Glenariff, County Antrim. (Image: Noel Hughes)
In an ambitious move to expand its luxury offerings, the Galgorm Collection has set its sights on developing a new championship links golf course in the picturesque Glenariff, in the beautiful Glens of Antrim, The Irish News has learned.
This proposed development, situated between Cushendall and Carnlough, involves delicate negotiations with approximately 30 landowners for a tract of land ranging from 200 to 300 acres.
The area stretches from Glenariff Oisín’s GAA club near Waterfoot beach into the adjacent hills, promising a course with stunning coastal views typical of links layouts.
The Galgorm Collection, known for its upscale Galgorm Resort, aims to have this new golfing venue ready by 2027, aligning with the Ryder Cup's return to Ireland at Adare Manor in County Limerick. This timing could provide a perfect launchpad, particularly targeting the lucrative U.S. golf tourism market.
In related developments, Galgorm Collection is on the verge of acquiring the nearby Galgorm Castle Golf Club, enhancing its golf portfolio.
This acquisition, expected to finalize soon, will add a historic course, developed in the 1980s on an estate dating back to the early 17th century, which has previously hosted prestigious events like The Irish Open.
Moreover, the hospitality group is also in contention to purchase the Roe Park Resort in Limavady, which includes an 18-hole parkland course and a 118-bed hotel. With a price tag of £14 million, this property has attracted interest from three bidders, with Galgorm believed to be the frontrunner. Final bids are anticipated by the end of next week.
This expansion follows a financially robust year for Galgorm, with recent accounts showing a pre-tax profit of £6.6 million on a turnover of £35.9 million for the year ending October 31, 2023, marking it as one of the most profitable hotel operations in Ireland.
The Galgorm Collection, under the ownership of brothers Nicky and Paul Hill, also boasts other properties like The Rabbit Hotel in Templepatrick, The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, and popular Belfast eateries Parisien and Fratelli.
This new venture into golf tourism underscores their commitment to enhancing Northern Ireland's appeal as a top-tier golf destination.