Latest news with #Galgorm
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Rory McIlroy eager for birdie mode at Travelers after finding a ‘feeling' off the tee at Oakmont
While he has been battling for motivation since winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, he has also struggled to hit fairways until last week. Getting emotionally and physically ready for The Open at Royal Portrush is his next big goal, and after driving the ball well at Oakmont, he's looking forward to making birdies at TPC River Highlands. 'Definitely last week, I found a feeling, especially off the tee, that was repeatable, that was working well, and I led strokes gained off the tee last week, which was a big thing for me,' McIlroy said. Making birdies in Connecticut should help his mood. 'I think the weeks after Major championships in these events, sometimes when you are in contention and you are trying to win them, it can feel quite difficult to go play the next week,' added McIlroy, who shot a joint-best of the day 67 on Sunday to tie for 19th 'After a week like I had at Oakmont, where you are not quite in the mix but you might feel you find something in your game, you are excited to come back and play again. 'This is the perfect sort of chaser for what Oakmont was last week, and nice to get out on a golf course where you feel you can make quite a few birdies.' McIlroy is joined in the field by Shane Lowry, who missed the cut at Oakmont but plays his fourth event in a row in the knowledge that he tied for ninth behind Scottie Scheffler last year. 'There are a lot of guys in the field this week where this is their fourth tournament in a row, so they have been put through the wringer the last few weeks,' McIlroy said. 'This is a welcome setup where they feel like they can relax a little bit and not have to grind so much for your score.' McIlroy will play the first two rounds alongside US Ryder Keegan Bradley, who believes new US Open champion JJ Spaun will be a big asset to his team. ADVERTISEMENT 'I think going to a course like Bethpage Black, the people are really going to be behind a guy like JJ Spaun,' Bradley said. It's a major week for Leona Maguire, who will be trying to end a miserable run of form in the KPMG Women's PGA at 6,600-yard Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. The Cavan star arrives in Texas on the back of four successive missed cuts and faces tough conditions in 30c temperatures for her opening round alongside American Joanna Coe and Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit. There is no event on the DP World Tour this week, but Max Kennedy, Mark Power and Dermot McElroy are playing in the HotelPlanner Tour's Blot Play9 at Golf Bluegreen de Pléneuf Val André in France. Meanwhile, County Louth's Gavin Tiernan was the only Irish player to get through the first round of the Amateur Championship at Royal St George's. He beat Scotland's Niall Shiels Donegan on the 18th to set up a last-32 clash with Belgium's Jarno Tollenaire. Galgorm's Joshua Hill lost 3&2 to Canada's Isaiah Ibit, while County Louth's Stuart Grehan fell 4&2 to Mexico's Rodrigo Vasquez. Leading qualifier Conor Graham of Scotland had to dig deep to see off Denmark's Mads Viernose Larsen on the 21st. Travelers Championship, 8pm
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
The Irish sister hotels perfect for relaxing staycation with outdoor tubs, snow cabin, delicious food & resident puppy
TIME spent with a friend is good for the soul – and if you can do it in one of Ireland's top hotels, even better. With that in mind, my pal Denise and I headed for 5 The luxury 4-star Galgorm Hotel & Spa is ideal for a weekend break 5 It is renowned as a pampering hotspot 5 Many relaxing opportunities at the resort after a stressful week The resort is renowned for pampering and we were excited to see what was on offer after hearing so many good things. Our accommodation, the Forest Den, was a private hut in the woods — and it simply blew us away. It came with its own outdoor seating area, a piano, private hot tub, sauna and outdoor shower, as