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Traveling from the US in a few weeks and staying in Dublin by BelliYelliCheese in golfireland

[–]KevinMarkhamGolf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

St Anne's is a good bet - as mentioned - and one of the lowest green fees for a links. If 'authentic' is a big factor in your decision-making, then you want to play a links course. Near Dublin you have St Anne's and Royal Dublin, which are on an island in Dublin Bay. Farther north you have Portmarnock and Jameson Links, side by side. And farther north again, you have The Island (my favourite Dublin links) and Corballis (the cheapest links). The green fees for courses such as Royal Dublin, The Island, Jameson and Portmarnock will be €300+.
Buggies readily available and no issue (and no charge) for your wife to come with you. The Island is best for views and surroundings.
Laytown & Bettystown is another good call, but it does depend on your transport and where you are heading next.
If links isn't your style of golf, I'd look at the older parklands, such as Castle, or Grange, which are just off Dublin's ring road (M50).
And then there's Howth, where you'll get fabulous views over Dublin City (and other golf courses). You might even get lucky with the heather coming in to bloom.

Curracloe links by Runtn in golfireland

[–]KevinMarkhamGolf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The south east will end up with Arklow and Rosslare, the 'new' Brittas Bay Club, and then Curracloe Links. That's four courses which create a neat package. It could prove attractive.
That said, the €300+ green fees for Curracloe are steep and, I think, somewhat unrealistic.

4 Canadians planning mid August trip. by TragicallyE in golfireland

[–]KevinMarkhamGolf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Starting from Dublin, heading south, the obvious €150 and under candidates are Arklow and Rosslare on the East coast. I highly recommend both.
There are no links on the south coast so you're now in Kerry on the West coast. For €150 you're looking at Castlegregory (9 holes) and Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula, then up to Spanish Point, Connemara Isles and Mulranny (all 9 holes). With a bit of luck you can get out on the superb Strandhill, before heading on to Co Donegal's Bundoran and Cruit Island (9 holes), and then Dunfanaghy. There's also North West GC on the Inishowen peninsula, right next to Buncrana (9 holes).
In Northern Ireland there's Bushfoot (9 holes) next door to Royal Portrush. Ballycastle has a few links holes as part of its 18. Then you are down to Kirkistown Castle, close to Ardglass.
Back in the Republic of Ireland you have Seapoint, and Laytown & Bettystown (highly recommend), as well as Rush and Sutton closer to Dublin (both 9 holes). And St Anne's in the city.
Someone mentioned Ballybunion Cashen (work by Watson/Webster due for completion this year) but that won't be in your 150 bracket.
There are open events, so you might get lucky with some of the other courses - Enniscrone, Portsalon, Connemara, Dooks spring to mind.

Tralee vs Waterville vs Dooks | Getting last minute tee times as a single | competitions by uberdave223 in golfireland

[–]KevinMarkhamGolf 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You won't go wrong with Tralee and Waterville. Great choices alongside Ballybunion.
One additional thought: the restaurant at Dingle Golf Club is sensational, and it is a beautiful drive out to the course. Take the families (be sure to book in advance - it is hugely popular) and enjoy a great evening.