WHILE the Irish economy remains flat the fact that the Republic has a multitude of magnificent golf courses is great news for those seeking a good deal. The clubs are falling over themselves to attract custom.

The promotional material will often describe courses as hidden gems, but while some, like Dunmurry Springs, may be off the beaten track there’s not much point in keeping a low profile That would explain why they have teamed up with their prestigious neighbour, 2006 Ryder Cup venue the K Club, to offer an attractive package, offering two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast plus three rounds of golf for 199 euros.

You won’t actually be staying at the opulent K Club and only the middle round is played there, but it’s still an excellent deal as Dunmurry Springs is an absolute delight. Its own green fee is 30 euros, which is a real bargain for a course of this quality, and there are reductions for societies.

When the farming family who own the land began work ten years ago on this lay-out, two miles north of Kildare town, all logic suggested the boom in golf course building should be over. Saturation point had surely been reached.

They may well be filling a gap in the market, however, as the drive to take golfing luxury to ever higher levels has seen some of those labelling themselves the ultimate destination struggle for survival.

They can be intimidating in their suffocating grandeur, whereas Dunmurry offers what Ireland is famed for – a warm welcome in a compact and comfortable clubhouse.

This is a family concern and Una Holohan, whose husband and father-in-law own the land, explained how they had brought in a course designer whose over-riding objective was to create feelgood factor in every hole. He has succeeded admirably.

The course is not flat, but the steady climb to the higher ground brings a rewarding panorama across six counties, along with the pleasure of some elevated tee shots.

It is often the mark of an enjoyable course that there is no particular signature hole; there simply aren’t any dull ones.

The par five sixth won’t be to everyone’s taste but it is certainly memorable as it turns a right angle 150 yards from the green. A drive down the left-hand side gives you the option to fly the corner, but it’s a high risk shot with out of bounds on the right.

At 120 yards downhill, the tenth is one of those attractive, short par threes which are sadly lacking on modern courses. There is a reed-filled pond in the hollow between the tee and green.

There is water on four other holes, but one of the plus points of the sympathetic design is that there is always a bail-out area.

At around the same time as Dunmurry took to the drawing board, the members of the long-established Dun Laoghaire club, just south of Dublin, received an offer which 79 per cent of them felt they couldn’t refuse.

Developers wanted their land for housing and offered to build them a palatial clubhouse on a site twice as big and infinitely more attractive.

Instead of avenues of trees, the members now have a 27-hole hillside lay-out with astounding views of the Wicklow Mountains. They also have their large, luxurious clubhouse, complete with gym, sauna and a garage housing 50 buggies, plus £20m in the bank.

As we sheltered from the downpour which greeted our arrival, two lady members enquired where we were from, suggesting the Irish are as sociable as ever. What has changed, however, can be summed up in the way they have embraced modernism.

One of the ladies eagerly called up a weather map on her mobile phone, apparently being most concerned that we shouldn’t get wet. Which was a far cry from the time I walked off a Donegal course soaked to the skin, which I pointed out to an old soak in a nearby bar. “Ah, so, what the hell?” was his response.

The members at Dun Laoghaire pay 2,000 euros for the privilege of playing and relaxing there, which includes a hefty advance on their bar and restaurant bill. Unlike most English clubs, it’s unlikely they will have many car park members.

This is a thoroughly modern and stylish addition to the plethora of courses which have sprung up in around County Wicklow. It could be combined with a visit to the likes of Druid’s Glen and the superb, little-known course at Tulfarris, both of which have good deals available.

If you want something more intrinsically Irish, however, head west to Tullamore in the middle of the country.

This is the home of Ireland’s second best-selling whiskey, Tullamore Dew, which provides a perfect nightcap after a day at the classic parkland course.

The ancient oak, beech and chestnut trees, plus the lush turf, are strong features, but the best holes involve water, notably the 16th. It dog-legs quite sharply left around trees at driving distance, leaving a hefty shot over a pond in a hollow in front of the green.

It was a surprise to find that stroke 18 is a par five which dog-legs right with a pond on the corner. The next hole, the eighth, is similar except that it’s a short par four giving big hitters the option to fly the water and fade one in just short of the green, although bunkers await. Lesser mortals can lay up and leave a 7 or 8-iron in.

The other memorable feature of this club was the oft-repeated “you’re very welcome here”, confirming that the old traditions live on in the heart of the country.

The freshly-baked scones which accompanied the coffee delayed our tee-off until the dew was long gone from the fairways. But there was another kind of Dew to appreciate in the evening and our hosts at the excellent Tullamore Court Hotel were very keen for us to learn all about it.

Tourism Ireland’s website www.ireland.com is a source for all information on holidaying in Ireland - including golf. Websites for the three courses mentioned are: www.tullamoregolfclub.ie; www.dunmurrysprings.ie; www.dunlaoghairegolfclub.ie Another great deal available in the area is the Tullamore Golf Triangle which covers play on three courses - Tullamore, Esker Hills and Castle Barna for 70 euros (about £58.30). See www.tullamoregolftriangle.ie Details of the 199 euros per person offer involving the K Club are available on the Dunmurry Springs website or via email on sean@dunmurrysprings.ie.

Tim Wellock travelled by Irish Ferries from Holyhead, which gives the advantage of being able to load up the car without extra charges for golf clubs and other luggage. With a new ferry, Epsilon, on the Dublin route there are up to six sailings a day in each direction. Cruise-ferry fares start at £79 each way for a car and driver. Irish Ferries Holidays can also package ferry crossings with selected hotels, B&Bs and cottages. For further information visit www.irishferries.com or call 08717 300 400. Shortest crossing times are 1 hour 49 minutes on the Dublin Swift; 3 hours 15 minutes on the biggest boat, the Ulysses.