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Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
Set within 163 acres of lush parkland, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has a truly unique setting ideally located close to both Belfast airports and the stunning North Antrim coast with Royal Portrush, the venue for the 148th Open Championship only a short drive away. The Castle Championship course is set in 220 acres of mature parkland in the grounds of one of Ireland’s historic estates. The Galgorm Resort is halfway between Belfast and Portstewart, in the heart of Northern Ireland. We recommend stopping at Galgorm on your way to Rosapenna, Castle Rock or Ardglass and Royal County Down.
An exciting course for both the high and low handicapped golfers, it offers a stimulating challenge and a memorable round in a tranquil parkland setting. Guests of the Galgorm resort will enjoy the riverside setting and can experience pure relaxation in the Spa and thermal Village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs and the unique Irish spa experience at the Riverside Celtic Sauna.
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Golf Resort Location
Resort Details
- Region: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Address: 136 Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena BT42 1EA, United Kingdom
- Contact Us: [email protected]
Golf Course Information
The Castle Championship Course
The Castle Championship Golf Course is home to the European Tour Group’s Northern Ireland Open and one of Ireland’s finest Championship parkland courses. The course was awarded the IGTOA’s ‘Parkland Course of the Year 2014’ award and is consistently ranked among the Top-3 Parkland golf courses in Northern Ireland, whilst drawing widespread praise from European Tour players and officials annually during the Northern Ireland Open. The course is 6,497-metres / 7,105-yards long and features some of the finest Irish parkland settings that golf can deliver.
The Par-72 layout was designed by world-renowned golf architect Simon Gidman and opened in 1997. The course is nestled in the heart of the 220-acre historic Galgorm Castle Estate, providing a mature setting that promotes an easy, relaxing rhythm that makes playing golf so pleasurable. The course is bordered by the rivers Maine and Braid which come into play on numerous holes, as well as five lakes and the magnificent oxbow lake adjacent to the 14th hole. A variety of teeing areas provide an exciting and enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities and its central location means the course is a must-visit for any golfers planning a trip to Northern Ireland.
The Riverside Par-3 Course
Located just a stone’s throw or a ‘wee pitch’ from the Thermal Village, the Par-3 course is on-site and offers golfers of all experience and abilities the opportunity to enjoy 9 holes in beautiful surrounds that sweep down to the River Maine. Equipment is available for hotel guests free of charge from the Spa and upon returning your clubs, relieve the stress of those missed putts in the Thermal Spa Village.
The ‘Wee’ Course
Located next to the Castle championship course, the 6-hole Pitch & Putt is the perfect layout for all members of the family, young and old, to give golf a go. The complex also houses the Himalayas putting green, a scaled replica of the famous St Andrews attraction that tests your putting skills over the mounds and hollows of the Himalayas! Equipment is available for hotel guests free of charge from the Pro Shop.
Golf Academy
The Galgorm Golf Academy incorporates a 24-bay floodlit driving range, short game area and putting green where the PGA staff offer comprehensive practice and teaching facilities for beginners and experienced players alike. The Golf Academy is also a TaylorMade Select fit Custom Fitting centre; whether you’re looking for extra distance, improved accuracy, more predictable shot shaping or spin control, they can help with all this.
Accommodation
Standard Rooms
Staying true to the history of the manor house, Standard guest rooms are housed in the original building with the emphasis placed on a traditional style, without compromising on space or comfort. When it comes to a good night’s rest, it is all in the finer details. King Koil mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets allow you to drift off with ease, leaving you revived and refreshed for whatever the day has in store. Standard rooms vary from double, to twins, to family and standard two-bedrooms and range from 2-4 adults depending on room category.
Superior Rooms
Superior Rooms embody a lovely sense of comfort, style and charm whilst featuring classic décor in warm and rich hues, with a luxurious king-sized bed with King Koil mattresses which ensure a great night’s sleep. The king-sized bed is a notable difference in the Superior room when comparing the Standard Room, as is the inclusion of a work-desk and seating area with a table. Superior rooms also have marble bathrooms with a separate bath and shower. Superior rooms vary from kings, twins or family rooms.
Deluxe Rooms
Deluxe Rooms have generous sizes of at least 37m² along with views of the River Maine or country views of the Resorts’ 163-acre estate. All come complete with luxurious king-sized beds to ensure a great night’s sleep, lounge area with Rolf Benz furniture and stunning spacious marble bathrooms featuring a separate bath and shower. Deluxe rooms differ from one bedroom, to two-bedroom or the Deluxe Accessible, which has a king-sized bed or two single beds.
Suites
The are two exceptionally spacious 77m² suites complete with corner wrap-around balconies and two feature window viewing boxes overlooking the stunning River Maine. They have separate living and dining spaces, marble bathrooms with free-standing baths & separate showers, a super-sized king bed and fantastic contemporary décor.
