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Galgorm Castle is just a shuttle ride away
Stay & Play GALGORM RESORT
THE GOLF Course (Galgorm Castle): 6,930 yards, par 72 The resort runs a shuttle service for guests to play at Galgorm Castle’s championship course, home of the 2013 Northern Ireland Open on the Challenge Tour. The venue is well equipped to cater for societies and the club prides itself on being a challenge for European Tour professionals as well as amateurs. The mature parkland layout is bordered by the river Maine and its tributary, Braid, both of which come into play, as does an oxbow lake and a number of landscaped water features. It makes for an exciting test and some memorable holes, such as the short, but treacherous par-4 4th with water in play both from the tee and on your approach. Also play… Massereene Golf Club (
massereene.com) Some 20 minutes south, this long-established parkland layout offers views out over Lough Neagh.
� BEST DEAL Play and stay options start from £85, comprising one night’s B&B at the resort and one round of golf. Price includes access to the thermal spa and a full Irish breakfast, valid Thursday to Sunday.
On a visit to Northern Ireland, Michael Weston discovers a luxurious hotel with a championship golf course on its doorstep
� WHERE Galgorm Castle lies 45 minutes from Belfast International Airport, heading north west towards Ballymena.
Relax in one of the resort’s 75 bedrooms
The River Maine and its tributary, Braid, run through the course
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THE HOTEL Galgorm Resort & Spa was originally a gentleman’s residence that has been restored and expanded to become a 75-bedroom, four-star hotel. It’s the perfect base to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer or, if you’d rather relax on site, there’s a full thermal spa offering a wide selection of wonderful treatments, a fi tness suite and outdoor hot tub overlooking the River Maine, which also happens to be a great spot for trout and salmon fi shing. As well as an impressive wine cellar, there are plenty of dining options, with Gillies Bar & Grill a personal favourite with golfers returning from Galgorm Castle Golf Club, just two miles down the road. Where else… The Glens of Antrim (
causewaycoastandglens.com) Take a drive like no other and experience the myth and magic of the nine Glens of Antrim.
� CHECKLIST At golf club Green fees: £50wd per round; £60we per round Buggy hire: £25 Trolley hire: £3 Club hire: £20 Driving range: Yes Putting green: Yes Short-game area: Yes Pro shop: Yes Changing rooms: Yes, at hotel Sky TV: Yes in rooms and bars Wi-Fi: Free throughout resort Price of a pint: £3.65
� CONTACT Galgorm Resort & Spa, 136 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT42 1EA T: 028 2588 1001 W:
galgorm.com E:
sales@galgorm.com
At a Glance
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