EXCEPTIONAL GALGORM SETS THE STANDARD
One of the many outdoor spa experiences along the River Maine at Galgorm where luxury is guaranteed at every turn (Photo: Courtesy Galgorm)
STAY & PLAY: HOTEL REVIEW
March 2025
Galgorm is this STUNNING place where outstanding spa and leisure experiences almost supersede the Resort’s overall reputation. It’s as if anyone who mentions Galgorm, it is instantly recognisable as ‘oh yeah, the place where they have that spa’.
It’s quite the measure how far Galgorm has come in a relatively short time. It is not only recognised as Northern Ireland’s premier spa, hotel and golf destination, but it punches with an international authority as overseas visitors flock to this wonderful resort too, which is the signature venue of the overall Galgorm Collection.
Galgorm is also a place that never stands still. If you are fortunate enough to return to Galgorm on a regular basis, or even once a year, visitors will unquestionably notice something new every time. It is likely to be a new feature added to the spa experience, either indoor or an additional feature along the River Maine that will simply blow your mind in terms of the size and scale of this wonderful retreat.
New bedrooms, suites and private residences are being added all the time too in this period of exceptional growth for Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality group. You know when the business model is on the right track when you hear of visitors coming to Northern Ireland to stay at Galgorm rather than staying at Galgorm when visiting Northern Ireland. Let that though sink in a moment…
Personal Experience
At this juncture, your reviewer must disclose a vested interested in Galgorm for the purpose of transparency and objectivity. I have worked with the team on the golf and tournament side of things at Galgorm for almost 20 years, so the hotel and resort are something that has always been on my radar. Yes, I have stayed several times over the years when the final day of the Irish Open or a World Invitational required a ‘stupid-o-clock’ start in the morning or the candle burned at both ends with a long tournament day. Those were great days, but truth be told the stay at Galgorm was always in a working capacity and therefore none of the trimmings available were ever experienced, apart from the exceptional bed and room plus early breakfast the following morning.
Exceptional Spa
In March 2025 this dynamic changed as I managed to tag on a couple of nights overnight with the better half following a meeting with the Galgorm team. The following 72 hours was a simply exceptional experience - as a genuine, paying guest at the Resort. The pair of us immersed ourselves in the entire spa experience, the highlight came with a cold refreshment while soaking in one of the riverside jacuzzi spas. It was heaven just kicking back with the sound of bubbles and the flowing river over our shoulder.
Decked in our branded robes, water bottles and flip flops, we waddled our way to the Dome where a wonderful lunch was consumed. Nothing was ever too much trouble and when I say the team ‘were on it’ I refer to their unwavering attention to detail and attentive ways with all guests. This makes a huge difference to the overall experience, and we observed this across the entire hotel during our stay.
Eat & Drink
Hard to say this given the exceptional nature of the spa, but I think one of the highlights of our trip was the food and drink along with the live entertainment of an evening at Gillies Restaurant and McKendry’s Bar. Whether it was pre-dinner drinks on the comfy sofas on the upper area at McKendry’s, or the sensational dining experience at Gillies, they were memories and experiences to behold. The food both evenings was to die for, especially the evening we both ordered fillet steaks and treated ourselves to a nice bottle of wine. And to top it off we returned to McKendry’s where the bar was jumping with the live music in full flow.
Galgorm - Northern Ireland
A stunning hotel, spa & golf destination situated in the heart of Northern Ireland.
Luxury Accommodation
It goes without say the accommodation offering at a place like Galgorm is dripping with luxurious and personal touches. This was brought home on our visit because the night before our departure a storm came rolling in from the Atlantic and battered Northern Ireland. Fortunately for us it mattered not and, in a strange sort of way, we were able to hunker down and enjoy Galgorm as a safe and warming place. We stayed in a Deluxe Room that had everything we needed, including the comfy king size bed. The spring water on tap was a tremendous touch and something I know the team at Galgorm are proud of as part of their overall sustainability drive.
Tournament Golf
Of course we need to tip the hat to golf at Galgorm, but golf at one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable tournament venues needs little introduction. The Championship Castle Course hosted the Irish Open (2020) on the DP World Tour and several World Invitational (tri-sanctioned for men and women DP World Tour, LPGA and LET) and countless NI Opens over the years. The NI Legends on the Senior Tour will make its debut at Galgorm in August too.
Galgorm is a great golfing experience for golfers of all ability not just the elite pro level. Galgorm enjoys a great location where it is also the gateway to the north coast and the many wonderful courses there including Open venue Royal Portrush. Galgorm is also less than an hour from Belfast for those seeking to play other great NI parklands or simply enjoy an evening in Belfast.
Summary
Galgorm is a must-visit destination, simply as that! Even if you only go once, you should take the opportunity to experience the place firsthand, especially the outdoor spa and all it has to offer. The food and drink offering is exceptional and you are guaranteed a luxurious stay, no matter which accommodation type you opt for. Is Galgorm expensive? Yes, there is certainly a premium for such a quality experience, but as they say, you can’t take it with you. So, yes, Galgorm should definitely be added to the list for your next break away.
Galgorm
Galgorm, BT42 1EA, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
W: https://www.galgorm.com/
T: +44 (0)28 2588 1001
E: reservations@galgorm.com
