Galgorm Collection Supports Digital Learning at Local School

Two local primary schools are set to benefit from a £10,000 donation raised during Galgorm Collection’s recent Charity Gala Dinner, delivering meaningful support to education in the Ballymena area. 

Buick Memorial Primary School, Cullybackey and Gracehill Primary School in Gracehill have each received £5,000 which will be used to enhance learning resources, technologies and playground facilities for pupils.  

Commenting on the recent donations, Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection said:

“We are delighted to support Buick Memorial Primary School and Gracehill Primary School with funding that will help to improve pupils’ learning and social development. We are committed to giving back to our local communities through charitable donations, educational partnerships and by also inviting local schools and colleges to visit us to find out more about careers within the hospitality industry.

"In 2025 we had a record number of schools, colleges, and university visits and we’re always keen to encourage local schools to engage with us and explore potential partnership opportunities.”

Galgorm Collection Charity Gala Dinner brought together valued suppliers and partners to raise funds for three incredible organisations: Simon Community Northern Ireland, Community Rescue Service, and the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, as well as supporting the company’s partnerships with the two local primary schools.

Buick Memorial Primary School, which has served the Cullybackey community for over 100 years, said the funding would make a significant difference. 

Principal, Rikki Peters commented:

“With the current restraints on educational budgets, this funding will allow us to invest in providing much needed resources from additions to our play park, to books and updating learning materials.  

“Benefitting from the support of Galgorm Collection we have already developed a fantastic outdoor learning playpark focussed on promoting physical development and nurturing an appreciation of nature and the outdoors. Thanks to Galgorm Resort’s continued support, we plan to further expand this area to create an even more engaging environment for our pupils.”

Elsewhere, Gracehill Primary School confirmed that monies will provide technology upgrades and playground improvements to enhance children’s learning and social skills. Previous funding from Galgorm Collection has also enabled the school to build a new state-of-the-art football pitch, which is due to be completed in May, and will result in an increased sports offering including hockey and rugby. 

Caroline Kennedy, Chair of the school’s PTA said:

“Our school relies heavily on additional funds raised by the PTA and Galgorm Collection’s recent contribution will have such a positive impact on our pupils. We are truly very thankful for their continued support.  

“Our pupils are fully immersed in the life of the village and are always keen to learn more about the history of the area. Through our partnership with Galgorm Collection, we recently had a great visit to Galgorm Castle where our P3s had the opportunity to walk around the castle and ask lots of questions as part of their World Around Us learning.”

David Radcliffe, Gracehill Principal Primary School added:

“Schools across Northern Ireland are under increasing financial pressure, so support from local businesses like Galgorm Collection, simply cannot be understated. 

“Our partnership with Galgorm Collection has been instrumental in enriching our pupils' educational experience, helping them build confidence, develop social skills, and access a broader range of sporting opportunities. We're particularly excited about the upcoming opening of our new football pitch, which Galgorm Collection played a major role in supporting. This continued investment, from iPad accessories to upgraded playground equipment, will make a significant difference to our pupils' day-to-day school experience.”

Galgorm Collection is a major local employer and has dramatically scaled up its hospitality footprint and workforce over the last decade.  As its growth continues, so does the company's unwavering commitment to both economic impact and community support.

The emotive campaign, featuring Janet’s cover of Time After Time, celebrates the joy of slowing down, spending time with loved ones, and the simple magic of Christmas

Gortin-born singer-songwriter Janet Devlin takes a starring role in Christmas All Around, the festive film from Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel group, Galgorm Collection. Janet brings her distinctive voice and storytelling to a cinematic celebration of time, togetherness, and the season’s quiet wonders.

Janet, who has released three studio albums - including her latest, Emotional Rodeo - and authored the 2020 memoir, My Confessional, rose to public attention on ITV’s The X Factor in 2011. For Christmas All Around she performs an emotive rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time - celebrated for its timeless message of love, care, and connection, and lending the film a resonant, timeless soundtrack.

At the heart of the festive film lies a simple question: What do you give, when what they really want… is time? The story unfolds across Galgorm Collection’s portfolio of award-winning properties, weaving together four distinct vignettes that explore different ways to spend time well.

