Galgorm Collection has announced a £30 million construction project to develop a new 18-hole championship links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's north west coast.

This will be the first course of its kind built in the region in over 100 years. Located between Portrush and Limavady in the Causeway Coast and Glens area, the Bellarena site lies approximately 30 minutes from the City of Derry and its airport. Subject to planning approval, construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion and opening planned for 2029.

Galgorm Collection Managing Director, Colin Johnston, said: "Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland’s stunning north west coast 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.

"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."

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, added: "Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further. 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."

The development forms part of a wider investment strategy by Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland's leading luxury hospitality group. The company owns and operates Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena and Roe Valley Golf Course in Limavady. In 2023, it acquired both Roe Park Resort and Galgorm Castle Estate as part of a £50 million investment, with a further £22 million currently being spent on upgrading the Roe Valley site.

Once completed, the Bellarena project will bring Galgorm's total investment in the region to approximately £65 million and is expected to create 300 new jobs.