Junior Suite
The luxuriously spacious Junior Suites boast a separate lounge area with sumptuous leather Rolf Benz seating and 42” Flat screen TV. They also feature a large balcony complete with outdoor seating overlooking the spectacular River Maine. A marble bathroom with deep slipper bath adds a real wow factor and a super king-sized bed assures you a great night’s sleep to awake fully refreshed and revitalised.
Suite 1857
From its enviable corner location within the original manor house Suite 1857 offers unrivalled views of the cascading waters of the River Maine complete with Juliet balcony. The Suite has a truly romantic design with a muted palette of brocade wall coverings, antique lighting, French baroque furniture and solid oak floors & roof beams. A traditional freestanding bath with claw feet and separate shower complete this unique space.
Signature Suites
The stunning Signature Suite is the ultimate luxury Resort guest room in terms of space and in-room facilities, boasting 122m² of pure luxury with show-stopping feature terrace complete with outdoor soft seating area and a private hot tub overlooking the stunning River Maine. A separate living and dining area with folding patio doors opening onto the terrace creates a fabulous indoor/outdoor space, allowing for private in-room dining for 6 people.
Red Oaks Lodge
The perfect retreat, this country lodge is set away from the hotel, offering luxury, privacy and comfort for up to 12 guests and its own delightful gardens with barbecuing area. The secluded lodge is a luxurious home away from home and the perfect haven for a break away, whether it’s a special occasion or a family escape. It has fantastic country views which include expansive gardens, an outdoor hot tub located on the terrace, it’s 1km from the main hotel building, and it features 3 en-suites and 2 bathrooms. Bedroom configurations are 4 king beds and 2 double beds (or 4 single beds). Other amenities include robes and slippers, a mini-bar, tea & coffee making facilities, Aromatherapy Associates amenities, complimentary mineral water at turn down and a complimentary mini bar.
Resort Dining
River Room
The River Room embodies the ethos of Galgorm in its menu and dishes offering a unique and memorable dining experience. It is one of four restaurants in Northern Ireland to be awarded 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. Head Chef Chris Rees creates dishes that are true to the ingredients, showcasing local artisan producers with menus that change daily. The menus are packed with seasonal ingredients sourced from carefully selected local suppliers and the Resorts very own kitchen garden, all imaginatively served to complement an extensive wine list.
Fratelli Ristorante
Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge. Meaning ‘brothers’ in Italian the Fratelli brand concept is to welcome guests into a family-friendly, informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome. The friendly team serve traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist. Authentic Italian Cicchetti perfect for sharing, mouth-watering pizza and pasta dishes and tempting mini desserts all feature on a unique menu.
Bar + Grill at Gillies
Bar + Grill at Gillies is a favourite amongst guests and locals alike, with a warm and relaxed ambience and charming views of the Resort’s stables. An extensive selection of menus caters for a wide range of tastes with classic brasserie dishes, a grill selection and Asian-inspired creations with a satisfying accompanying wine list. Encompassing all menus is a commitment to using the freshest of ingredients and the very best local Antrim produce. The renowned Galgorm breakfast is served in the atmospheric setting of Gillies restaurant with an extensive hearty offering of full Irish and continental buffet counters, with daily specials and organic healthy selections also available.
Afternoon Tea
Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, first introduced the delightful afternoon tea in the early 19th Century. Through the years, it has remained as a lovely way to catch up on family news or reminisce with old friends, Galgorm proudly continues the tradition in the splendid setting of the River Room Conservatory. A magnificent bespoke glass creation that perfectly frames the stunning setting of the cascading River Maine and lush parkland of the Resort. Take in the beautiful surroundings as your server brings you a pot of freshly brewed tea, chosen from a carefully selected menu of teas sourced to complement your food perfectly.
Castle Kitchen + Bar
The distinct flavour, warmth, and ambience of authentic BBQ smokehouse await you at Castle Kitchen + Bar. A space for all occasions and tastes, make yourself feel truly at home in The Kitchen restaurant with views across the busy open servery, kept under the watchful eye of the signature bull adorning the tiles. Serving up spicy street food minis, slow-cooked ribs and dry rubbed beef, carefully sourced Northern Irish meat and poultry is barbecued to perfection with the distinctive char you have come to expect, fresh from the coals of the lump wood fire pit. Southern-inspired dishes feature across the menus, peppered with an eclectic mix of classics designed to ignite your taste buds from lunch through to dinner. Take in views of the fairways and countryside while sipping on cocktails or grazing on small plates.
