18/02/2026
Lough Erne Resort Climbs Global Rankings
Lough Erne Resort has solidified its reputation as a premier international destination after surging 11 spots to claim 65th place in the latest Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in the world ranking.
The Fermanagh-based resort is one of only five Irish destinations to make the prestigious list, which is curated by an international panel of experts. The rankings are determined by a rigorous assessment of course quality, onsite facilities, the natural setting, and the comprehensive guest experience.
In their appraisal, Golf World highlighted the resort's unique combination of 5-star luxury and championship-standard play, noting: "This is a big jump for this Northern Irish resort but justified as the golf is more than matched by a 5-star hotel, which sits within a distinctive, ancient building. The lough-edge setting is beautiful and tranquil." The resort features two distinct championship courses. The Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, recently earned a Top 10 spot in Golf World's Top 100 Parkland Courses across Great Britain and Ireland, praised specifically for its year-round playability and lakeside views. Complementing this is the Castle Hume Course, a 10-time host of the Ulster PGA Championship known for its challenging layout and more than 30 strategic bunkers.
Barry McCauley, Director of Golf at Lough Erne Resort, expressed his pride in the achievement: "Everyone at Lough Erne Resort is absolutely thrilled to see us climb 11 places in this ranking. This recognition is a tremendous endorsement of the quality, condition and character of our two championship courses. This achievement also reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, from course maintenance to front-of-house, who work tirelessly all year round to deliver exceptional standards."
The resort's US-based operators, Mark Ward and Jeff Mahan of TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC, added: "Securing this position in such a competitive global ranking highlights the strength of the Resort as a true, premier golfing destination."
To celebrate the accolade, the resort has launched an exclusive "Golf Day" offer for May. For £269, a fourball can play the Faldo Course, with the package including two golf buggies and a dozen Titleist Tour Soft golf balls. This offer is available for single tee times from Sunday to Friday, and participants will be entered into a draw to win a future complimentary session.
The Fermanagh-based resort is one of only five Irish destinations to make the prestigious list, which is curated by an international panel of experts. The rankings are determined by a rigorous assessment of course quality, onsite facilities, the natural setting, and the comprehensive guest experience.
In their appraisal, Golf World highlighted the resort's unique combination of 5-star luxury and championship-standard play, noting: "This is a big jump for this Northern Irish resort but justified as the golf is more than matched by a 5-star hotel, which sits within a distinctive, ancient building. The lough-edge setting is beautiful and tranquil." The resort features two distinct championship courses. The Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, recently earned a Top 10 spot in Golf World's Top 100 Parkland Courses across Great Britain and Ireland, praised specifically for its year-round playability and lakeside views. Complementing this is the Castle Hume Course, a 10-time host of the Ulster PGA Championship known for its challenging layout and more than 30 strategic bunkers.
Barry McCauley, Director of Golf at Lough Erne Resort, expressed his pride in the achievement: "Everyone at Lough Erne Resort is absolutely thrilled to see us climb 11 places in this ranking. This recognition is a tremendous endorsement of the quality, condition and character of our two championship courses. This achievement also reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team, from course maintenance to front-of-house, who work tirelessly all year round to deliver exceptional standards."
The resort's US-based operators, Mark Ward and Jeff Mahan of TRU Hotels and Resorts LLC, added: "Securing this position in such a competitive global ranking highlights the strength of the Resort as a true, premier golfing destination."
To celebrate the accolade, the resort has launched an exclusive "Golf Day" offer for May. For £269, a fourball can play the Faldo Course, with the package including two golf buggies and a dozen Titleist Tour Soft golf balls. This offer is available for single tee times from Sunday to Friday, and participants will be entered into a draw to win a future complimentary session.
Latest Northern Ireland News
18 February 2026
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Rain, Snow And Strong Winds
A yellow weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as forecasters warn that outbreaks of rain, hill snow and strong winds could lead to travel disruption across the region today (Wednesday 18 February).
Yellow Weather Warning Issued For Rain, Snow And Strong Winds
A yellow weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as forecasters warn that outbreaks of rain, hill snow and strong winds could lead to travel disruption across the region today (Wednesday 18 February).
18 February 2026
Grand Opera House Marks Anniversary With Donation
The Grand Opera House has celebrated a major milestone by raising a remarkable £130,000 for The Children's Cancer Unit Charity. The conclusion of this two-year partnership coincides with the iconic Belfast theatre's 130th anniversary, providing a poignant link between its century-long history and its commitment to the local community.