well as a cosy, indoor kitchen and sleeping quarters. Denise was so excited she hopped on a video call straight away to show off the room while I had a nosy around. READ MORE IN TRAVEL After a few glasses of As a The staff were that perfect mix — appearing just as you were about to call them and then leaving you be when you want some time to chat and eat. And just across the courtyard was the bar, with live Most read in the Irish Sun After a couple of drinks, we went back to our den via the resort's free courtesy bus, where we spent two hours soaking in the outdoor bath. We fell into bed content and dozed happily to the sounds of the forest outside. The short Irish train journey perfect for summer day out with 'stunning views' If you are staying at the Galgorm, you get full access to its Thermal Village Spa. This has a number of gorgeous relaxation spots, from the outdoor hot tubs overlooking the river to the sauna huts. Inside, they have a pool and a snow cabin. CABIN FEVER Said to be great for circulation and the lungs, a snow cabin is essentially like walking into a freezer! There were blocks of what looked like snow on the walls, and it was a contrast to the heat of the pool I had been in just moments before. We raced through breakfast to spend as much time as we could there, sunning ourselves in the sauna, and taking a swim. There's no need to dress up, as everyone walks around in their recognisable brown dressing gowns. We only wished we had more time to have a treatment, such as the 90-minute Taste of Galgorm, which includes a back and foot massage, and a head treatment. Or the 60-minute Relaxing Full Body Massage. But by the time we had booked our stay, they were fully booked, so try to book early. ON THE MOVE We packed up the car and head for Galgorm's sister hotel, The Rabbit. Just a 25-minute drive away, I would describe it as the cool, younger sibling. And it gets my vote simply for being dog-friendly. It even has its own resident pup, Florence. While the previous night was more focused on spa and chill — and there is a lot of that at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat — there is also music, for those wanting party vibes. We met groups of women and hen parties, all enjoying the pool with cocktails in hand. Our room was fab, with a retro vinyl player, quirky wallpaper and accessories, as well as a secluded outdoor tub. WELCOME PACK There was also a welcome pack with some chocolates and a bottle of prosecco, so we sat out in the sun and poured ourselves a glass before our afternoon plans. We were booked in for a Private Botanical Bathing Experience. The one-of-a-kind treatment includes your own private jacuzzi, filled with soothing smells and an unbeatable view of the water. A QR code connects you to the bar, which delivers your order. You get to pick the botanicals used, with options such as Sleep Time (best near night-time) and Rest and Restore, but we went for Feel Good. This was a mix of bergamot sweet orange and rosemary, to detox and promote relaxation. GO: GALGORM RESORT AND THE RABBIT HOTEL STAY HERE: Lodging at the Forest Den at Galgorm, is available from £270 Bed & Breakfast per room (2 guests) – coming in at €321.94 based on current exchange rates. The Comfy Room with Outdoor Bathtub at The Rabbit is available from £275 Bed & Breakfast per room (2 guests) – coming in at €327.90. For guests staying overnight at the Rabbit, adding the Botanical Bath is an extra £50 or €60. Then it was time to get changed and head to the hotel's restaurant, where once again I was delighted to see they had a vegetarian menu. To top off our night, we had prime position in the restaurant to watch a man surprise his partner with a proposal — thankfully she said yes! The next morning, after a delicious breakfast, it was time to hit the road again. To anyone who is overdue a catch-up with a friend, this is the one for you. 5 They have an excellent menu for vegetarians 5 Nicola enjoyed her weekend break at the hotel
Irish Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Will you try out Galgorm's new AI massage treatment?
