County Donegal

Links golf is played on the natural terrain of seaside dunes and land banks and requires different playing techniques than when playing on the more common parkland course. Ireland has the highest ratio of links courses in the world per head of population, even more than the “home of golf” that is Scotland. Links golf introduces more of the element of chance into the game rather than the “target” golf you find on some manicured parkland courses. Even a slight breeze can utterly transform a links course from a benign creature to a monster.

Arguments will always abound as to the best golf course in any country or region and the matter is by nature subjective. Every year dozens of well known magazines that review golf courses to a broad range of criteria course publish their Top 100 or a Top 10 links and parkland courses in a particular country or region. They review links and parkland courses throughout the country but sometimes you wonder with what eyes are they are they looking at these courses.

Is their view that of the expert low single-figure handicap amateur or even the tour professional? Sometimes I would query the terms of reference that these reviews are based upon. I feel lack of consideration is given to what might make a great golf course from the point of view of players with handicaps from, say 10 to 24. An interesting statistic is that 95% of the world’s amateur golfers have a handicap of 15 or over and only 1% of the golfing population of the world have single-figure handicaps. Any professional golf course reviewer is by nature a fairly handy golfer and being so can perhaps make it difficult for them to view the course from the higher handicapper’s perspective. That is not to say that they don’t try – I have no doubt they do – but if you play of a handicap of 4, you don’t encounter the obstacles that a 20 handicapper will come across.

As a hacker playing off 12 with a love of links golf in particular, the following are my Top 10 Irish links courses. It may not necessarily agree with the glossy magazine reviewers but they reflect my own experiences and I think any golfer of any handicap low or high will find these fantastic courses. I did not rate courses I haven’t played which may explain some obvious omissions compared to a professional reviewer list. But here goes anyway, and let the arguments begin!

1. BALLYBUNION (Old Course), Ballybunion, Co. Kerry

2. PORTMARNOCK, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

3. ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, Newcastle, Co. Down

4. THE EUROPEAN CLUB, Brittas, Co. Wicklow

5. DOONBEG, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Co. Clare

6. BALLYLIFFIN, Ballyliffin, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

7. ROYAL DUBLIN, Dollymount, Clontarf, Dublin 5

8. THE ISLAND, Corballis, Donabate Co. Dublin.

9. DONEGAL (MURVAGH) Murvagh Co. Donegal

10. COUNTY LOUTH (BALTRAY) Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Over the centuries Ireland developed a unique style of dance, but it’s only in recent years it has come to the attention of the wider world — and here’s why.

During the interval at the 1994 Eurovision song contest, a little known group of Irish dancers called “Riverdance” brought the audience to their feet and astonished a massive world wide TV audience with their feet-tapping rhythms and colorful dance style.

Riverdance is produced by Moya Doherty and its instant popularity owes much to the brilliant and flamboyant execution of the principle dancers, Irish-Americans Jean Butler and Michael Flatley.

Thus a dance style that drew its inspiration from many races became universally recognized and enjoyed.

The history of Irish dancing has its roots back in the period before even the Celts arrived in Ireland. At that time, the Druids worshipped nature — in particular trees — and they would have performed rituals which involved dancing around the oak tree, in particular.

When the Celts arrived from mainland Europe, they brought with them dance styles from their countries of origin. When the Normans conquered Ireland in the 12th century, they brought with them fresh dances.

Chief of these Norman dances was the Carol, which involves a circle of dancers surrounding a single singer in the center. You can see echoes of this style in the Riverdance sequence, “Countess Cathleen” a dance of empowerment for the women dancers.

Later, three principle dance styles were evolved. These were the Prince Fada (the long dance), the Trenchmore and the Irish Hey. Irish dancing was accompanied by the Uilleann pipes — a type of bagpipe, with its origins, as with the Scottish bagpipes, in the Mid East.

For many years it had been the custom for traveling musicians to roam the country, stopping at wealthy manor houses and entertaining the residents with songs and stories, in return for which they received bed and board. In the eighteenth century, this tradition was enlarged to include traveling dance masters who would roam the country and teach villages to dance in the traditional way.

