What area is best for your first golf trip to Ireland?

So your thinking about a golf trip to Ireland and you just don't know where to go, stay and play? Ireland has 4 geographic areas that are easily accessed. Let's touch on the Dublin area and the North( Northern Ireland) all within a three hour's drive from Dublin airport and or Belfast. The choices include Portmarnock, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, The Island, European Club, Baltray, Royal County Down, Ardglass, Royal Portrush and Portstewart. This list includes nine world class courses, there are twenty more courses worthy of playing that are also located in this area. Why golf Dublin or Northern Ireland and not somewhere else? Malahide makes a great location for lodging with close proximity to 5 of the 9 courses. There are great pubs, great dining and you are just a mere 15 minutes from Dublin International Airport. Two hours up the road is county down with Royal County Down and Ardglass Golf Club. There is a world class hotel the Slieve Donard and many good dining choices as well. Two hours west and north is Portrush with Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Club. If you are looking for a golf trip where you don't have to travel far to enjoy world class golf, world class views, great dining and wonderful pubs this area could very well be the right choice for your Irish golfing adventure.