I was excited to test out Galgorm Resort's innovative new Augmented Massage treatment which blends two of my favourite things – tech and music. As Irish Daily Star's technology writer, and occasional music contributor, the opportunity to try out Europe's first 'Symphony of Touch' massage experience sounded too good to miss. The North's leading luxury hotel land spa - located just half an hour's drive from Belfast in Ballymena - has taken a bold step with its pioneering motion-to-sound treatment bed which is already in huge demand due to its unique nature - a futuristic fusion of AI technology and wellness. The Augmented Massage takes place on a high-tech massage table that features built-in computer-controlled sensors which analyse the position and rhythm of your masseuse in real time. The movements and gestures are transformed into a dynamic soundscape that enhances your treatment. The calming zen-like music and sounds match your therapist's movements and help you relax through an array of immersive speakers integrated into the treatment table. I felt like I was floating in a Japanese garden as gentle oriental musical notes and melodies splashed over me. The treatment is designed to heighten your sensory awareness, so you reach a deep state of mindfulness and tranquillity. Adding to the magical serenity were two hidden speakers close to where you lay your head - once I closed my eyes it sounded as if I was surrounded by water plopping gently into a pool. My therapist explained afterwards that because the Augmented Massage Table responds to each massage differently, based on the pressure applied, the movement, your body form and positioning, it is not untrue to say that each lucky guest enjoys a completely unique sonic experience and treatment. I'm used to reviewing smartphones, headphones and gaming headsets that promise immersive digital experiences - but Galgorm's Symphony of Touch takes the immersive into a completely different ball park, one with both physical and mental healing powers. Human touch merges with cutting-edge biofeedback technology and delivers a thoroughly restorative experience. Due to the high popularity of the Augmented Massage, my travelling companion was unable to book a slot to try it for herself, but her disappointment didn't last long thanks to a classic 60-minute Galgorm massage that she described as absolutely lovely. Elsewhere at the large thermal spa, state-of-the-art facials at Galgorm's Skin Clinic combine light and cryotherapy (which treats the skin with sub-zero temperatures), while sessions in the aufguss, a Celtic sauna, see the sauna master whirl around heated towels infused with essential oils. And a range of Elemis treatments are given in Moroccan-inspired treatment rooms. As an overnight guest at the resort, you enjoy free access to the Thermal Village's walled gardens, where you will find most of the resort's facilities, such as saunas, salt caves and steam rooms inside wooden burrows. Infinity pools, hydrotherapy pools and hot tubs line the river banks. And the main pool has a pebble floor to massage pressure points on your feet. We were blessed with great weather and indulged in as much of the fun as we could. As well as lots of couples casually wandering around in brown robes, a number of larger groups of females suggested this is also a popular spot for hens' weekends. Each area of the hotel and spa has its own vibe and character. Traditional-tweed-dressed concierges, 19th century decor and antique furniture combine in the old school and rather grand lobby. The Thermal Village is luxurious but laid back, while the Conservatory, where breakfast is served, is a bright and airy space adorned with elegant furnishings. We enjoyed a splendid late lunch here – in hindsight, perhaps a little too late, given our 7.30pm dinner reservation. Options for evening meals include Gilles Grill, which has a steak-dominated gastro-pub menu, or the Italian-styled Fratelli where we dined before indulging in after-dinner drinks at McKendry's Lounge, where a live Irish band plays every evening. The resort also includes free-to-use tennis courts and a two-floor gym, while available for extra fees are horse riding, bike rental, salmon fishing, falconry demonstrations and golf. For more information or to book the Symphony of Touch treatment, which costs £115 per person, or to book one of Galgorm Resort's 125 bedrooms including suites, deluxe, and superior rooms visit
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘A deeper connection to nature' - Galgorm to spend €3.5m on new forest spa garden and resort rooms
Luxury hotel and spa resort Galgorm has announced a £3m (€3.5m) investment in guestroom refurbishment and plans for a forest spa garden. The resort said the changes, part of an overall £40m (€48m) investment plan, enhanced its thermal spa village while reinforcing its commitment to investing in tourism in Northern Ireland. Parent company Galgorm Collection has spent £2m (€2.4m) on room refurbishment, including renovating the six junior suites at Galgorm, which now have private hot tubs on their balconies overlooking the River Maine. And work to refurbish 45 superior rooms is due to be finished by July. A new forest spa garden is due to open in the autumn of this year in a further £1m (€1.2m) investment which the venue said would offer guests 'a deeper connection to nature'. The garden will be sited opposite the thermal spa village within the resort's woodland area, and will be equipped with four cabanas, three private hot tubs, a sauna and forest walkways. A new bridge will link the new garden to the main spa, which Galgorm said would create 'a fully immersive wellness journey'. Colin Johnston, managing director at Galgorm Collection, said: 'These investments allow us to push boundaries in creating exceptional guest experiences. "The junior suites' private balcony hot tubs offer guests a spa retreat within their own room, while the Forest Spa Garden introduces an entirely new way to relax and reconnect with nature. 