As I’ve said before, walking across the fairway of Ballybunion to the beach with Stacey was my original inspiration for this trip. It is just a stunningly beautiful place, and I wanted to share it with Ryan and Dad. We all went to bed early last night, knowing we were the first group off today!
The early alarm was no hardship, especially because I awoke well before it sounded. We were greeted by a spectacular morning, with the sun peeking through scattered clouds and a strong breeze rolling in from the Atlantic. There were a few sprinkles as we got our bags ready, but nothing like what we thought we might see in Ireland (I know, the trip is still young).
We were paired with Kevin from Australia, a fine gentleman enjoying a holiday with his wife. Our caddie, John, has been guiding golfers around Ballybunion for more than 26 years and proved to be a cheerful and witty lad from the very first handshake. His stories, local knowledge, and quick humor added another layer to what was already shaping up to be a memorable morning. At one point during the round, I was lamenting to John after leaving another putt short. “Hit it feckin harder!” He said. Hilarious in simplicity. 🤷♂️
Standing on the first tee, there was a quiet sense of anticipation and honestly some nervousness. This was the moment we had been imagining for months. Off we went after three good drives!
The sunshine was incredible, but I’d be lying if I said the wind wasn’t a factor. It snarled at us more than a few times, reminding us that we were completely exposed to the Atlantic sea breeze. A shot that looked perfect leaving the clubface could suddenly find itself drifting well off its intended line. Ballybunion is many things, but forgiving is not one of them.
The good news was that whenever a passing cloud delivered a brief sprinkle, the wind quickly took care of it. Within minutes we were dry again and back to enjoying the remarkable conditions. In fact, the ever-changing mix of sunshine, wind, and occasional mist seemed perfectly suited to the setting. It felt like Ireland was giving us a little sample platter of its weather, without ever becoming unpleasant.
At the end of a very enjoyable round, Ryan has a one stroke lead over Bapa and I both. It is amazing how much more enjoyable the handicap system makes golf!
Our next round tomorrow is scheduled for the Killeen Course at Killarney National Park. After a little searching, we discovered that Tralee Golf Club was an easy detour along the way, so we pointed the car in that direction and set out for lunch at the clubhouse.
The detour proved to be a wonderful decision. We were rewarded with a spectacular view overlooking the 18th green while enjoying a delicious meal. As golfers tend to do, we spent much of lunch studying the finishing hole, watching groups make their way toward the clubhouse and imagining what it would be like to play the course ourselves. We told each other a few lies about our own games and felt good mocking those actually playing that pretty course.
The scenery was every bit as impressive as advertised. Rugged coastline, rolling dunes, and emerald fairways combined to create yet another reminder of why this is such a special golfing destination. Even from the clubhouse, it was easy to appreciate the beauty and challenge that awaited those fortunate enough to tee it up there.
All of us are authorized drivers of the rental car, so Jim wanted a turn behind the wheel. After some minor adjustments and a few gentle reminders about which side of the car to sit in—and which side of the road to drive on—we were ready to go.
With the orientation complete and everyone’s nerves intact, we set off toward our Airbnb just outside Killarney National Park. Fortunately, Jim adapted quickly to Irish driving, and before long we were comfortably making our way through the beautiful countryside. The very narrow roads offered a steady parade of green fields, stone walls, lots of grazing sheep, and charming villages, providing plenty to admire along the journey.
Our Airbnb was much larger than our accommodations in Ballybunion, and each of us had our own room! That is always a nice luxury on a golf trip, giving everyone a little space to relax, unpack, and recharge after a long day. Plus – no roommate.
Another advantage of this place is that it is within walking distance of dinner! We are staying at the beginning—or perhaps the end, depending on your perspective—of the Gap of Dunloe. The area is incredibly picturesque, surrounded by small mountains, stone walls, and winding streams.
For dinner, we took the short five-minute stroll down the road to Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Established in 1860, it proved to be the perfect spot for a hearty meal and a well-earned drink after a day of golf and travel. The cozy atmosphere and long history made it feel like exactly the kind of place one hopes to discover while exploring Ireland.
Along the way, we crossed the River Loe, where I couldn’t resist stopping to snap a few photos. The scenery was simply beautiful.
I don’t typically take pictures of food, but forgive me this transgression. The roast lamb was as good as it looks. Add it to your list if you find yourself at Kate Kearney’s Cottage! http://katekearneyscottage.com
Another great day for 🇮🇪3GIS🏴. The golf has been wonderful, but the time together across three generations is what makes this trip truly special. Tomorrow promises another chapter in the adventure, but for now, we’re content to call this day a complete success. ⛳️☘️⛳️
