NEWS

Aerial overview including proposed changes at Galgorm Castle, Ballymena Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has received a full planning application for the restoration of Galgorm Castle for hotel use, as part of a £14 million investment. The proposed development at the estate outside Ballymena includes the restoration of the stables and courtyard for hotel use, an extension to the outer courtyard building, and the change of use of existing business units to hotel accommodati

The winning team from the Rotary Club Generation Chef competition, are pictured with, from left, Georgie Briota, Business Development Manager at Galgorm Collection, Iris Houston, General Manager, Adair Arms Hotel, Gary Stewart, Judge and Chef Tartine of Distillers Arms, Chad Shaw, Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Samantha Wade, Quinn Merrigan, Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Eddie McGarvey, Judge and Chef at Salt House, Debbie Chestnutt, President of Ballymena Rotary

Gallaher Trust’s Chairman, Ian Paisley, alongside Trustees, Lauren McAteer and James Perry MBE . A major funding push aimed at driving job creation and skills development across Ballymena has been launched, as The Gallaher Trust reopens applications for 2027 projects alongside a landmark event marking the town’s 400th anniversary. Business leaders, social enterprises and charities are being urged to step forward with new ideas as £400,000 in funding becomes available, with or

L-R: Martin McGrogan, Managing Director of MMG Contracts Ltd and Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland at the site of the new public house Lidl Northern Ireland has begun construction on a landmark new public house and associated off-sales beside its long-established Dundonald store in County Down, marking the retailer’s first venture of its kind and bringing its full award-winning range of wines, beers and spirits to the local community for

Concept drawing of Roe Park House demonstrating how the property would look if Galgorm Collection planning proposal approved. Galgorm Collection’s multi-million-pound transformation of Roe Valley Resort has taken another visible step forward, with plans submitted to restore the original Georgian entrance of historic Roe Park House. A Listed Building Consent application has been lodged with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council seeking approval to reinstate the former main

One of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality groups has announced a major new sponsorship deal with the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200, adding fresh commercial backing to one of the province’s biggest sporting and tourism events ahead of race week next month. Galgorm Collection confirmed it will become an inaugural sponsor of the internationally renowned road race for the first time, with the 2026 event set to run from May 4 to May 9 along the North Coast. The move bri

Artist’s impression of the new Staycity aparthotel in Belfast city centre Construction work has officially begun on the first Staycity aparthotel in Northern Ireland, with the £20 million development set to bring 98 new guest units to the heart of Belfast city centre by May 2027. The project marks a significant investment in Belfast’s growing visitor economy and will also serve as the launch site for Staycity Group’s new brand concept, making the city the first location to s

The Bedford Hotel, set within the historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre A landmark piece of Belfast’s architectural heritage has been brought back to life as The Bedford Hotel officially opened its doors to the public today, Wednesday, April 8, following a multi-million-pound restoration that has transformed the iconic Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building into an 82-bedroom luxury boutique destination. The opening marks a major new addition to Belfast’s

(L-R) Steven Kane, Senior Quality & Standards Advisor at Tourism NI pictured with Emma and Pete Hathaway, owners of Peatlands. A luxury countryside retreat near Ballymoney has received a major tourism boost after being awarded four stars by Tourism Northern Ireland’s Quality Grading Scheme, recognising the high standards, comfort and distinctive experience it offers visitors to the North Coast area. Peatlands, a secluded family-run accommodation business set within three acre

McKeever Hotel Group has strengthened its senior leadership team with two strategic appointments as the hospitality business moves to support what it describes as an accelerated growth trajectory and an expanding operational scale. The appointments mark a significant step for the hotel group as it continues to build capacity across its seven-strong portfolio, with both newly created roles focused on driving commercial performance, brand strength and long-term growth. New role

Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse, Carnlough A Carnlough couple behind a popular coffee shop and bunkhouse have issued a stark warning about the future of Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, saying rising costs and a 20% VAT rate are pushing independent businesses to the brink. Robert and Tiffany McKay, owners of Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse on the Antrim Coast , say many cafés, restaurants and pubs are now operating with “practically non-existent” margins — forcing difficult d

Leighinmohr House Hotel Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a rooftop spa and a new bridal cottage at the Leighinmohr House Hotel in Ballymena. A development management officer’s report said the proposed spa will be located on the first floor, with alterations at ground-floor level to accommodate a lift at the Leighinmohr Avenue premises. Planners received eight objections raising concerns about potential noise pollution, external

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, County Antrim A landmark hotel on Northern Ireland’s north coast is set for a major new chapter, as the owners of the Marine Hotel Ballycastle announce a strategic partnership designed to secure its long-term future and unlock further growth. Claire Hunter and Colum McLornan have confirmed the appointment of Schulte European Group as the hotel’s new management operator, marking a significant shift after 13 years of hands-on ownership. A strat

L-R: Bronwen Hall, Snr Consultant, The Workforce Development Trust, Kristine Graham, Group HR Manager, McKeever Hotels, Martin Toner, Director of People & Culture, McKeever Hotels A leading Northern Ireland hotel group is taking an unusually proactive step to tackle one of hospitality’s biggest headaches — staffing — just weeks before the busy summer season begins. Multi award-winning McKeever Hotels has become the first tourism and hospitality business in Northern Ireland to

The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, County Antrim Less than a year after reopening following a major redevelopment, Carnlough’s Harbourview Hotel has been named the best place to stay in Northern Ireland in the prestigious Best Places to Stay 2026 guide by The Times and The Sunday Times . The recognition places the seafront hotel firmly among the UK’s standout hospitality destinations, with judges praising what they described as Ireland’s first whisky hotel for its “live mus

Cotter’s Park glamping site near Randalstown An annual indoor entertainment licence application for a glamping site outside Randalstown has been deferred following discussion at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee at Antrim Civic Centre on Monday evening. The application relates to dancing, singing and music – entertainment of a “like kind” – at Cotters Park on Clonkeen Road, operating Thursday to Sunday from 2.00pm until 1.00am, for

Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel Ciaran O'Neill (middle) alongside The Bedford's General Manager Mike Gatt and Bishop's Gate General Manager JP McCafferty One of Northern Ireland’s most respected hoteliers is stepping into a landmark new role in the heart of Belfast. Ciaran O’Neill , the driving force behind the acclaimed Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry~Londonderry, has been appointed Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel Belfast as it prepares to open for bookings in May

Galgorm Castle, Ballymena A bold £14 million regeneration plan promises to breathe new life into one of Ballymena’s most historic estates — with a boutique hotel, arts venues and more than 200 jobs at its heart. Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited (GCEP) , custodian of Galgorm Castle, has submitted a full planning application for what it describes as a landmark restoration and renewal programme. If approved, the ambitious scheme would not only rescue the estate

Ireland’s Highest Bar and Restaurant has stepped into the global spotlight. The Ponderosa, perched high in the Sperrin Mountains, has appeared in Lisa McGee’s new Netflix drama How To Get To Heaven From Belfast — placing one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable rural landmarks centre stage in a major television production. Eagle-eyed viewers tuning into the new series may have spotted the local pub in the penultimate episode. In episode seven, as the dark comedy’s storylin