Resort Facilities
Fitness
Located on Level 1 within the Thermal Spa Village, the Fitness Suite at Galgorm offers residents and members an extensive array of equipment, mirroring that found in any commercial gym, enabling guests to commit to their training regime before continuing your Thermal Spa Village Experience. It features upright bikes, a cross-trainer, an airbike, recumbent bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, weights, resistance machines and more.
Spa
As a global winner of the Luxury Hotel Spa award (2018), this places Galgorm Resort & Spa firmly on the map as a world-class destination, beating competition from some of the world’s most iconic spa Resort’s. The prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards were held on 10th November at Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali, Indonesia. 360 guests from over 100 countries travelled to Bali to attend the impressive black-tie event, which awards the world’s finest hotels for their luxury offerings and exceptional service. The resort also has a 20-metre indoor leisure pool surrounded by a polished pebble floor to gently massage the pressure points in your feet, assisting blood flow and easing tensions.
Thermal Spa Village
The Thermal Spa Village consists of a wide range of experiences that can’t be missed on a trip to Galgorm Resort:
Celtic Spa Infusion
Cleanse your mind, body & spirit with the unique Celtic Sauna Infusion, exclusive to The Spa at Galgorm. A treat for the senses, this all-encompassing spa experience begins in The Orangery where an inhalation of Aromatherapy Associates frankincense oil will succumb the mind and body to a state of relaxation. Your Sauna Master will escort you through to the Celtic Sauna where your heat experience will take place. Perfectly positioned along the banks of the river with a panoramic view of nature, you will begin to feel re-entered as your mind drifts toward a state of tranquillity during this traditional Aufghuss ceremony. Breathe deeply as the essential oils fill the air, aiding breathing and circulation, before concluding your journey in the Orangery with a thirst-quenching beverage to refresh.
Orangery
The perfect place to unwind after your treatment or relax with a good magazine. Bespoke crafted relax beds and swing chairs allow you to float away into a state of utter relaxation whilst taking in the stunning view of the river and gardens.
Elements
Elements represents Earth which nurtures growth and strengthens your body. It offers you a relaxing environment for a nourishing interlude during your journey of rediscovery. Graze on a selection of freshly prepared tasting slates or hand baked pastries created using locally sourced ingredients.
Sanarium
Scented with essences and with a lower temperature than the other Saunas (50-60C). The Sanarium offers a comfortable and relaxing heat experience with real health benefits. A perfect precursor to a spell in the Snow Cabin.
Snow Cabin
The Snow Cabin is a fascinating cooling experience of year-round wintery fun. Recommended after a spell in the Sanarium, this invigorating experience enhances blood circulation and has a positive effect on the lungs and respiratory system. Your skin will positively tingle in this winter landscape of powder snow and ice crystals maintained at a chilly -10°C.
River House
Raised on stilts and with views over the cascading River Maine, the River House is a tranquil and calming environment in which you can work on your health goals. They offer a range of fitness & well being classes, led by expert instructors to ignite your body with movement and awaken the mind.
Snail Shower
Take in the beautiful views of the outdoor Thermal Spa Village from the comfort of your lounge water bed, designed to gently immerse you into total relaxation. Awaken the senses with a session in the Snail Shower and you will be ready to continue your journey of rediscovery outdoors.
Pools & Hot Tub
The infinity hydrotherapy pool incorporates a variety of therapeutic massage jets to ease tired, aching muscles. Feel the warmth of the water as you relax on the aqua bed, allow stress to ebb away under one of Galgorm’s neck and back massage cannons.
Jacuzzi Pool & Hot Tub
Both set on the banks of the River Maine, these hot outdoor pool experiences will delight your senses and leave you refreshed and revitalised.
Beltane Hot Tub
Be enveloped by the tranquillity of nature with the Beltane Experience. Derived from the ancient Celtic meaning ‘bright fire,’ this unique experience is located in the stunning outdoor areas of the Thermal Spa Village. Relax with company seated around the sunken fire before enjoying a dip in one of two 12-man hot tubs allowing you to indulge senses with three of nature’s elements Fire, Air & Water.
Saunas
Purify, rejuvenate and reawaken your body and soul in the range of heated cabins including the Laconium, Herb Caldarium, Aroma Grotto & Sauna.
Serenity Garden
The beautifully landscaped Spa Garden is situated towards the rear of the Thermal Spa Village. Features include sun sheltering olive trees from Tuscany and beyond, meandering walkways, a bespoke water feature and relaxation beds to while away the time and to let the mind simply drift. The perfect place for when you need an extra touch of tranquillity.
How to Get There
Galgorm Resort lies in County Antrim, only 45-minutes by car north-west of Belfast. If arriving by plane into Belfast Airport, the resort is just 30-minutes’ drive away. The resort is therefore extremely accessible as either a stop-over to the north coast, or a weekend away from Belfast. Voyages.golf can assist with transfers, flights and rental cars to get you to Galgorm Resort.
