Book To...
Stay
Spa
Dine
golf

We've Got News


Catch up with us. Here's what you've missed!

Galgorm blog  x  px Galgorm

News

25/02/2026

Galgorm Castle Poised for Major Restoration and Renewal Plan submitted for £14m regeneration programme


Galgorm Castle Education and Preservation Limited (GCEP), the custodian of Galgorm Castle has submitted a full planning application for a landmark restoration and regeneration project.

 

The ambitious project will see an investment of over £14 Million, creating 125 jobs during construction and a further 90 permanent positions once the restoration of Galgorm Castle, Church and Ploughman’s House is completed.

 

The project comprises of three interconnected strands:

• The restoration of the Castle, Stables and Courtyard followed by a conversion of the castle into a 30-bedroom boutique hotel to be operated by Galgorm Collection.

• The restoration of the ruined Church into a 60-seater intimate heritage hub for small group, literature, drama and historic performances.

• The development of the Ploughman’s House into a 120-seat performance centre for traditional music and arts, creating a place for performance, creativity, public gatherings and visitor space.

Chcocolate sponge  recipe  blog post galgorm Galgorm

Eat & Drink

11/08/2025

Recipe | Valrhona Jivara Chocolate & Salted Caramel Sponge | Afternoon Tea Week


Valrhona Jivara Chocolate & Salted Caramel Sponge

Afternoon Tea Week is here and we’re letting you in on one of our sweetest secrets, the Valrhona Jivara Chocolate & Salted Caramel Sponge! Crafted in-house by our pastry chefs and a guest favourite from our new Afternoon Tea menu, this chcoclate sponge heaven treat is best enjoyed with a freshing brewed cup of tea, or for an extra celebration, a glass of champagne! 

 

Yield: 25 individual cakes (25g each)

Components:

  • Chocolate Sponge Cake Batter
  • Salty Caramel Topping

  • Jivara Chocolate Glaze

  • Caramel Crisp Garnish

 

Chocolate Sponge Cake Batter

Ingredients:

  • Unsalted Butter – 195g

  • Fine Sea Salt – 5g

  • Caster Sugar – 118g

  • Vanilla Essence – 8g

  • Egg Yolks – 78g

  • Light Brown Sugar – 48g

  • Plain Flour – 156g

  • Cocoa Powder – 39g

  • Baking Powder – 2g

 

French Meringue:

  • Egg Whites – 118g
  • Caster Sugar – 30g

 

Method:

  1. Cream butter, caster sugar, salt, and vanilla until pale and smooth.

  2. Whip yolks with light brown sugar until ribbon stage (approx. 45°C), then fold into the creamed butter.

  3. Sift and fold in dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder).

  4. Prepare meringue: whip whites and gradually add caster sugar until stiff peaks form.

  5. Fold meringue into batter in three stages, keeping the mixture airy and smooth. Reserve for assembly.

 

Salted Caramel Topping

Ingredients:

  • Caster Sugar – 150g
  • Water – 38g

  • Liquid Glucose – 10g

  • Warm Cream – 70g

  • Vanilla Bean – ¼ pod, split & scraped

  • Unsalted Butter – 105g

  • Fine Sea Salt – 0.5g

 

Method:

  1. Combine sugar, water, and glucose in a saucepan. Cook to a dark amber caramel (approx. 180°C).

  2. Deglaze with warm cream infused with vanilla bean, stirring carefully.

  3. Remove from heat, stir in butter and salt until smooth.

  4. Emulsify with a hand blender until glossy and homogeneous.

  5. Chill until thick enough to pipe but still soft.

Assemble & Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C.

  2. Pipe 25g of chocolate batter into mini moulds.

  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cakes spring back lightly.

  4. Cool cakes completely on a wire rack.

 

Finishing Touches

  1. Using a piping bag with a fine round or flat nozzle, pipe long, delicate strips of the Salty Caramel Topping across each mini cake.

  2. Optionally, dip the sides or top in Jivara chocolate glaze and garnish with caramel crisp pearls.

  3. Allow to set at room temperature before serving.

 Galgorm

Golf

02/02/2023

Toptracer Range at Galgorm officially opens and is available for all golfers


Galgorm is pleased to announce the Academy at Northern Ireland’s premier tournament venue is now powered by Toptracer Range and available to use by golfers of all abilities. 

 Galgorm

Golf

01/12/2022

Galgorm welcomes Dave Pelz short game school to Northern Ireland


Galgorm is delighted to announce one of the world’s leading short game coaches Dave Pelz will set up his Scoring Game School at the Northern Ireland venue to serve as one of his main European coaching hubs.

 Galgorm

Golf

09/06/2021

Tom McKibbin Named New Touring Professional for Galgorm


Galgorm is delighted to announce a new long-term partnership with rising star Tom McKibbin, who will represent Northern Ireland’s internationally acclaimed Spa & Golf Resort as its new Touring Professional.


 Galgorm

Golf

26/02/2021

European Tour, LPGA Tour & Ladies European Tour Join Forces for ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland


The European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour will join forces for another innovative mixed tournament at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management in Northern Ireland, hosted by Galgorm from July 28 – August 1, 2021.