'Our guests both from home and overseas can expect even more from Galgorm, and this latest chapter reflects our vision for world-class hospitality here in Northern Ireland.' The forest spa garden will be open to all overnight and day spa guests, but is particularly aimed at guests staying in its forest dens, eco-friendly accommodation combine luxury and an experience close to nature. The forest dens, featured in The Irish Independent's Fab 50 list of Ireland's best places to stay in 2025, have a private garden terrace, outdoor shower, wood-fired bath, and private sauna. This latest investment is part of Galgorm's broader £40m expansion strategy, which the group said was 'futureproofing' the industry in Northern Ireland. The resort is the flagship property in Galgorm Collection and has benefited from spending of £60m (€71m) since 2010. Galgorm Collection recently announced the acquisitions of Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Valley Resort in Limavady for a total of £28m (€33m), with another £22m (€26m) to be spent to improve both properties in the next five years. Galgorm Collection opened the Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Co Antrim in 2019, and in 2021 acquired and relaunched The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, adding an outdoor treetop spa and improving its accommodation and dining facilities. Mr Johnston added: 'As international travel continues to rebound and domestic tourism flourishes, our focus remains on delivering premium, experience-led hospitality across our entire property portfolio. "We are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of Northern Ireland's tourism offering and look forward to welcoming even more guests from domestic and overseas markets to experience everything Galgorm has to offer.'
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Galgorm to spend £3m on resort rooms and new forest spa garden as part of major investment
Luxury hotel and spa resort Galgorm has announced a £3m investment in guestroom refurbishment and plans for a forest spa garden. The resort said the changes, part of an overall £40m investment plan, enhanced its thermal spa village while reinforcing its commitment to investing in tourism in Northern Ireland. Parent company Galgorm Collection has spent £2m on room refurbishment, including renovating the six junior suites at the Galgorm, which now have private hot tubs on their balconies overlooking the River Maine. And work to refurbish 45 superior rooms is due to be finished by July. And a new forest spa garden is due to open in the autumn of this year in a further £1m investment which the venue said would offer guests 'a deeper connection to nature'. The garden will be sited opposite the thermal spa village within the resort's woodland area, and will be equipped with four cabanas, three private hot tubs, a sauna and forest walkways. A new bridge will link the new garden to the main spa, which Galgorm said would create 'a fully immersive wellness journey'. Colin Johnston, managing director at Galgorm Collection, said: 'These investments allow us to push boundaries in creating exceptional guest experiences. "The junior suites' private balcony hot tubs offer guests a spa retreat within their own room, while the Forest Spa Garden introduces an entirely new way to relax and reconnect with nature. 'Our guests both from home and overseas can expect even more from Galgorm, and this latest chapter reflects our vision for world-class hospitality here in Northern Ireland.' The forest spa garden will be open to all overnight and day spa guests, but is particularly aimed at guests staying in its forest dens, eco-friendly accommodation combine luxury and an experience close to nature. News Catch Up - Monday 26 May The forest dens, featured in The Irish Independent's Fab 50 list of Ireland's best places to stay in 2025, have a private garden terrace, outdoor shower, wood-fired bath, and private sauna. This latest investment is part of Galgorm's broader £40m expansion strategy, which the group said was 'futureproofing' the industry in Northern Ireland. The resort is the flagship property in Galgorm Collection and has benefited from spending of £60m since 2010. Galgorm Collection recently announced the acquisitions of Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Valley Resort in Limavady for a total of £28m, with another £22m to be spent to improve both properties in the next five years. Galgorm Collection opened the £15m Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, Co Antrim in 2019, and in 2021 acquired and relaunched The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, adding a £2.5m outdoor treetop spa and improving its accommodation and dining facilities. Mr Johnston added: 'As international travel continues to rebound and domestic tourism flourishes, our focus remains on delivering premium, experience-led hospitality across our entire property portfolio. "We are proud to contribute to the vibrancy of Northern Ireland's tourism offering and look forward to welcoming even more guests from domestic and overseas markets to experience everything Galgorm has to offer.' Galgorm's thermal spa village was named Best Spa Experience 2025 at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards.
