Great dunes and views await at challenging Portmarnock Golf Links near Dublin, Ireland

COUNTY DUBLIN, Ireland -- Portmarnock Golf Links doesn't have the history or tradition of its more famous neighbor, the Portmarnock Golf Club. But it also doesn't have steep greens fees, either -- and the dunes and views are very similiar.

The 6,444-meter Portmarnock Links (roughly 7,047 yards) sits on land that used to be part of the famous Jameson family's private golf course, developed in 1858 as one of Ireland's earliest courses. Even though this Jameson course disappeared many years ago, architect Bernhard Langer incorporated some of its elements into his design that opened in 1995.

The first seven holes are relatively flat next to the dunes, not in them. They're hardly pushovers with plenty of bunkers (there are 99 on the course) and a burn on five holes. The dunes greet players with a firm handshake at No. 8 and don't let go until the finishing hole.

After golf, visit the Jameson Bar in the 138-room hotel, a part of the former Jameson Whiskey family estate. The original house, St. Marnocks, dates to 1847. Sip the famous Irish whiskey to warm your body and soul and, of course, to celebrate another round on a strong links.