 Galgorm

Golf

14/08/2020

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to be played at Galgorm


The European Tour today announced the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be played in Northern Ireland for the Fourth Time since 2012 when Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort hosts this year's tournament on the Galgorm Castle course from September 24 -27.

 Galgorm

Golf

25/05/2018

Galgorm Scores ‘Hospitality Hole-in-One’ with Golf Club Restaurant Acquisition


Galgorm Resort & Spa has acquired the bar and restaurant at Galgorm Castle Golf Club marking the latest addition to their culinary portfolio

Wla tara Galgorm

Awards

21/10/2024

World Luxury Awards 2024


The World Luxury Awards Celebrate Excellence with Stunning Gala Ceremonies at AYANA Bali and Galgorm in Northern Ireland — The World Luxury Awards, the pinnacle of recognition for the global luxury hospitality industry, successfully hosted two grand gala ceremonies this past week. The iconic AYANA Bali and the glamorous Galgorm served as the prestigious backdrops for these celebrated events, held on 16 and 19 October 2024, respectively.

 
AYANA Bali Gala – A Night of Tropical Elegance

On the 16th of October, AYANA Bali welcomed distinguished guests from around the world for an unforgettable evening of tropical elegance. The luxurious beachfront setting provided the perfect ambiance for recognizing the finest of luxury establishments. Attendees were treated to a spectacular display of Balinese culture, including traditional dances, gourmet cuisine featuring local delicacies, all in an enchanting setting of lights and glamour.

Winners in categories spanning from luxury hotels and wellness retreats to Michelin star restaurants and premium travel facilities were announced amidst applause. The night was a tribute to innovation, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in the luxury hospitality sector.

 

Galgorm Gala – A Symphony of Sophistication

Just three days later, the awards moved to the enchanting Galgorm in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. On the 19th of October the sprawling estate, known for its lush gardens and opulent interiors, played host to a sophisticated evening of celebration. The gala embraced the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland, with live music performances, a gourmet banquet, and a true Irish sendoff at McKendry’s Bar after the closing of the ceremony.

The Galgorm ceremony honored outstanding achievements in luxury travel, fine dining, bespoke wellness experiences, and the best in the luxury travel sector. Esteemed guests, gathered to celebrate the achievements, speak on camera and network with their peers.

 

Www movement Galgorm

Wellness

10/09/2024

Embrace Movement and Vitality this World Wellness Weekend at Galgorm


At Galgorm, Northern Ireland’s globally renowned resort, we understand that true luxury lies not only in relaxation but also in nurturing the vitality that sustains us. This World Wellness Weekend, we are focusing on one of its key pillars: Movement and Vitality. This pillar reminds us that the energy we exude stems from how we care for both our bodies and minds. Movement is essential for well-being, and vitality is the feeling of being truly alive—both can transform the way we experience life.

 

The Importance of Movement

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to come home after a busy day and simply unwind. But while rest has its place, staying physically active is key to maintaining not just physical fitness but also mental clarity and emotional balance. Movement should become as routine as sitting down for lunch or dinner—a daily ritual that you look forward to.

To ensure that movement becomes a seamless part of your lifestyle, choose activities that bring you joy. This way, you’ll return to them regularly, embedding movement into your daily routine with ease.

Feature image Galgorm

Getaway

10/11/2022

The Old Inn join Ireland’s Blue Book for 2023


The Old Inn in Co. Down has joined Ireland’s Blue Book collection of country houses, historic hotels, and restaurants for 2023. The new additions bring the total number of properties in the Ireland’s Blue Book collection to 63.

New cms blog images Galgorm

Getaway

18/02/2022

Dog-Friendly Breaks at Galgorm


Everyone deserves a little luxury in their lives, even your furry companions. Enjoy the tranquility of secluded woodland and a riverside setting in the celebrated Northern Irish retreat of Galgorm. An impressive location set within 450 acres of verdant parkland, sitting on the banks of the River Maine, close to the dramatic seascape of the Causeway coastal route and only 30 mins from Belfast City Centre. Galgorm is home 125 bedrooms and dog friendly lodging accommodation around the estate, because a break isn’t a break without the dog.

 Galgorm

Getaway

17/08/2021

An Escape Beckons | Autumn at Galgorm


As a kaleidoscope of colour descends upon the Resort, the distinct chill in the air making its return and the fiery sunsets of Autumn put on a show, it’s time to fill your Autumn diary with the promise of an escape from the everyday. After all, who said spontaneous trips are the reserve of Summer? Say hello to Autumn, where an escape beckons…

 Galgorm

Getaway

29/03/2021

Galgorm Collection set to open The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat this Summer


The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is set to welcome guests from 18th June following a £10 million investment and dramatic refurbishment.

Galgorm

Add Galgorm as a preferred source on Google

ADD NOW
xClose
Galgorm
Book Rooms arrow-right

Rooms


Our range of rooms provide the finest contemporary accommodation with all the finer details to ensure a good nights rest.

Book Lodges arrow-right

Lodges


Experience unique & inspiring stays with a collection of luxurious Cottage Suites, Log Cabins and private Residences. Choose from Shepherd’s Huts & Forest Dens offering beautiful boltholes to get away from it all.

Galgorm Logo
Day Spa Booking