New five-year partnership with Galgorm Collection keeps Ballymena Runners on track

New partnership will support player development, specialist coaching and investment in the school's rugby programme

Galgorm Collection has announced a new three-year partnership with Cambridge House Grammar School, reinforcing its commitment to supporting young people, grassroots sport and local communities across Northern Ireland.

The partnership, which commenced in September 2026, will provide valuable support for the school's rugby programme, helping to fund new playing kits, essential equipment and specialist coaching to further develop the skills and opportunities available to its players.

The investment will help Cambridge House Grammar School build on its strong sporting tradition and continue competing in Ulster Schools' rugby competitions, while providing young players with the resources and support to develop both on and off the pitch.

For Galgorm Collection, the partnership reflects a wider commitment to investing in the communities in which it operates, recognising the important role that schools and grassroots sporting organisations play in developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and future opportunities for young people.

Georgie Briota, Business Development Manager at Galgorm Collection, said: “At Galgorm Collection, we're passionate about supporting the communities around us and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Grassroots sport plays such an important role in bringing people together, building confidence and developing skills that stay with young people long after they leave the pitch.

“Our partnership with Cambridge House Grammar School is particularly meaningful as a number of our colleagues are former pupils and rugby players themselves. It's a fantastic connection to have, and we're proud to be able to give something back to a school that has played an important part in their development.

“The determination, teamwork and resilience that rugby encourages are qualities we value enormously within our own business, and we're delighted to support the next generation of players as they continue to develop and represent their school.

“We wish the team every success for the seasons ahead and look forward to following their progress over the next three years.”

The partnership will provide an important boost to Cambridge House Grammar School's rugby programme, helping to ensure its players have access to the equipment, coaching and resources needed to compete and develop their potential.

Jordan McKinstry, Head of Rugby at Cambridge House Grammar School, said: “We're incredibly grateful to Galgorm Collection for its commitment to supporting rugby at Cambridge House Grammar School.

“We're extremely proud of the determination and commitment our players demonstrate, consistently challenging themselves against some of the strongest school teams in Northern Ireland.

"This three-year partnership will make a genuine difference to our programme, allowing us to invest in new kits, equipment and specialist coaching that will benefit our players both now and in the years ahead.

“Having the backing of a leading local business means a great deal to everyone involved in rugby at the school. We're excited about what we can achieve together and look forward to representing both Cambridge House and Galgorm Collection with pride.”

The partnership forms part of Galgorm Collection's ongoing community engagement programme, which includes support for local schools, sporting organisations, charitable initiatives and educational partnerships across Northern Ireland.

As one of Northern Ireland's leading hospitality groups, employing almost 1,400 people across its portfolio of hotels, restaurants and golf experiences, Galgorm Collection continues to recognise the importance of investing in local people and creating opportunities that deliver a lasting positive impact within the communities it serves.

Galgorm Resort hosted the national squad during preparations for their FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying fixture against Portugal

Galgorm Collection was proud to welcome Northern Ireland's senior women's football team to Galgorm Resort as the squad prepared for its FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 European qualifying play-off against Portugal.

The national team stayed at the award-winning resort ahead of the first-leg fixture at Inver Park in Larne on Friday 9 October, with Galgorm Resort providing an ideal base for players and coaching staff during their preparations for the important international encounter.

The visit reflected Galgorm Collection's ongoing relationship with the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and its commitment to supporting sport at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite international competition.

During their stay, the squad had access to Galgorm Resort's luxury accommodation, dining facilities, dedicated meeting spaces, fitness suite and award-winning Thermal Spa Village, providing an environment where players and coaching staff could focus on their preparations ahead of the international fixture.

The visit also highlighted Galgorm Resort's credentials as a destination for elite sporting teams, combining world-class hospitality with the facilities and privacy required by athletes competing at an international level.

As one of Northern Ireland's leading hospitality groups, Galgorm Collection recognises the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, inspiring future generations and showcasing Northern Ireland on the international stage.

Colin Johnston, Chief Executive at Galgorm Collection, said: “We were incredibly proud to welcome Northern Ireland's senior women's football team to Galgorm Resort ahead of such an important fixture. Representing your country on the international stage is a tremendous achievement, and it was a privilege to play a small part in supporting the squad's preparations.

“At Galgorm Collection, we're passionate about supporting sport and recognising the positive influence it has on individuals and communities. Through our ongoing relationship with the Irish Football Association, we're delighted to support women's football in Northern Ireland and the talented players who continue to inspire the next generation.

