News Summary
Galgorm Collection is set to build Northern Ireland’s first championship links golf course in over a century at Bellarena, with a £30 million investment. The 18-hole course aims to position the area as a premier golfing destination and create around 300 jobs. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an anticipated opening in 2029. This venture follows Galgorm’s previous investments in the region and is expected to significantly boost local tourism and the economy.
Bellarena, Northern Ireland – Galgorm Collection has revealed plans to build Northern Ireland’s first championship links golf course in over a century, with a substantial investment of £30 million. This new golf course, set to be located at Bellarena, is expected to transform a picturesque section of the Causeway Coast near Limavady into a premium golfing destination.
The planned 18-hole golf course will be strategically positioned between Portrush and Limavady, making it easily accessible—approximately 30 minutes from Derry and its nearby airport. Subject to receiving the necessary planning approvals, construction is anticipated to commence in 2026, with the course projected to open for play in 2029.
This ambitious project will bring Galgorm Collection’s total investment in the northwest region of Northern Ireland to around £65 million. Alongside financial investment, it is expected to create approximately 300 jobs for local residents, benefiting the economy substantially.
Recent statistics highlight the significance of the local tourism sector, which generated a remarkable £86 million last year. The growth in golf tourism has been especially notable since the Royal Portrush hosted The Open in 2019, a prestigious tournament that garnered global attention and interest in Northern Ireland’s golfing capabilities.
Colin Johnston, the Managing Director of Galgorm Collection, has characterized this initiative as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region, sparking hopes for the future of both golf and tourism in Northern Ireland. The Bellarena site is already undergoing preparatory work, drawing on its name that is derived from the French word for “beautiful” and the Latin word for “sand.” This conveys the site’s potential for stunning views and enjoyable golfing experiences.
The golf course’s location will offer easy access via the main rail line connecting Belfast and Derry, and the area is renowned for its striking coastal scenery that attracts visitors from around the world. The announcement of the new golf course has garnered widespread support from various political and tourism leaders, with many highlighting its potential economic impact on the local community.
East Derry MP Gregory Campbell has emphasized that this investment serves as a major economic boost, aimed at ensuring a wider distribution of tourism benefits for local growth. Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald has praised Galgorm’s confidence and ambition in further investing in a thriving tourism sector that has shown resilience and potential for growth.
Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, has also acknowledged the region’s established reputation as a desirable destination for global golfers, reinforced by Galgorm’s ongoing contributions to the golfing landscape. The firm’s initiatives reflect a growing trend in enhancing Northern Ireland’s profile as an attractive tourism hub.
This development follows Galgorm’s recent acquisition of the Roe Park Resort in Limavady and the Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena. Notably, these acquisitions involved a landmark £50 million expansion in 2023, reinforcing Galgorm’s commitment to enhancing the hospitality and tourism sector in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, plans are in place for another championship links course in Glenariffe, Glens of Antrim, asserting Galgorm Collection’s dedicated strategy to promote golf tourism throughout the region.
Through these significant investments and developments, Galgorm Collection is poised to elevate Northern Ireland’s golfing offerings, cater to international tourists, and generate tangible economic benefits for local communities in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Royal Portrush Prepares for The Open Championship
Additional Resources
- The Independent
- Wikipedia: Northern Ireland
- Inkl
- Google Search: Bellarena Golf Links
- Sport for Business
- Google Scholar: golf tourism northern ireland
- MSN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: golf tourism
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