Galgorm Castle’s £12M renaissance: A warm invitation to shape a historic legacy

At the heart of the estate: Galgorm Castle

Set in the rolling landscapes south-west of Ballymena, Galgorm Castle Estate is a timeless treasure—a 430-acre haven of ancient woodlands, meandering riverside paths, and historic farmland.

At its heart stands Galgorm Castle, one of Ireland’s finest surviving examples of Jacobean architecture, a proud symbol of Northern Ireland’s rich heritage.

Now, an inspiring £12 million masterplan from Galgorm Collection promises to breathe new life into this historic gem, transforming it into a world-class 5-star boutique hotel, a vibrant cultural hub, and a welcoming community space.

As part of the pre-planning application (PAN) the public is warmly invited to help shape this ambitious vision at a consultation event on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, offering a unique chance to be part of a project that celebrates the past while embracing the future.

Map of Galgorm Castle Estate, Ballymena

Current ‘footprint’ of Galgorm Castle and courtyard set for restoration

Announced in a recent pre-planning application, the masterplan is a heartfelt commitment to preserving Galgorm Castle’s legacy while opening its doors to new generations.

Led by the acclaimed Rejen Architects, the project weaves together three exciting strands: restoring the castle, stables, and courtyard into a luxurious 30-bedroom boutique hotel; reimagining a ruined 18th-century church as an intimate 60-seat exhibition and performance space; and reviving the Ploughman’s House as a dynamic traditional music and arts centre.

This transformative vision comes on the heels of Galgorm Collection’s acquisition of the estate in November 2024, part of a landmark £50 million investment in Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism sector, with an additional £22 million pledged over the next five years to enhance its properties.

A heartfelt restoration of a Jacobean Jewel

Galgorm Castle in days of old

Galgorm Castle, a Grade A-listed masterpiece, is the beating heart of the estate, surrounded by historic outbuildings, a Scheduled Monument church, and the evocative remains of a Bawn wall.

The masterplan prioritises the meticulous restoration of the castle’s internal and external fabric, ensuring its survival for centuries to come. The adjacent stables and courtyard will be lovingly converted into additional hotel rooms and a signature restaurant, designed to harmonise with the castle’s storied setting.

“This commercial element is vital, it is anticipated that it will generate around 75% of the overall project funding in order to create a sustainable financial model,” the Galgorm Collection explained, ensuring the castle remains a living, breathing space for cultural and community activities.

Inside Galgorm Castle

Beyond the castle walls, the project will restore historic paths, trails, and gardens, reconnecting the estate with its natural surroundings.

A special highlight is the planned link to Gracehill, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, creating a cultural corridor that celebrates the region’s rich heritage and draws visitors from near and far.

Breathing life into the Ploughman’s House

The Ploughman’s House, a poignant ruin on the Buildings at Risk Register, stands on the brink of being lost to time, overtaken by ivy and overgrowth.

The masterplan offers a lifeline, transforming this historic structure into a vibrant traditional arts and music centre. The restored oval-shaped house will feature a 120-seat performance space, alive with the sounds of music, dance, spoken word, and storytelling.

Latest CGI iteration of the restored Ploughman’s House

An outdoor arena will host up to 300 people for seasonal events, from summer concerts to festive gatherings.

“The design approach combines careful conservation with sensitive contemporary additions,” the Galgorm Collection shared, with the original stonework restored and modern brick extensions crafted to blend seamlessly, ensuring the Ploughman’s House shines as a cultural landmark.

A sanctuary in the ruined church

The church ruins on Galgorm Castle Estate and a latest CGI iteration of the proposed sanctuary

The estate’s 18th-century church, a Scheduled Monument scarred by the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion, is an evocative relic teetering on the edge of ruin.

The masterplan envisions its rebirth as a 60-seat exhibition and performance space, a sanctuary for poetry readings, musical recitals, and community gatherings.

Rejen Architects, entrusted with its conservation, shared their approach:

“We undertook detailed historical and architectural research to understand the chapel’s cultural significance, regional importance, and architectural form, supported by analysis of early ecclesiastical precedents and past interventions across the estate.”

Using sympathetic materials like stone, brick, timber, and metal, the restoration will stabilise the church’s walls and introduce a lightweight, perforated metal roof to bathe the space in soft daylight, creating an intimate setting that invites reflection and connection.

A dining experience steeped in heritage

Latest CGI iterations

Adding a touch of modern elegance, the masterplan includes a 120-seat restaurant envisioned as a “secret gateway” from the estate’s protected walled garden into its ancient woodland.

Designed by Rejen Architects in collaboration with the Historic Environment Division (HED), the restaurant features a perforated corten steel entrance and a glazed pavilion crafted from estate-sourced beech and glulam timber, with a green roof that blends into the landscape.

This immersive dining experience, set against the backdrop of a reinstated 19th-century millpond, promises to weave hospitality and heritage into a truly unforgettable setting.

Latest CGI iteration

Inspiring the next generation

At its core, the project is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about preserving the stories, traditions, and crafts that define Northern Ireland’s identity.

Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited, established in 2023 as the estate’s heritage custodian, will partner with local schools to offer hands-on learning opportunities in traditional skills like stone masonry and joinery.

“As part of the restoration of Galgorm Estate, we will be engaging with local schools to provide learning opportunities, helping students connect history and heritage,” the organisation affirmed.

These initiatives aim to inspire young people to become stewards of their cultural legacy, ensuring the estate’s intangible heritage lives on.

Political support for transformation

Latest CGI iterations views of the newly restored courtyard on Galgorm Castle Estate

North Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston welcomed the proposals, describing them as a significant investment for the Ballymena area.

“This exciting proposal from Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Ltd. represents a carefully considered investment that will transform the Castle, while also restoring the Ploughman’s House and Church ruins to their former glory.

“The plans also include upgrading trails and pathways, ensuring the local community will continue to enjoy the stunning grounds.

“As a historic landmark with a rich story to tell, Galgorm Castle will, through these developments, become an even greater tourism offering for the Ballymena area.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the consultation on Tuesday to see the plans for themselves.”

Your voice matters: Join the public consultation

The Galgorm Castle community warmly invites everyone to play a part in this historic transformation.

On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited will host a public consultation event at Galgorm Castle, Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1HL.

Two sessions will welcome visitors: from 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm, offering a chance to explore detailed plans, meet the project team, and share your thoughts.

Whether you’re a local resident, a heritage enthusiast, or simply curious, this is your opportunity to help shape a project that celebrates Northern Ireland’s past and future.

Can’t attend? You can still have your say online at galgormheritage.com, live from 30 September until 5pm on 28 October 2025, or via email to enquiries@galgormheritage.com by 31 October 2025.

A legacy reborn

Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited describes the estate as “a unique nexus of cultural, political, and social history – a microcosm of Northern Ireland’s complex story.”

This £12 million masterplan is a love letter to that legacy, blending luxury hospitality, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit to ensure Galgorm Castle remains a cherished landmark for generations.

From the long entrance drive: Galgorm Castle

From the castle’s Jacobean grandeur to the intimate charm of the restored church and the lively energy of the Ploughman’s House, this project invites everyone to be part of a historic rebirth.

This landmark restoration is set to place Galgorm Castle at the heart of Northern Ireland’s heritage tourism, offering a unique blend of history and luxury that will resonate locally, nationally, and internationally.