I would take South Africa over Ireland anyday. First of all South Africa isn't anything like any other african nation. It is predominantly white due to it being settled by the English. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world if sightseeing and anything of that nature is in your interest, aka Table Mountain, Cape Point (Most Southern Point of Africa), Safari opportunities in multiple locations, Seal Island (You can watch massive Great White Sharks slay seals while jumping high as shit), etc.
You can also see penguins, by the way penguins only live in the southern hemisphere. Penguins are sweeeet.
This girl I know went there for a winter vacation with her family and she said it is unbelievable. If you golf, South Africa has some of the worlds most amazing courses. There are multiple world famous beaches, and multiple cities with an awesome party scene (Cape Town, Johannesburg etc.)
Do your research, make the right decision.