News Summary
The Galgorm Collection has unveiled plans for a £30 million championship links golf course in Bellarena, marking the first such development in Northern Ireland in over 100 years. Located along the scenic Causeway Coast, the 18-hole course aims to attract international golfers and stimulate local economic growth with an estimated creation of 300 jobs. Set to begin construction in 2026 and complete by 2029, this project reflects a significant investment in the region’s tourism and golf industries, complemented by political support acknowledging its broad economic benefits.
Galgorm Unveils Plans for Northern Ireland’s First Championship Links Golf Course in Over a Century
Bellarena, Northern Ireland — In a major development for the region’s golf and tourism industries, the Galgorm Collection has announced a £30 million investment in the construction of a new championship links golf course at Bellarena. This project represents the first such course built in Northern Ireland in over 100 years and is expected to significantly boost local economic activity.
Project Overview and Key Details
The Bellarena Golf Links project involves creating an 18-hole golf course situated along the scenic Causeway Coast, near Limavady. The location is strategically positioned approximately 30 minutes from Derry and its airport, making it convenient for international visitors and regional players alike. Once completed, the course will offer a world-class golfing experience and is anticipated to attract both amateur and professional golfers from around the globe.
Construction of the course is contingent upon obtaining the necessary planning approvals, with completion scheduled for 2029. The development is expected to commence in 2026, following the current preparatory work already underway at the site. The name Bellarena is rooted in historical language, deriving from the French word for “beautiful” and the Latin word for “sand”, highlighting the area’s natural beauty and coastal features.
Economic Impact and Local Benefits
The Galgorm Collection’s investment will bring the total regional investment to approximately £65 million. This financial commitment is expected to generate around 300 new jobs across various sectors, contributing to the ongoing economic development of Northern Ireland’s northwest region.
In addition to employment opportunities, the project is poised to strengthen the local tourism industry, which saw a record £86 million generated last year. This growth is partly attributed to increased golf tourism after the historic hosting of The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019, and the new course aims to sustain and further accelerate this momentum.
Community and Political Support
The announcement has garnered backing from political and tourism leaders, who emphasize its potential to act as an economic catalyst for the area. East Derry MP Gregory Campbell recognized the development as a “major economic boost”, highlighting its role in spreading the benefits of tourism locally. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald praised the Galgorm Group for demonstrating “confidence and ambition” in reinvesting in the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, underlined the region’s reputation as an appealing destination for global golfers, with Galgorm’s ongoing projects contributing to the region’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the international market.
Other Developments and Future Plans
The Bellarena project is part of a broader strategic expansion by the Galgorm Collection, which previously acquired the Roe Park Resort in Limavady and the Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena, involving a landmark £50 million expansion in 2023. These investments collectively reinforce the company’s commitment to developing top-tier golf tourism infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
Additionally, the collection is exploring further plans for another championship links course in Glenariffe, in the Glens of Antrim, signifying a continued focus on elevating the region’s profile as a premier golf destination and tourism hub.
Conclusion
The new Bellarena Golf Links project represents a significant milestone for Northern Ireland’s golf scene, promising to draw international visitors, create jobs, and enhance economic growth in the region. With construction slated to start in 2026 and the first players expected on the course by 2029, the initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to developing world-class sporting and tourism facilities in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northern Ireland 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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