News Summary
Galgorm Collection has unveiled plans for a £30 million championship links golf course in Bellarena, Northern Ireland, marking a significant development in the local golf tourism sector. The 18-hole course is set to be located between Portrush and Limavady and aims to open in 2029, pending planning approval. This investment is expected to create 300 jobs and enhance the area’s appeal as a premier golfing destination, building upon the momentum generated by the 2019 Open Championship held at Royal Portrush.
Bellarena, Northern Ireland – Galgorm Collection has announced a major investment of £30 million to establish a new championship links golf course in Bellarena, marking the first such course to be built in Northern Ireland in over a century. This ambitious project aims to transform a stretch of the stunning Causeway Coast into a premier golfing destination, expected to open its doors to players in 2029, pending planning approval.
The planned 18-hole golf course will be strategically located between Portrush and Limavady, approximately a 30-minute drive from Derry and its nearby airport. As part of this project, Galgorm Collection’s total investment in the northwest region of Northern Ireland will increase to an estimated £65 million. The development is projected to create around 300 new jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Galgorm Collection’s initiative comes at a time when the local tourism sector is experiencing notable growth, having generated a record £86 million last year. The increase in golf tourism has been particularly pronounced since the prestigious Open Championship was hosted at Royal Portrush in 2019. Key players within the tourism and political sectors have shown strong support for the Bellarena Golf Links project, recognizing its potential economic benefits and opportunities for tourism expansion.
The preparatory work at the Bellarena site has already commenced. The name “Bellarena” derives from the French for “beautiful” and the Latin for “sand,” an apt description given the area’s dramatic coastal scenery. This picturesque location is easily accessible via the main rail line connecting Belfast and Derry.
Officials, including local politicians, have highlighted the project’s potential as a substantial economic boost for the region, helping to spread the benefits of tourism and encouraging local growth. The investment not only showcases the ambition and confidence of Galgorm Collection in contributing to Northern Ireland’s tourism but also reinforces the area’s reputation as a premier destination for international golfers.
Galgorm’s ongoing commitment to golf tourism is evident in its recent expansion efforts, including the acquisition of the Roe Park Resort in Limavady and Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena, alongside a substantial £50 million investment in 2023. Furthermore, the company is exploring additional plans for another championship links course in Glenariffe, Glens of Antrim, demonstrating its long-term vision for enhancing Northern Ireland’s golfing landscape.
With the announcement of the Bellarena Golf Links, Galgorm Collection is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of golf tourism in Northern Ireland. The combination of investment, job creation, and the development of high-quality golfing infrastructure is expected to draw golf enthusiasts from around the world, solidifying the area’s status as a must-visit location for golf lovers.
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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