“While the team did not get the result they had hoped for against a talented Portuguese side, the commitment and determination shown by the squad were something Northern Ireland could be proud of. We wish the players, management and everyone involved with the Irish FA every success in the future and look forward to welcoming them back to Galgorm.”

Angela Platt, the Irish Football Association's Director of Women's Football, said: “At elite level, preparation is key, and having the right environment in which to prepare is important. Our stay at Galgorm provided a positive setting for the squad to prepare for the challenges ahead, allowing the players and staff to focus on the task at hand.”

The visit further highlighted the opportunities for collaboration between Northern Ireland's sporting organisations and hospitality sector, demonstrating the region's ability to provide high-quality accommodation and facilities for professional teams competing at the highest level.

Galgorm Collection's relationship with the Irish Football Association forms part of its wider commitment to supporting sport, education and community initiatives across Northern Ireland, helping to create opportunities, encourage participation and celebrate local sporting achievement.

Northern Ireland resort secures three global titles alongside three Northern European titles, adding to its growing list of international accolades

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, spas, bars and restaurants, is celebrating three major global accolades after Galgorm and its Thermal Spa Village were recognised at the 2026 World Luxury Awards.

Galgorm was named 2026 Global Winner for Luxury Golf Resort, Luxury Spa Village and Luxury Golf Resort Spa, with the resort also securing three further Northern European titles. The Collection’s flagship property, Galgorm was also named 2026 Winner for Luxury Resort, Luxury Spa Resort and Luxury Thermal Spa in Northern Europe.

The awards were presented at the 2026 World Luxury Awards ceremony, held on 17 October at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Romania, bringing together leading names from the international luxury spa and wellness industry.

The awards reinforce Galgorm’s reputation as a leading luxury destination, recognised globally for its spa, golf and hospitality offering, while showcasing Northern Ireland’s growing appeal as a destination for premium tourism experiences.

The latest accolades come as Galgorm continues to invest in its guest experience, building on its established Thermal Spa Village with enhancements to its accommodation and the development of its nature-inspired Forest Spa Garden.

A recent £3 million investment programme included the refurbishment of the resort’s six junior suites, introducing private hot tubs on balconies overlooking the River Maine, alongside upgrades to 45 superior rooms. The investment also included the £1 million Forest Spa Garden, designed to offer guests a tranquil wellness retreat within the resort’s woodland, with relaxation cabanas, private hot tubs, a sauna and forest walkways.

More recently, the resort’s unique Forest Dens have been upgraded with outdoor hot tubs, replacing the previous outdoor bathtubs to enhance the sense of comfort and seclusion within the woodland setting.

Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said:

“We are incredibly proud to see Galgorm awarded three global titles at the 2026 World Luxury Awards, recognising our Thermal Spa Village, golf and wider resort offering, alongside three further titles in Northern Europe.

“These awards reflect the commitment of our team to delivering exceptional experiences across every aspect of Galgorm, from our spa and golf facilities to our accommodation and wider hospitality offering.

“We continue to invest in evolving what a luxury resort experience can be, creating new opportunities for guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the unique surroundings of Galgorm. To have that commitment recognised on the international stage is a tremendous achievement for the entire team, and we are delighted that the award wins help shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland as a world-class destination for luxury hospitality and wellness tourism.”

The latest awards add to Galgorm’s growing list of industry accolades. The resort was also named in The Irish Independent’s Hot 100 of the Best Hotels in Ireland in both 2025 and 2026, underlining its continued standing within the Irish hospitality sector.

Galgorm sits within 550 acres of parkland in the heart of County Antrim and offers a range of accommodation, from luxury guestrooms and suites to cottages, Forest Dens, shepherd’s huts, log cabins and group residences. Its Thermal Spa Village remains a central feature of the resort, complemented by its golf, dining and wider leisure offering.

The resort is the flagship property in the Galgorm Collection portfolio, which also includes The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick, The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn and Roe Valley Resort in Limavady. The collection continues to invest in its properties and experiences, supporting the development of Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism offering and attracting visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield.

The World Luxury Awards, established in 2010, recognise excellence across the international luxury spa and hospitality industry. Winners are selected through votes from guests, travellers and industry professionals, with more than 250,000 international travellers voting each year during a three-week period. The awards celebrate outstanding standards across luxury spa facilities, guest experiences and wellness destinations worldwide.

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.