world famous courses, Lahinch, Pormarnock, Ballybunion etc. will set you back around 50-70 for weekdays, slightly higher for weekends.
Most medium sized towns in Ireland will have a course, with Galway, Cork, and Limerick, having dozens to chose from. Dublin has too many courses to mention. Typically the best value for money will be found in the Southwest, and Northwest.
Courses which, in my opinion, are overpriced (by Irish standards, definitely not by North American) would be K-Club, The Old Head, and Adare Manor. These are all fantastic course, but a little out of my own price range. If you are used to paying around $100 for a championship calibre course by all means go and enjoy a great day of golf.
Students travelling to Ireland will find that most courses are extremely price friendly to those of us that are financially challenged. Nearly all courses in Ireland offer a student rate. The average price for students is 10! Championship courses such as Rosses Point and Galway Bay will set you back 20. In fact 20 is about the most you can expect to pay upon the production of your student card, with very few exceptions. One good example of how price friendly some courses are to students is Castle Barna in County Offaly. This is a well maintained course, with great facilities, an interesting layout, and overall a decent course. As a student it will set you back 5! About the price of a pint in Dublin's Temple Bar.
Basically, for the general public or for students, there is a course to suit your budget. Just remember that more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