In order to whip up enthusiasm the dance masters held group dances and competitions, with the best dancers in each village held in high esteem. In order to give a firm surface for dancing, doors were often taken off their hinges and laid flat for the dancers. This, coupled with the use of the hard shoe, gave rise to the rhythmic and rapid foot tapping, so closely associated now with Irish dancing.

One interesting sequence in the Riverdance show, is a little tableau when some Irish immigrant dancers meet some American “hoofers” and try out each other’s style of dancing.

Dancing competitions between villages were held on neutral ground crossroads where the roads to the rival villages met. Later, this gave rise to the building of permanent dance halls at crossroads, which subsequently led to romantic liaisons between members of the different villages, when social dances were held.

Today, Irish dancing is thriving as never before, aided by the popularity of Riverdance, and The Feis, as the dance competitions are called, are an important part of Irish cultural life, particularly in rural areas.

The World Irish Dancing championships are held annually near Dublin and reflects the fact Irish people took their dance culture to many parts of the planet, with competitors from as far away as New Zealand and Australia as well as The USA, Canada and England.

Copyright 2007 Joseph Donegal and The-Best_Of_Ireland.com

Welcome to the thinking person’s guide to Nottingham. Here is a fun way to find out about some of Nottingham’s rich history whilst having a jolly good time!

Nags head

Start your tour at the Nags Head public house on Mansfield road. This used to be the ‘last’ stop for many unfortunate souls on their way to Gallows Hill. Prisoners were offered their last drink here. It is reported that one such prisoner refused his last drink and was duly hanged just as his reprieve was granted – too late- if only he’d took his last drink!

Lincolnshire Poacher

Walk a little further down the road and cross over to reach your next stop. A warm friendly welcome awaits you at The Lincolnshire Poacher. On offer are a fine selection of ‘real ales’ and whiskies in an atmosphere that encourages conversation – no TV’s or thumping beats here! Originally known as the ‘Old Grey Nags Head’, there has been a pub here since 1831.

The Peacock

Onwards to The Peacock. This pub has a Victorian feel to it. Comprising of two bars complete with buttons for service – you can get a decent pint of Guinness here.

Golden Fleece

Ever onwards to the Golden Fleece. You can view the deep sandstone cellars through the glass floor whilst drinking a fine malt whiskey or one of twelve polish vodkas on sale. Nottingham is built on sandstone through which run a labrynth of caves and tunnels. They were used for all sorts of reasons including air raid shelters during WW11.

Bell Inn

You will need a bit of a walk after that – so it’s on into the centre of town and the Bell Inn. This is one of the oldest pubs in England. Originally two buildings, you can walk down the old alley which separated them. There are tours available if you want to know more about the history whilst enjoying a good pint of Refectory Ale.

The Royal Children

Walk towards the Castle and find the Royal Children on Hounds Gate.

It is thought that the pub got its name when the grandchildren of King James 1 were accommodated here during the last days of his reign in the seventeenth century. The sign outside incorporates a whalebone from the days when whale oil was used as fuel.

The Salutation Inn

A stones throw from the Royal Children you will find the Salutation Inn. Dating from the fifteenth century, it is thought to have been a guest house owned by a religious order. The name refers to the ‘Salutation’ given to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel as depicted on the sign.

Beneath the pub are caves which are said to be haunted. Ghost walks start from here each week. I’ve been down there – it really is quite spooky!

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

If you’re still standing this pub offers a fitting end to your journey. Built in 1189, this is purportedly the oldest pub in England (if not the world); it was a favourite of Crusaders en route to Jerusalem in the times of Richard the Lionheart. Built into the castle rock the place is steeped in history and legend. Discover and discuss over one of many hand- pulled ales on offer – the foods good too!

Finish your tour with a stroll up cobbled streets and view the floodlit Castle and statue of Robin Hood.

Nottingham also has a lot of hotels in and around the City centre. Please don’t try to sleep-off your pub tour on a park bench!