Grand Opera House Marks Anniversary With Donation
The Grand Opera House has celebrated a major milestone by raising a remarkable £130,000 for The Children's Cancer Unit Charity. The conclusion of this two-year partnership coincides with the iconic Belfast theatre's 130th anniversary, providing a poignant link between its century-long history and its commitment to the local community.
18 February 2026
Arson Investigation Launched Following East Belfast Fire
Police are seeking witnesses and information after an arson attack at a derelict site in east Belfast on the evening of Sunday, 15 February. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 6:40 pm following reports of several youths gathered at the former Cabin Hill site, located on the Upper Newtownards Road.
Arson Investigation Launched Following East Belfast Fire
Police are seeking witnesses and information after an arson attack at a derelict site in east Belfast on the evening of Sunday, 15 February. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 6:40 pm following reports of several youths gathered at the former Cabin Hill site, located on the Upper Newtownards Road.
18 February 2026
Health Minister Highlights Success of encompass Digital Record System
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has provided a comprehensive update on the encompass programme, ten months after the digital care record system was successfully rolled out across all five geographic Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.
Health Minister Highlights Success of encompass Digital Record System
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has provided a comprehensive update on the encompass programme, ten months after the digital care record system was successfully rolled out across all five geographic Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.
18 February 2026
Public Consultation Launched for £45m Derry Riverfront Transformation
A major public engagement exercise has been announced to help steer the £45 million revitalisation of Derry's Central Riverfront. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, are calling on residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their visions for the landmark project.
Public Consultation Launched for £45m Derry Riverfront Transformation
A major public engagement exercise has been announced to help steer the £45 million revitalisation of Derry's Central Riverfront. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, are calling on residents, businesses, and stakeholders to share their visions for the landmark project.
18 February 2026
Applications Open for 2026 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme
The Department for Communities has officially opened the application window for the 2026 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme. This initiative offers participants the chance to enhance their Irish language skills by attending immersive courses within Gaeltacht communities.
Applications Open for 2026 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme
The Department for Communities has officially opened the application window for the 2026 Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme. This initiative offers participants the chance to enhance their Irish language skills by attending immersive courses within Gaeltacht communities.
18 February 2026
New AccessNI Rules To Boost Safeguarding For Private Tutors and Carers
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced a significant update to Northern Ireland's background check system, enabling self-employed individuals and personal employees working with vulnerable groups to obtain AccessNI Enhanced checks. The move is designed to provide parents and those managing private care arrangements with greater security.
New AccessNI Rules To Boost Safeguarding For Private Tutors and Carers
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced a significant update to Northern Ireland's background check system, enabling self-employed individuals and personal employees working with vulnerable groups to obtain AccessNI Enhanced checks. The move is designed to provide parents and those managing private care arrangements with greater security.
18 February 2026
Sinn Féin MP Condemns 'Unlawful' Palestine Action Ban
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has described a recent court ruling against the ban on Palestine Action as a "damning indictment" of the British government's stance on protest rights. The South Down representative was speaking after the High Court ruled that the proscription of the direct-action group was unlawful and disproportionate.
Sinn Féin MP Condemns 'Unlawful' Palestine Action Ban
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has described a recent court ruling against the ban on Palestine Action as a "damning indictment" of the British government's stance on protest rights. The South Down representative was speaking after the High Court ruled that the proscription of the direct-action group was unlawful and disproportionate.
18 February 2026
Alliance Calls For Action On Representation Of People With Disabilities
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has emphasised the need for political institutions to be fully inclusive and representative of people with disabilities.
Alliance Calls For Action On Representation Of People With Disabilities
Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has emphasised the need for political institutions to be fully inclusive and representative of people with disabilities.
18 February 2026
Lough Erne Resort Climbs Global Rankings
Lough Erne Resort has solidified its reputation as a premier international destination after surging 11 spots to claim 65th place in the latest Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in the world ranking. The Fermanagh-based resort is one of only five Irish destinations to make the prestigious list, which is curated by an international panel of experts.
Lough Erne Resort Climbs Global Rankings
Lough Erne Resort has solidified its reputation as a premier international destination after surging 11 spots to claim 65th place in the latest Golf World Top 100 Golf Resorts in the world ranking. The Fermanagh-based resort is one of only five Irish destinations to make the prestigious list, which is curated by an international panel of experts.
-




Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

