September/October 2025


Top NI Chef Appointed Executive Head Chef at Europa and Grand Central Hotel


www.nitravelnews.com


LOCAL TOURIST | 71


Belfast Debuts Self-Driving Shuttle Service in Titanic Quarter – A First for Northern Ireland


NORTHERN Ireland’s first autonomous public transport service has officially launched in Belfast Harbour, offering passengers a futuristic, and free, new way to travel between Titanic Quarter train station and the city’s innovation hub.


The new eight-seater ‘Harlander’ shuttle links the Catalyst tech campus with the nearby train station,


providing what


HASTINGS Hotels has announced the dual appointment of Damian Tumilty as Executive Head Chef of both the world-famous Europa Hotel and the luxurious 5-star Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.


This prestigious role


sees Tumilty, a veteran of over 25 years in the culinary industry, lead a combined team of more than 50 kitchen professionals across the two landmark properties.


Belfast Harbour describes as vital “last mile connectivity” for workers, tourists, and students navigating the growing Harbour Estate.


While the shuttle bus has no driver, a safety operator remains on board at all times to oversee the vehicle and ensure smooth operation. The steering wheel turns on its own, powered by sophisticated self- driving technology developed by Oxa, one of several partners in the project. During the pilot phase, which runs until


the end of September, the Harlander will be free to use for all passengers.


“This is a groundbreaking project for Northern Ireland and a step towards fully autonomous transport,” said Mike Dawson, Belfast Harbour’s Director of People and Digital Transformation. “We’re excited to see how the public engages with this service and how it enhances connectivity within the estate.”


The Harlander is part of Belfast Harbour’s


wider “Smart Port” initiative, aiming to introduce cutting-edge technology to improve infrastructure, sustainability, and user experience.


With Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, and the Thompson Dock all within walking distance of the shuttle route, the Harlander is expected to benefit both tourists and locals by offering a convenient and sustainable way to explore one of Northern Ireland’s most visited districts.


New £30M Bellarena Links Course to Transform Northern Ireland’s North Coast Golf Tourism


IN A landmark development for golf tourism in Northern Ireland, the Galgorm Collection has unveiled plans to build the region’s first new links golf course in over a century at Bellarena on the scenic north coast.


The proposed £30 million Bellarena Golf Links,


Portstewart, situated


between Portrush and Limavady, will join the elite ranks of Royal Portrush,


and


Castlerock, further enhancing the north coast’s global golfing appeal. Subject to planning approval, construction could begin as early as 2026, with the course expected to welcome its first visitors by 2029. Positioned along the Coleraine- Londonderry railway line and near the Causeway Coastal Route, the new course will be ideally located for both domestic and international tourists. The development is set to create 300 new jobs and significantly increase Galgorm Collection’s footprint in the area, taking its total regional


Slice of Nature and Nurture on Northern Ireland’s North Coast


investment to £65 million. This expansion follows Galgorm’s acquisition of the Roe Park Resort in Limavady last year, alongside Galgorm Castle Estate, in a combined £50 million deal. A further £22 million has been earmarked for the redevelopment of the Roe Park site, now renamed Roe Valley Resort.


Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the news, highlighting the course’s potential impact on the region: “Golf tourism generated a record £86 million for Northern Ireland last year. The Open at Royal Portrush has only amplified that figure, and projects like Bellarena are vital to sustaining that growth.”


Tourism Northern Ireland board chair Ellvena Graham echoed that sentiment, saying: “Northern Ireland has become a must-visit destination for golf tourists. Bellarena will strengthen our offering and drive interest from across the globe. Galgorm Collection continues to set the standard in developing world- class tourism products.”


The Galgorm Collection is already renowned for its award- winning hospitality portfolio, including the Galgorm Resort, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, and The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, as well as the Fratelli and Parisien restaurant brands. In the golfing world, Galgorm Golf Club has built a strong reputation by hosting major tournaments such as the ISPS HANDA World Invitational and the Irish Open, and will host the NI Legends event on the European Seniors Tour next month. Galgorm Collection Managing Director Colin Johnston described


from esteemed collections, including Seabody, a marine bioactive skincare brand from County Kerry.


Hotel


guests can avail of the Spa facilities, and Day Retreat Packages are also available from The Spa. Incorporating her years experience


of alongside the


beauty of the natural surrounding of


BY ERIN ENGLISH erin@nitravelnews.com


DRIVING into Dunluce Lodge,


Northern Ireland’s newest five-star hotel, you are met with breath- taking views of the Causeway Coast, and immaculately- maintained grounds. As Dunluce Lodge recently announced Chapter One of


internationally renowned for massages, is a


position, develop


she continues to her skillset whilst


guiding the team of Spa Therapists at Dunluce Lodge. Exploring


the grounds of the their wellness retreat


programme, I had the pleasure of meeting with Ashley Leckey, Dunluce Lodge’s Spa Manager,


being an expert at her craft. Throughout her career, Leckey has created innovative and restoring therapies and in her current


Dunluce Lodge on a tour of the Spa facilities, Ashley expressed how Dunluce Lodge aims to further elevate guest’s experience through the power of relaxation and wellness. Leckey highlighted how a treatment or ritual should be as integral to a stay as a dining reservation. Heading into the The Spa at Dunluce the passionate dedication and


Lodge,


fine-tuned expertise of Dunluce Lodge’s Spa team is evident. Each experience and


retreat utilises skincare products reconnecting wellness Dunluce


rituals. The Signature Facial at Lodge


This rejuvenating treatment


incorporates the esteemed collection of skincare products at the property with a soothing touch which is guaranteed to leave you glowing! Dunluce Lodge’s Spa has announced ‘Chapter One: Coastal Calm,” an exclusive wellness retreat, where guests can reconnect with a soul-nourishing itinerary, including sunrise yoga, saunas, plunge pools, bespoke treatments, and 1-on-1 energy work.


must; area Dunluce Lodge,


the Spa at Dunluce Lodge offers signature facials,


and


the Bellarena project as a transformational moment for golf and tourism in Northern Ireland: “This new 18-hole links course will drive a new era of growth and recognition for our region, creating hundreds of jobs and offering a truly world-class experience. We’re committed to collaborating with local


stakeholders to


communities and ensure lasting


success for the north west and beyond.”


Local representatives have also voiced their support, including East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell,


who said: “This


investment is a huge vote of confidence in the North West. It will unlock new opportunities for local people and businesses while shining a spotlight on the area’s incredible natural beauty.” If approved,


Bellarena Golf


Links is set to become a premier destination for golfers worldwide, solidifying Northern Ireland’s position as a global golfing powerhouse.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80