News Summary
Garrymore, Northern Ireland, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the Galgorm Collection announcing a £30 million investment to build Northern Ireland’s first championship links golf course in over a century. Expected to feature 18 holes near Bellarena, construction is projected to start in 2026, and the course will aim to attract golf enthusiasts to a prime location on the Causeway Coast. This project is poised to generate around 300 jobs locally and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation as a golfing destination.
Garrymore, Northern Ireland – Major Investment Announced for New Championship Links Golf Course
Garrymore is set to become the location of a significant new golf development following an announcement by the Galgorm Collection to invest £30 million in constructing Northern Ireland’s first championship links golf course in over a century. This project aims to establish a premier golfing destination on the Causeway Coast, roughly halfway between Portrush and Limavady.
Details of the Bellarena Golf Links Project
The planned 18-hole golf course will be built near Bellarena, a scenic area celebrated for its coastal views and accessibility via the main rail line connecting Belfast and Derry. The location is approximately a 30-minute drive from Derry and its regional airport. The development seeks to transform a natural section of the landscape into a world-class golf destination, with construction projected to begin in 2026, subject to planning approvals. The course is expected to open and welcome its first players by 2029.
Investment and Economic Impact
The project brings the Galgorm Collection’s total spending in Northern Ireland’s northwest region to around £65 million. It is expected to generate approximately 300 new jobs in the local economy, providing a boost to employment opportunities during and after construction. The development aligns with the region’s growing reputation for golf tourism, which last year contributed a record £86 million to the local tourism sector, largely thanks to the popularity of golf in the area following Royal Portrush hosting The Open in 2019.
Strategic Significance and Regional Development
The Bellarena Golf Links project is considered a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for bolstering the local tourism industry and elevating Northern Ireland’s profile as a top destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. The region’s rich coastal scenery and accessibility make it an attractive site for both visitors and investors, further supported by the site’s proximity to major transportation routes.
Support from Political and Tourism Leaders
The project has received backing from key political figures and tourism organizations, emphasizing its potential to stimulate regional economic growth. Local representative Gregory Campbell described the investment as a “major economic boost”, with potential benefits extending to local businesses and communities. Industry leaders have also highlighted the importance of strengthening Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global golf destination, a goal reinforced by ongoing projects and recent expansion efforts by the Galgorm Collection.
Background and Future Developments
The Galgorm Collection has been actively expanding its presence in Northern Ireland, including the acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady and Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena, involving a combined investment of £50 million in 2023. Additionally, the company is exploring plans for a supplementary championship links course in Glenariffe, Glens of Antrim, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing golf tourism infrastructure across the region.
Conclusion
The announcement marks a milestone for Northern Ireland’s golf tourism sector, promising to attract international visitors and provide a significant economic uplift. With development plans underway and widespread regional support, the Bellarena Golf Links project is positioned as an important contributor to the future growth of Northern Ireland’s renowned golfing landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Preparations Underway for The Open Championship at Royal Portrush
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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