Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Galgorm Resort & Spa Co Antrim
Despite the worst economic downturn in living memory, Galgorm Resort & Spa outside Ballymena in Co Antrim has continued to pull in the crowds, whether to celebrate a wedding, hold a business conference or luxuriate in its spa. 2007 saw the completion of an £11m refurbishment programme which transformed the 25 bedroom former gentleman’s residence to an opulent 75 bedroom 4 Star deluxe Resort & Spa complex. Now it plans to spend a further
n The Spa at Galgorm
£10m on 48 new bedrooms, a swimming pool and gym. Set in picturesque woodland, with rolling, lush green lawns and dramatic views of the River Maine, Galgorm boasts a truly idyllic setting. The actual hotel is a fine blend of traditional and modern. Some of the décor is inspired. The rooms are comfortable, spacious, modern and quiet. As a wedding location, Galgorm ticks every box and the new Four Seasons suite is New York chic! The “River Room” restaurant under manager Chloe has built up a reputation for delivering outstanding, high end, locally sourced dishes.
It has also been catapulted into the spotlight by stints on the BBC’s Great British Menu. The River Room is fast becoming a destination restaurant for foodies and the offering here ranks as my favourite Northern Ireland dining experience to date. With Live music, Gillies bar comes alive at weekends opening up its trendy beer garden for BBQs and outdoor dining in spring/summer. The resort also features an impressive thermal spa, an infinity hydrotherapy pool and a peaceful relaxation room winning Ulster’s best spa experience by a mile. Slemish Mountain, the legendary first known Irish home of Saint Patrick, is located nearby in Ballymena. The mountain rises 1500 feet above the surrounding plain, and its central core is an extinct volcano. According to legend, following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, Patrick worked as a shepherd on the mountain for six years. It was during this time that he turned to frequent prayer as a consolation to his loneli-
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com ness. In a vision he was encouraged to escape and return home to become a priest. Slemish Mountain is open all year-round, and on Saint Patrick’s Day large crowds hike to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage. www.causewaycoastandglens.com The Junction One Retail and Leisure Park is on the edge of Antrim town and just off the M2 Motorway n Galgorm Resort featuring over 70 and Spa retailers including Marks & Spencer, Clarkes, numerous Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Bose, interactive galleries across Levis and Next. Junction One 12,000 square metres of floor Retail Park includes occupi- space all telling the story of ers such as Asda, Homebase, the construction and doomed Lidl, Dekko, B&M Bargains maiden voyage of the Titanic. and leisure operators include The interpretation also exBurger King, Red Panda, Brew- plores the history of ship er’s Fayre, Moe’s Grill and making at Harland & Wolff. the recently completed Junc- It has proved remarkably tion Jack’s Adventure Golf popular since its opening, course. www.junctionone. attracting more than 500,000 co.uk Described by National visitors in just six months. Geographic Traveller Maga- www.titanicbelfast.com The zine as an “unspoilt treasure” “Country Retreat “package at Belfast is also only a short Galgorm includes overnight hop away. The main city at- stay in a superior guestroom, traction is “Titanic” featuring 4 course meal in Gillies Bar
and Grill, breakfast the next morning and use of the thermal spa throughout your stay. Prices from £97.50 per person (2 people sharing) Sunday to Thursday or £127.50 pps Friday or Saturday www.galgorm.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com