Galgorm clubs together €35million for Northern links
Hospitality group Galgorm Collection is investing £30million (€34.6million) in building the course at Bellarena on the north west coast between Limavady and Coleraine.
The announcement comes as the region continues to play host to the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club around 20 miles away. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland putts on the 12th green during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Pic:Golf tourism in the North generates £86million annually (€99million) – a figure that has increased 66% since Portrush last hosted the Open in 2019 – but tourist bosses said that capacity is a limiting factor in driving further growth, with only so many visitors being able to play on the region's landmark seaside links course at any one time.
Galgorm Collection is planning to open its new course in 2029.
The company already owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and a course at Roe Valley in Limavady. Shane Lowry of Ireland reacts to a putt on the 17th green during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Pic:Subject to planning permission being approved, Galgorm Collection said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year.
It said building the course would bring its total investment in the north west to around £65million (€75million), creating an additional 300 jobs.
Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said: 'Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the sixth hole during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. Pic:'Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029.
'We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.'
Stormont's economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement.
She said: 'I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.'
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