Colin Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Galgorm Collection, said:

“At Galgorm Collection, we’ve always believed that true luxury is about shared experience. Our festive film captures that belief at its most meaningful time of year. Christmas is about connection, reflection and joy, and Christmas All Around is our way of celebrating those moments that truly matter.

“We wanted to tell a story that resonates with everyone, reflecting the many ways time can be enjoyed - together with family, with friends, as a couple, or in quiet moments. Janet’s incredible vocal performance brings deep emotion to the film; her rendition of Time After Time perfectly complements the sentiment we wanted to convey. It’s a beautiful reminder that time, and particularly time spent together, is the most precious gift of all.”

The cinematic film moves seamlessly between four stories, each illustrating a distinct expression of time well spent: from intimate couple moments at Galgorm and family celebrations at Roe Valley Resort, to friends enjoying shared experiences at The Rabbit, and moments of peace at The Old Inn.

The film lingers on laughter, surprise, wonder and quiet reflection, highlighting the personal and memorable experiences that define time spent together at Christmas, while Janet’s powerful rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 classic threads through the stories, guiding viewers through the emotional journey.

Janet Devlin added:

“It was an absolute pleasure to feature in Galgorm Collection's festive film. Time After Time has always been one of my favourite songs and I feel it's a natural fit for a story that speaks so sincerely about togetherness and slowing down. The film has warmth and humanity, and speaks on a subject that's very close to my heart. I go home every single year for Christmas to spend time with family and friends, so I was honoured to be a part of something which carries that message and brings that story to life."

Running throughout the festive season across television and digital channels, Christmas All Around with Janet Devlin will officially launch this evening (Thursday 13 November) on UTV, and captures the timeless magic of a Galgorm Collection Christmas - indulgent yet heartfelt, elegant yet familiar - with every frame inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and celebrate time together well spent.

Watch Christmas All Around,

here on our YouTube Channel.

Northern Ireland’s premier luxury spa destination celebrated for global recognition at World Luxury Awards and Condé Nast Johansens as new Forest Spa Garden prepares to open in December.

Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort, has achieved international acclaim following a series of major international hotel and spa accolades. At an awards ceremony in Barcelona, the resort was named Global Winner for Luxury Resort at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Global Winner for Luxury Golf Resort Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards. At the Condé Nast Johansens Awards in London, Galgorm’s celebrated Thermal Spa Village was awarded Best Spa Weekend.

At the World Luxury Spa Awards, the resort also received the titles of Luxury Thermal Spa for Europe and Luxury Spa Resort for Northern Europe. At the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Galgorm was additionally recognised as the United Kingdom’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort and Luxury Golf Resort.

These honours reinforce Galgorm’s reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations and showcase Northern Ireland on the global tourism stage. Competing with top resorts worldwide, Galgorm’s recognition demonstrates the region’s growing appeal to international guests seeking high-quality leisure, spa, and golf experiences.

The World Luxury Awards are voted for by international travellers and recognise excellence across the hotel and spa sectors. This year more than 300,000 travellers voted in the World Luxury Hotel Awards and over 250,000 in the World Luxury Spa Awards. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards - from the leading reference guide for independent travellers - are widely regarded as a benchmark for independent luxury hotels and spas, with winners chosen by reader votes, guest reviews and expert reports. Galgorm’s global wins underline its ability to compete and succeed at the highest international level.

Colin Johnston, Chief Executive Officer of Galgorm Collection, said:

"Winning two global awards at the World Luxury Awards, and Best Spa Weekend at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Galgorm. These accolades reflect not only our commitment to excellence across every aspect of the resort, from our world-class spa to our golf and hospitality offerings, but also the extraordinary dedication and passion of our entire team. To be recognised on the international stage, competing with the very best in the world, is a testament to the hard work, talent, and vision that defines Galgorm."

Galgorm has long been celebrated for its unrivalled guest experience, extensive spa and wellness offerings, and world-class golf facilities. Its Thermal Spa Village, 550 acres of parkland, and diverse accommodation options - including luxurious rooms, cottages, forest dens, shepherd’s huts, log cabins and group residences - have cemented the resort’s status as a destination of choice for discerning guests from across the globe.

