Golfing in Ireland is on my bucket list! Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom hold a special place in my heart as places to golf. Until I have the opportunity to play in these three countries, and it will happen, this dream will stay alive and be fulfilled one day. In the meantime, I live vicariously through those who do golf in the promised land. My friend Kirk details his play at his home course of Northwood Golf Club in the UK. Also, he recently kept me spell-bound as he explained his round at St Andrews Old Course. Both sound amazing!

Ireland was the only country left of the three where I did not have any connection….until seven days ago. Through the power of social media, I was fortunate enough to talk to Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin. (They are brothers, however spell their last names differently) It all started when they posted a picture of the signature hole at the Slieve Russel Hotel Golf and Country Club,  Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland.

Straight over the SR sign or bail out right? @jmacrock @lochlainn1 good par 5 this one, pic.twitter.com/GWjBR3zkl2

— Gary McLaughlin (@Garymc_) July 21, 2014

@Garymc_ @lochlainn1 @jmacrock Aim over the sign and if it is miss hit, would bail out to the right! What a beautiful Par 5! My #GAF is high

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) July 21, 2014

After answering this challenge, the conversation was on. He said that the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club is a great place to play! In fact, he and his brother were playing there the next day and I asked them to send pictures. This is what they sent.

Playing the 11th hole – The Haunted Heron

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 2nd shot lay up from bunker at 13th

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 12th tee shot, hit driver and 52* to 6ft but missed 😦

Patrick Mc Laughlin – 13th drove into bunker across the fairway

Not to be out done, the Slieve Russell Hotel sent this picture and comment along!  

@TheGratefulGolf @lochlainn1 @Garymc_ in this weather it really is awesome ! pic.twitter.com/JqcKSpSwKu

— Slieve Russell Hotel (@Slieverussell) July 24, 2014

Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin both agree that the course is in awesome shape. The greens are fast and true and the fairways immaculate. The brief encounter with these two golf fanatics further increases my desire to play in Ireland. Actually, The Slieve Russell Hotel Golf and Country Club has made my bucket list.

I want to thank Patrick and Gary for taking the time to send me these awesome pictures. I am grateful you took the time and effort to share your experience on The Slieve Russell Golf Course.

If anyone wishes to use the pictures sent by Patrick and Gary, please contact them and ask permission as they have the sole rights to duplication.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!