Bellarena Golf Links Planned for Northern Ireland’s North West Coast
Galgorm Collection has announced plans for a landmark £30 million investment to create Northern Ireland’s first new championship links course in more than a century.
The proposed Bellarena Golf Links will be located on the region’s north-west coast, between Portrush and Limavady, and is expected to open in 2029, pending planning approval.
Already the owners and operators of the acclaimed Galgorm Castle and Roe Valley courses, Galgorm aims to further elevate Northern Ireland’s status as a premier global golfing destination.
The new links will complement a growing portfolio that also includes award-winning luxury resorts and restaurants.
Bellarena Golf Links: A New Era for Northern Irish Golf
The 18-hole Bellarena Golf Links will be developed along the Causeway Coast and Glens, offering sweeping coastal views and access to nearby airports and transport links.
Bellarena – derived from the French for “beautiful” and Latin for “sand” – is a fitting name for a project that blends natural beauty with golfing ambition.
If approved, development will begin in 2026, with the course opening to visitors and members in 2029.
The new venue is expected to support 300 new jobs and bring Galgorm’s total investment in Northern Ireland’s north-west to around £65 million.
Colin Johnston, Managing Director at Galgorm Collection, 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.”
Tourism and Economic Boost for the Region
The timing aligns with Northern Ireland’s growing momentum in golf tourism, especially following the success of the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019 and this month’s 153rd Open.
Recent data shows golf tourism generated a record £86 million in 2024, up 66% since 2019.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the news:
“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.”
Galgorm’s long-term investment strategy has already delivered success, including the £22 million redevelopment of the Roe Valley Resort and the upcoming Glenariffe links project in the Glens of Antrim.
The Bellarena site will expand the region’s appeal to golfers seeking a true links experience in a less saturated part of the country.
Strengthening Northern Ireland’s Global Golf Identity
With legendary Open venues like Royal Portrush nearby and Northern Ireland continuing to produce world-class golfers including Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, the new Bellarena course will further solidify the country’s reputation as a global golfing powerhouse.
Tourism Northern Ireland Board Chair Ellvena Graham OBE said:
“Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product. I’m delighted this key stakeholder is further investing in this area.”
The Bellarena development is more than just a new course — it represents a continued evolution of Northern Ireland as a bucket-list golf destination for international visitors and domestic players alike.
