Northern Ireland’s golf tourism sector is leading to a boom in the hospitality construction industry, according to Construction Intelligence Services (CIS).
Tourism NI says golf tourism generated a record-breaking £86.2 million in 2024, while an independent forecast by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) predicts the 153rd Open in Royal Portrush will have generated over £213 million in total economic benefit. However, new data from CIS, powered by Hubexo, reveal the economic legacy of The Open extends well beyond the greens and fairways.
The figures unveil over £66 million worth of developments underway across four flagship projects, including new links golf courses, hotels and high-end accommodation options totalling more than 200 rooms, suites, lodges, and apartments.
“Golf tourism beat all the records last year, so it’s no surprise these numbers are being reflected in hospitality construction projects,” said Pat McGrath, head of research and product development at CIS.
According to Pat, there is also reason to celebrate investment in hospitality construction projects as a whole: “Across Northern Ireland, investment in hospitality developments overall is projected to rise by 111 percent in 2024, with over 300 hotel beds under construction or recently completed. Looking ahead, project starts are forecast to hit £79 million in 2025 and rise to £85 million in 2026.”
Northern Ireland’s 2024 golfing season began in style with the opening of the £16.5 million Dunluce Lodge Hotel in Portrush, just in time to welcome fans and players for The Open. Recently awarded five-star status by Tourism NI, the boutique hotel features 35 luxury suites, a spa, fine dining, and is located less than a mile from Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Bellarena Golf Links development, announced by The Galgorm Collection, promises to further elevate the region’s profile. This £30 million project, set between Portrush and Limavady, is the first new links course planned in Northern Ireland in over a century and is expected to create 300 jobs.
Pending planning approval, construction could begin as early as next year, with an eye on a 2029 opening.
Also, in Portrush, the £5.7 million expansion of The Golf Links Hotel will add 35 bedrooms, a spa, pool, and leisure facilities, offering the ideal base for visitors tackling the wind-swept links of the North Coast.
Moving southeast, Kingfisher Country Estate in Templepatrick is also expanding. Adjacent to the championship Templepatrick Golf Course, this substantial extension includes 60 suites, 44 lodges, 44 apartments, and even adventurous shepherds’ huts and rooftop spa amenities, solidifying its appeal to international golf tourists.
Data from Sporting Insights for Tourism NI shows that the value of golf tourism in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the last decade, from £33.2 million in 2014 to £86.2 million in 2024.
The number of international golf visitors has also risen sharply, with 29,400 non-domestic golfers visiting in 2024, compared to 23,400 in 2019. Crucially, the majority of visitors stayed for one to two weeks, significantly boosting local businesses and communities.
North American travellers continue to lead the market, accounting for 70 percent of inbound golf tourists and contributing £44.3 million last year, up from £36.2 million in 2023. The rest of the world, particularly Australia, also saw a sharp increase in spending, growing from £3.1 million in 2023 to £11.6 million in 2024.
Tourism NI’s long-term goal is to reach £85 million per annum in golf tourism economic impact by 2030. With 2024 already surpassing that milestone, the road ahead looks bright, green, and lined with fairways.
