Two Irish Golf Links: Two Offers: Two Different Wallets

The beach at Portnoo (golf course on the dunes behind)

Two great Irish links courses are promoting two very different 'offers' at the moment. One is for locals and Irish; the other has a more international feel although it's by no means exclusive.

Which two courses? Two of my favourites:

• Carne: Life Membership
• Narin & Portnoo: €149 'All-In' Golf Offer

International Membership of Carne Golf Links

Overseas Life Membership is available for a once-off all-inclusive
 fee of €6,000. Or the same membership for Seniors (50+ years) is available for €3,500. 

Carne's par three 2nd hole on the Kilmore 9.

As an Overseas Life Member of Carne Golf Links you will be entitled to unlimited golf for the rest of your life, with no annual fees or any other charges. Can't say it simpler than that, can you! 

In addition, you will be entitled to discounted green fees at the 10 world-class courses that make up the North and West Coast Links (which, incidentally, includes Narin and Portnoo). You will also be entitled to sign in your playing guests at Carne at a 50% discount.

Views from the Carne clubhouse

Now I know what you're thinking... €6,000 sounds like a lot of money. But let's not forget that there are golf clubs still charging more money than that to join... and that's before annual subs! Consider what some golf clubs were charging in the Celtic Tiger times... €75,000 to join Moyvalley, €50,000 at Powerscourt. Puts €6,000 in perspective somewhat, especially when you consider that a) you're playing one of the greatest links golf courses on the planet, and b) you never have to pay again. Ever.

As I said, probably a more internationally-focused offer, but do go check under the mattress.

Carne Photos

Narin and Portnoo Unlimited Winter Golf 

Narin and Portnoo. View of the 9th green from the 8th tee

Take a look at the poster - how much more do you need to know? €149 for as much golf as you want over five months (starting on Oct 29th). Yes, it's during the winter months, but I still say that these are some of the best times for links golf. And Narin and Portnoo has some of the most remarkable holes in the country, including the 9th pictured above. Spend just a week up here, and when you're not on the golf course there are beaches and the beauty of Donegal to explore. Never mind a 'staycation', make it a Parcation.

Narin and Portnoo Photos

Both courses are a fair distance from anywhere - Carne in Belmullet; Narin and Portnoo on Donegal's coastline - but it all comes down to how much you love your golf... doesn't it. And these two course are located in two of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, so the journey is always worthwhile.

Golf in Ireland - get out there, enjoy it.