Ireland - St Patrick’s Homeland

[Kilroy]

St Patrick’s Homeland Debbie Redmond - Glenview Travel Winter is almost over, and hopefully the snows will cease soon, and we can dust off the bag and clubs that we so carefully put away in the fall. On St Patricks Day even those of us not entirely clear as to our Irish Heritage put on the green in his honour. It makes me reminisce about last summer that for me was an idyllic time spent discovering St Patrick’s homeland. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the Emerald Isle is a much over-looked part of Ireland, the six counties of Northern Ireland. It is a place of stunningly verdant valleys, mountains that sweep to the sea, magnificent beaches with majestic sand dunes, and over 80 golf courses. It has a beauty just as inviting as it’s southern relative; yet often is bypassed because of the infamous “troubles” afflicting the area in recent years. Although one should try to see every corner of these six counties if it was necessary to chose one due to time constraints it would have to be to take a closer look the Kingdoms of Down. This is the area, which includes Belfast and the lands south to the sea stretching to the border of Eire. This is a land of outstanding natural beauty featuring the Mourne Mountains and which boasts 28 of its own fine golf facilities. This is where St Patrick the patron saint of Ireland lived and is buried. Every tourism brochure paints a rosy picture of their own home turf, but it is hard to paint a picture so vast and so varied as must be done with this area, one in which there are mountains, blue flag beaches, and forests such as Tullymore famous for its trails and footpaths. This is an area of magnificent waters, bordered both by the sea and the nearly landlocked briny “loch” Strangford. Everywhere you drive there is an opportunity to sample the hospitality of Ulster and all that is deemed Irish, sense the history dating back to the beginning of time and still find so many opportunities to sample unique and challenging golf courses. County Down boasts one of the most famous courses – The Royal County Down which was originally opened in 1889. While there are two 18-hole courses at this Newcastle location, it is undeniably the Championship Links that has garnered the world fame. A favourite of Nicklaus, Faldo and Watson it has been the recent home to the seniors tour event. (95-105£)This is a must for the avid golfer to add their top 10 in the world list but there are so many other worthy challenges worth noting that can be played at a fraction of the cost. Ardglass with its panoramic seaside front nine (22-28£) and new layout for the back nine, Donaghadee, a tricky seaside links and inland layout with plenty of water hazards and offshore breezes to increase the challenge (22-25.00£) and The Spa at Ballynahinch, a parkland track over the drumlins which requires accuracy and length (15-20£) are a formidable adventure. Not to be missed are Scrabo with its magnificent narrow fairways and breathtaking views as it winds around the Scrabo Tower high atop Newtownards, affording views of the Isles of Man and Skye (18-23£) and Downpatrick with its rolling fairways and vistas high above the downs.

FYI- Ireland Canadians require a valid passport for travel to Ireland No visa or vaccinations are necessary County Down can be reached by air into Belfast or Dublin Air Canada/ British Midland British Airways, fly year round Summer Charters from Toronto are offered By Air Transat and SkyService Car Rentals are easily arranged at airport and downtown locations Valid Canadian Drivers Licence is mandatory International Licence not necessary Driving is on the left Unless you specify at time of booking most small and midsize cars will have manual transmission Northern Ireland Currency is Pound Sterling They Issue their own notes which cannot easily be changed on return home 1GBP = 2.53 CAD approx Ireland (Republic) currency is Euro 1Euro = 1.61 CAD approx

But among my favourite for its character and feel are two very local courses, Ringdufferin on the shores of Strangford Loch, with its undulating fairways, tiny greens and spectacular view of the loch, and Mahee Island a 9hole course full of surprises and requiring accurate shot-making while providing a delightful walk in the park (7-11£) In addition to planning an Irish Golf holiday there are a number of factors to be considered that as North Americans we tend to overlook. We book our airline tickets, we arrange our accommodation and sort out our tee times, but sometimes we fail to recognize the importance of some extremely significant issues. The weather, the driving times, not distance, the language and a pint of Guinness. The weather is not just what it is doing or what it is forecasted to do, but it is a staple of conversation. The weather is an icebreaker upon which are based discussions in a pub or on the street. It is a main stay of life much like the Guinness – the rain is expected and will ensure that emerald quality which is quintessentially Irish –it is indeed part of the landscape. The weather can be “shocking” or “desperate” but it is as much a part of your Irish holiday as the golf you came to enjoy. You take it as it comes; as you will discover that is the Irish way, make sure you pack your raingear. If you listen and learn from those local folk then you too can enter into the fray with your opinion as to its effect. You will soon find when the sun shines and you are blessed with magnificent blue skies that you can put away your umbrella and agree “’tis indeed a brave good day”. When making tee times, it is essential to allow sufficient time to get from your lodging to the golf course. It may be a small distance in Canada but do not be fooled. A 20 kilometre drive is just a “ wee drive” (an Irish standard measure) but this can take up to an hour as you will be driving on the left, in a small vehicle next to a stone wall. There are no straight lines between A and B nor are there any superhighways. While a map is a vital part of the getting there, you may find yourself off the original road you felt was the B161 and there may be no other sign indicating where in fact you are. If you are lucky enough to find a local to provide direction be aware that this usually includes plenty of local landmarks uncharted on your map and it can still take up to an hour driving on the left in a small vehicle next to a stone wall to arrive at your destination. The Language of Ireland is Gaelic and everyone speaks English even if it is with a gentle lilt and strong brogue that is entirely unique to the area. For the purposes of your holiday some very important words to know are: A trolley is a pull-cart, a buggy is a motorized golf cart, and drumlins are rolling hills. It is also useful to know that petrol is gasoline, the yardage is in metres and when your opponent is away it is etiquette to say in your best attempt at an Irish accent “’well now, - ‘tis yourself”. What would a visit to Ireland be without visiting a Pub after the round for a pint of the most famous Stout – Guinness? There is an art to pouring this revered brown frothy liquid – and it is no mean accomplishment. It is best to pull up a chair to the bar and watch as the Publican coaxes the nectar from the taps and pulls and releases just at the exact instant that the foam reaches the top of the glass. There is no hurry, as it requires a moment to settle and be topped up before it is presented to you, a perfect pint. This is a tradition often imitated but only authentic in its birthplace and the perfect end to a day on the links. This St Patrick’s Day as you celebrate think of a golfing holiday in Ireland, particularly in County Down. This is a county unspoiled and uncrowded which now opens its heart to welcome tourists and will reward you with exquisite scenery, historic monuments, traditions and all that is deemed Irish. St. Patrick came here, lived among the people and became a legend in the land perhaps if had been a few centuries later he too might have enjoyed a round and an after match, a pint of Guinness.

[rydercup06]

Hi, what a lovely write-up that was.

I live beside the K Club, the venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup in Co Kildare, Ireland.

If you are interested in renting a house in the area during this time please feel free to look at my website:

http://www.geocities.com/rydercupacc...?1126043285312