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Dear Traveler,
This is a one way road.
I don’t think it is.
It has to be. It’s so narrow.
Moments later - out of the fog comes an oncoming car.
Just a quick glance between us.
(because Jason's eyes must be locked on the road)
That was a snapshot of our drive from Dingle to Waterville, Ireland.
Although I’ve warned clients that driving yourself in Ireland is not an easy endeavor, this was my initial first-hand experience. It is not for the faint of heart.
Putting aside the treacherous idea of driving yourself, southern Ireland is a beautiful place full of charming Irish towns – one more quintessential than the next. Dingle, Adare and Kinsale are a few to put on your list.
Of course every Irish town needs good pubs. Classic pubs that ooze Irish charm, have live music and surely have a bartender straight out of central casting. We were at one called the Villa until late last night. Some of the songs were traditional Irish music, but they also catered to the American golfers in the bar, playing Sweet Caroline, Bye Bye Miss American Pie and Ring of Fire, so we all sang along.
For those who know that I don't actually play golf, you may wonder why I am on a golf trip at one of the best golf courses in Ireland.
Love.
My husband loves golf. I love our friends. I love exploring new places. And that's why I am here.
We are at a member-guest tournament. The ratio of attendees is ~ 78 men to 2 women. It is fun to get a glimpse into what a guys' golf trip is like. Last night one of the attendees came up to us at the bar and asked if we would be willing to talk with his wife to tell her how much we are enjoying ourselves. :)
You don't have to be a golfer to go on a golf trip to Ireland with your spouse. There is so much more to do. Do what we are doing and come with friends so you have someone to enjoy exploring with while the other half plays golf.
Yesterday we went on a guided tour of the peninsula seeing a famine village (fascinating history), the stunning Kerry Cliffs and the local chocolate factory. We stopped at a little fishing village for lunch and gazed out at Skellig Island, where Star Wars was filmed.
We rode bikes, went for long walks down roads lined with stone walls, hit balls in the golf simulator, read by the fire, lounged over Guinness and pints of lager and dined on fish n chips, monkfish and black sole.
This place was clearly built for a male clientele, however the design is absolutely beautiful. The spa is too. And they have their own helicopters making getting around (when the weather is good) easy, fast and fun.
What I also love is the inspiration behind the creation of this golf club. The idea of two friends with this as their tag line...
Built by Friends,
for Friends,
for Fun.
And they do an exceptional job at making that the reality. Everything is top notch - the design, the food, the service and of course the golf. I've had clients play here and they've loved it. This is Jason's third time here and I'm sure he would come back again and again. Because it's minutes from Waterville Golf Course and the helicopters can whisk you to courses a bit further away, it is an ideal spot to be.
If you have a golfer in your life and they haven't been to Ireland or Hogs Head, I recommend you plan a trip for them. Better yet a surprise gift. Although getting on the coveted courses actually must be done well over a year in advance. Sometimes two. So planning ahead is key.
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