Playing golf in Ireland is always going to be a challenge, no matter what time of year. I've played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in May, and it was windy, cold and rainy. But I've played at other times of the year and the weather has been absolutely brilliant. You just never know, so come prepared for anything. The weather is probably going to be an important factor in your game, whenever or wherever you play. In fact, the weather in Ireland can be quite pleasant. Temperatures typically range in the 40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit range in the winter months and 60 to 70 degrees in the summer. There will be a lot of rain, more in the West of the country then the East. But it can be ever-changing, as it may be beautiful one minute and an unexpected storm may blow in without notice off the Atlantic. But put your rain-gear on and be patient, as it could quickly blow through. Another huge bonus in the summer is the length of the days. People don't realize it, but Ireland is on similar latitude as Southern Alaska, and in the middle of summer you could still be on the course at 9 and 10 PM. The relatively mild temperatures are due to the warm Atlantic currents, which are also responsible for the volatility of the climate. But what is the major draw for Irish golf. First, if you are a fan of link-style courses, you will be in heaven. You will never run out of courses to play, as there are over 400 courses in the republic of Ireland and 300 more in Northern Ireland. But there is nothing ordinary about these courses; you could play along steep cliff tops with spectacular views, or walk by quaint villages and castles. We rave about the scenery of Pebble Beach, and it is spectacular. But similar scenery is commonplace on Irish courses for a fraction of the price. Speaking of price, you can find some wonderful bargains for tee times if you want to play midday. Look at our website for last-minute golfer and you can now book at Royal Portrush for $75 per person. Or to play an old favorite in Southwest Ireland, Ballybunion (playing the old course) would cost $95 playing in the morning. Irish courses are taking on a greater popularity with the golfing public, but there are obviously numerous courses for such a small country, making for fierce competition for the business. Through in the fact that the Irish economy is still depressed, and you can find some excellent bargains for tee times and golf packages. I think more than the cost, Irish golf offers something totally more. The rain can be annoying, but it provides a green lushness to the landscape that is really hard to find. The Irish will tell you that the very best time to experience the Emerald Isles is in late May and early June, when the green hues are most striking. And speaking of the Irish, there probably aren't a more gregarious, fun-loving people anywhere. Golf in Ireland is a great event, but the total experience of Ireland makes it a trip every golfer should take. Playing golf in Ireland is often a test of wills, but every golfer should experience it. Find bargains for tee times in Ireland as well as on many other courses in America on our booking page. Also, check out a lot of great golf information on http://golfshortgames.com/. Jim O’Connell is a golf enthusiast and writer living in London.
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