The (Mini) Mountains of Ireland at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg

Anyone who relishes the unique thrill of links golf will feel their pulse quicken as they approach Doonbeg and see the great dunes looming up on the horizon. Imposing and impressive, these 100-foot mini mountains can be spotted from a considerable distance by visitors to one of the loveliest golf resorts in the whole of Ireland.

As you make your way up the long drive past the delightful cottages on your left and the spectacular course on your right, what will perhaps amaze you most as you enter a cosy courtyard in front of a handsome Lodge is that, far from being around for centuries, the place is remarkably new; it’s not mid-18th but early 21st century.

Trump National Golf Links, Ireland

Tucked into the south-west coast of Ireland an hour’s drive from Shannon Airport, the only thing that sometimes falls a little short of perfect at Doonbeg is the weather and so there’s a welcoming peat fire in the reception area. The Lodge has the feel of an old country house and is fabulously furnished and immensely comfortable throughout. As well as stunning suites, there’s a gorgeous ‘Long Room’ dining area that overlooks the 18th green and the crashing Atlantic rollers beyond.

Across the courtyard and up a sweeping staircase there’s Darby’s, a brilliant bar that boasts the best ‘craic’ and serves super food. It’s right alongside the first tee and, be warned, watching hackers hitting off is a popular pastime with the regulars.

One of the most memorable opening holes you’ll ever encounter, the first draws you into the course with a wide armchair of a distant dune behind the par-five green welcoming you with outstretched arms. From there you thread your way gently between the dunes on an outward half that takes you to the far end of a crescent-shaped beach. Look back across the bay from the ninth green beside the beach and there’s the Lodge standing proudly on a distant promontory.

The inward half is punctuated with surprises, some more pleasant than others. If you engage the services of one of the many experienced caddies, you’ll be forewarned of the danger lurking near the centre of the 12th green. Purists may disapprove of a bunker in a green but, in my humble opinion, quirky is good and I’m all in favour of punishing accomplished players capable of hitting the middle of a green from a good distance back.

The 14th, a short par three with a green perched perilously on a ledge, dramatically demonstrates that length isn’t an essential ingredient of a great golf hole. The fabulous 15th is alleged to be Greg Norman’s favourite hole and it’s not hard to see why. Slice off the final tee and you’ll ball will finish among the flotsam on the beach, keep it straight and you’ll have the pleasure of putting out in front of whoever’s looking out of the Lodge.

Sipping a pint afterwards, you’ll reflect on a round that’s been a thrilling challenge but not a bruising battle. The fairways are generous and the course accommodates a wee bit of waywardness, which is as well as the wind blows as surely as the Shannon flows.

After an invigorating 18 I bumped into golf journalist and author Ivan Morris, the first non-American to win the coveted ‘Golf Nut of the Year’ award. A member of several clubs including nearby Lahinch and Ballybunion, Morris is a huge fan of Doonbeg. “The last thing Greg Norman wanted when he built this course was an Americanized links. He succeeded in building an Irish course in Ireland by keeping it as natural as possible.”

Visit www.DPAndLGolf.com

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