Adding to its internationally acclaimed spa offering, Galgorm will officially open the first phase of its new Forest Spa Garden on 18^th December 2025, marking the beginning of a multi-year development programme that will see subsequent phases unveiled annually through to 2029. Connected to the Thermal Spa Village via a bespoke bridge over the River Maine, this nature-immersive retreat features four luxurious waterbed cabanas, private hot tubs, a sauna and a firepit, all nestled within the resort’s tranquil woodland. The Forest Spa Garden will be open to all day spa and overnight guests, further expanding the resort’s wellness experiences ahead of its wider investment programme.

Situated just 30 minutes from Belfast and 2.5 hours from Dublin, Galgorm has also achieved prestigious AA 5-star status, while its Gillies restaurant has earned an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, further cementing the resort’s reputation for quality and distinction in every area of hospitality.

Colin continued;

“Our ongoing investment is driven by a desire to continually evolve what a luxury spa resort experience can be. From expanding our spa offering with the new Forest Spa Garden to enhancing our accommodation and facilities, we are shaping Galgorm for the future. These developments are not only about elevating guest wellbeing but also about contributing meaningfully to the local economy and ensuring Northern Ireland stands confidently among the world’s leading luxury destinations. We are committed to creating meaningful, memorable experiences that guests from across the globe return to again and again.”

These latest achievements arrive at a pivotal moment for Galgorm, as the resort continues to expand its facilities and enhance the guest experience through a long-term investment strategy.

Since 2008, Galgorm has invested over £80 million in its resort and spa facilities, with a further £30 million set to enhance the property by 2027. These strategic investments ensure the resort maintains its position as a world-class international tourism destination, while its commitment to sustainability and employee experience has earned the Galgorm Collection official ‘Great Place to Work’ certification and dual Gold awards from Green Tourism.

ELEMIS Brings its iconic Skin Spa Airstream to Ireland for the first time – Hosted Exclusively at Galgorm

Luxury skincare brand ELEMIS visits Ireland this August as its iconic Skin Spa Airstream arrives in Ireland for the very first time. The award-winning Galgorm will host this exclusive pop-up experience from Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st August, marking a major milestone for beauty and wellness fans across the island.

Fresh from a high-profile appearance at the British Grand Prix, the ELEMIS Skin Spa Airstream will make a special pit stop at Galgorm to coincide with the Black Desert NI Legends Event. The activation will bring ELEMIS’ renowned high-tech, high-touch expertise to guests in a unique, luxury mobile spa setting - all against the vibrant backdrop of championship golf.

Visitors will have the chance to step inside the sleek Airstream and enjoy:

Expert Skin Analysis: Using a HD Skin Diagnostic Camera to analyse your complexion’s unique needs, an ELEMIS Skin Specialist will create a personalised skincare prescription.

Express Touch Treatment: Combining expert touch with innovative skincare and CryoGlobes to calm and sculpt, this facial will leave you feeling instantly revitalised.

Express Tech Treatment: This restorative treatment includes high-tech LED light therapy while binaural sound frequencies are played through headphones to relax and rejuvenate.

Each 15-minute treatment is priced at £25 and fully redeemable against any product purchase on the day, giving guests the perfect opportunity to try and take home their ideal ELEMIS products.

With over 30 years of expertise, ELEMIS blends the best of science, nature, and skin wisdom, delivering visible results for millions of clients worldwide. In 2023, the brand achieved B Corp certification, highlighting its dedication to using business as a force for good.

“This is the first time the ELEMIS Skin Spa Airstream has visited Ireland, and we are thrilled to be hosting it here at Galgorm,” said Tara Moore, Head of Spa Operations at Galgorm Collection.  “It’s an unforgettable way for guests to experience world-class skincare in an entirely new setting.”

Event Details:

Location: Galgorm, 200 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena BT42 1HL

Dates: Wednesday 27th – Sunday 31st August 2025

Times: 10am – 5pm daily