16 February 2023 - Flipbook - Page 68
68
NEWS
FARMWEEK
OCTOBER 28 2021
Galgorm expands luxury outdoor
accommodatio
on
G
ALGORM has announced
plans to create a suite of
new accommodation and
thermal spa options within
its 380-acre County Antrim
Estate which forms part of a £10
million investment that will create
up to 50 new hospitality jobs over
the next two years.
This new investment marks the
first phase of a £30 million project to
further expand and enhance Resort
and spa facilities by 2027 and is the
latest move by Galgorm Collection
to ensure the Resort’s position as
a world-class international tourism
destination, having already invested
£60 million since 2010.
In addition to the expansion of
the Resort, Galgorm Collection has
also committed to the rollout of an
enhanced benefits package for all
eligible team members, including a
£1 million investment into premium
private health care cover over the
next five years as part of its ongoing
commitment to investing in its
people.
The announcement was welcomed
by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons
on a recent visit to the Resort:
“I warmly welcome Galgorm’s
expansion plans to increase its
visitor capacity and provide an
exciting, new travel experience.
I’m delighted to see Galgorm
Collection forging ahead with new
opportunities to expand its offering
and cement Northern Ireland’s
position as a fantastic place to visit.
“My
Department’s
Tourism
Recovery Action Plan aims to
create a solid foundation for
recovery and a return to the record
breaking tourism figures of 2019.
This announcement by Galgorm
is evidence of the vital recovery
already taking place within this
important and much valued sector.”
Colin
Johnston,
Galgorm
Collection Managing Director, said:
“Over many years, we have invested
heavily to establish Galgorm as an
award-winning international and
world-class tourism destination,
and we remain firmly focused on
investment and innovation to secure
our global position. This latest £10
million project will see up to 50
additional accommodation units
added to the Resort over the next
two years, which will increase our
workforce and expand the Estate’s
footprint.”
New for 2021 is the addition of a
range of bespoke Shepherd’s Huts
with the first now open to guests
keen for a unique stay within the
great outdoors.
Representing an investment of
£2.5 million, the area is earmarked
for further expansion, housing up to
18 huts by summer 2022.
Nestled deep within the newly
I’m delighted to see Galgorm
Collection forging ahead with new
opportunities to expand its offering
and cement Northern Ireland’s
position as a fantastic place to visit.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons
INVESTMENT: Economy Minister
Gordon Lyons with Colin Johnston,
Galgorm Collection Managing
Director.
created ‘Secret Meadow’, the onebed huts are equipped with all mod
cons including a feature stove and a
mini kitchen with hob, microwave,
fridge, freezer, kettle, toaster, and
coffee machine for a cosy woodland
retreat. Each hut comes with its
own outdoor bath and fire pit on the
terrace, perfect to experience the
healing and restorative benefits of
the surrounding forest.
Expanding upon its existing
Cottage Suites, work will commence
on a £2.5 million project to add 23
new high spec one-bed cottages.
Cleverly designed with everything
guests need for a comfy stay,
Cottage Suites are located within the
serene grounds of the Resort and
offer luxurious seclusion whilst in
close proximity to the main Resort.
Plans are also in place to add
five magical treetop hideaways set
amidst the forest grounds, with
the first opening next year in a £1.5
million investment.
“There has been a real surge in
demand for outdoor experiences
and pursuits as staycationers and
visitors alike seek a connection to
nature and the great outdoors. We’re
delighted to expand our offering
in this space with the launch of a
suite of unique accommodation
types and a host of new outdoor
pursuits at the Resort. From fishing
and falconry to cycling, hiking,
clay pigeon shooting, and horse
riding, guests can now enjoy a stay
with a difference but with the same
luxury and premier hospitality that
Galgorm is renowned for”, added
Colin.
The
award-winning
Thermal
Spa Village will further expand by
two acres in a £2.5 million project
to add new hot and cold outdoor
experiences, a second outdoor
riverside pool to further expand
the authentic Irish Spa experience
within a stunning woodland setting.
An additional £100,000 has also
been invested in a brand new Spa
Suite. Complete with its own jacuzzi,
sauna and private access to The Spa,
the suite offers breath-taking views
of the River Maine and provides
guests with their own slice of
serenity for the ultimate relaxation
escape.
The Linen Merchants is the latest
addition to the Resort’s residency
accommodation
which
offers
accommodation for up to 10 guests,
along with an outdoor private hot
tub, private garden with BBQ, two
lounges, and a spacious kitchen; the
ideal option for a family get-together.
