Galgorm Resort & Spa

High level accommodation has always been somewhat of a problem when it comes to building golfing itineraries in Northern Ireland. The suites at Slieve Donard located beside Royal County Down fit the bill, as do those in The Culloden and Merchant Hotels in Belfast. But until recently, staying a little closer to Royal Portrush has left many golfing tourists with a headache. I am happy to report that thanks to Galgorm Resort and Spa, this is no longer an issue.

The original Galgorm Manor was built in the early nineteenth century, and sits in over 160 acres of beautiful parkland and forest overlooking the River Maine. The recent 17 million euro refurbishment has made it one of the most attractive and comfortable country house hotels in Ireland. It is ideally situated within 40mins of the courses at Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock, and only 30mins from Belfast International Airport. It has managed to retain all the Manor's authentic Irish charm, whilst offering the spacious modern environment required by the modern golf traveller.

The most impressive addition is probably the new Spa and fitness suite. Here you can ease away your golfing aches and pains with an Infinity hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tub, five individual climate rooms, and 11 wet-and-dry treatment rooms. A full range of Spa treatments are available on demand.

It's also the perfect choice when considering the non-golfing members of your party. Galgorm boasts it's own equestrian centre, trout and salmon fishing, on-site clay pidgeon shooting and a series of country walks. Like Gleneagles in Scotland, it's the perfect place to relax for a few days within a busy golfing schedule.

Fine Dining is available at The River Room restaurant, or if you require something that little bit more rustic and casual you can enjoy a steak along with a creamy pint of Guinness at Gillies Bar & Grill. The latter has a fantastic vibrant atmosphere with a mixture of locals and residents at nights and weekends. It's great not having to leave your resort to find the hot-bed of local nightlife, but with the solace of having a quiet country house to return to after closing time.

Northern Ireland contains two of the top twelve courses in the world and is a golfer's paradise. With such fabulous accommodations now on offer, there is really no excuse not to visit.