Tourism Northern Ireland Chief
Executive John McGrillen said:
“This announcement by Galgorm
is yet another positive sign for the
tourism and hospitality industry
and points to future growth and
recovery of the sector as a whole.
Galgorm Collection has continued to
innovate and build on its established
reputation as a world-class spa and
golf resort over the last decade and I
am delighted to see these ambitious
new expansion plans progress.
“This investment will connect
guests and visitors with Northern
Ireland’s great outdoors, showcase
our natural landscape and focus
on building and maintaining
environmentally
friendly
accommodation that will support
the sustainable tourism economy of
the future.”
For more information please
visit www.galgorm.com
It’ll be all fright on the night in Derry Hallowe’en
A
S a festival city, Derry-Londonderry is
renowned for its buzzing atmosphere
and hosts a plethora of international
festivals and events, including Europe’s
largest Hallowe’en Festival.
While COVID-19 may have rained on this
year’s traditional Hallowe’en parade Visit
Derry is looking forward to welcoming visitors
to enjoy Derry’s Spook’tacular Halloween
extravaganza.
Entitled ‘Awakening the Walled City’, the
Hallowe’en celebrations will see an array of
unforgettable sights, characters, and digital
wonders take place at key locations from
Friday 29th until Sunday 31st of October,
between 5pm and 10pm.
Highlights of Derry Hallowe’en will include
several illuminated worlds spread across
the city along with Ireland’s first ever digital
LED installation. The bespoke 360-degree
structure will use film, animation, special
effects, and augmented reality to create
a spectacular lightshow that will enchant
audiences with its striking visual display.
The show lasts approximately eight minutes
and will play continuously throughout the
three evenings of the festival. There will also
be magical storytelling, bewitched, hidden
spaces and dazzling displays popping up
throughout the city.
“Recognised as the best Halloween
destination in the world, Derry Hallowe’en is
a shared celebration of wonder and folklore
where the unbelievable seems believable for a
few enchanted days and nights,” said Odhran
Dunne from Visit Derry.
SPOOKY:
Launching
this year’s
event is
fun-loving
skeleton,
Walter De
Burgh, who
is depicted
on the city
Coat of
Arms, and
he’s joined
by one of
the spooky
Crow stilt
walkers that
visitors can
expect to
encounter
during the
3-day event.
Travel the ghostly world
To ensure no one misses any of the ghoulish
goings on, the city will play host to several
fantastical and adventurous illuminated
worlds, each with its own programme of
activity featuring a range of installations,
large scale inflatables, aerial acrobatics,
dancing flames, displays and animation.
Worlds One, Two and Three are in Derry
City itself, while World Four is in neighbouring
Strabane town centre and World Five in
Buncrana, Donegal.
Fancy-dress to impress
One thing the city residents, and visitors,
do incredibly well every Hallowe’en is dress to
impress! Organisers are hoping that everyone
gets into the spirit of Derry Hallowe’en - mums,
dads, the kids, friends and even the dog – and
wears their funniest or scariest costumes. To
join the spooky fun online share your pics
using #derryhalloween.
Odhran continued: “Derry-Londonderry is
known for its love of Hallowe’en and this year
we look forward to safely welcoming visitors
over three thrilling days. Derry Hallowe’en
encapsulates all that makes the city special
and with a huge selection of experiences on
offer across Derry-Londonderry visitors will
be spoilt for choice.
“Not only are they guaranteed the famous
Derry-Londonderry warm welcome, but
they will also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere,
the tastes and smells of the LegenDerry
food scene and the opportunity to immerse
themselves in our rich cultural heritage.
There’s something to do for the whole family.
“With lots of surprises lurking around every
corner, it’s great to see Derry Hallowe’en
return”, concluded Odhran.
Safety first
Event organisers, Derry City and Strabane
District Council have plans in place to ensure
this year’s Hallowe’en celebrations are Covidsafe.
Lots of open spaces allow for social
distancing, enabling visitors to enjoy
experiences at their leisure. Signage will give
advice on how to ensure visitors safety and
event staff will be on hand to remind people of
the guidelines. There will be various one-way
systems across the city and hand sanitation
stations available.
For more information on Derry
Hallowe’en’s ‘Awakening the Walled
City’ celebrations, click on www.
derryhalloween.com or call Visit Derry on
+ 44 (0) 28 7137 7577.