Recipe | Portavogie Prawn & Chilli Pasta | World Wellness Weekend

Hospitality group continues its long-term support for people experiencing homelessness with six relay teams set to run in Belfast Marathon this May.

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality group of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars, is marking 15 years of support for Simon Community, having raised £180,000 to support people experiencing homelessness, over the course of the partnership. This marks Simon Community Northern Ireland’s longest-running corporate partnership, reflecting a sustained and deeply embedded commitment between the two organisations.

Since 2011, the group has supported the charity through fundraising initiatives, staff engagement activities, and community campaigns, helping Simon Community deliver vital services to people in need.

To mark the milestone, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, visited Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service yesterday (Monday 23 March) to meet staff and people currently receiving support, and see first-hand the outreach and wellbeing services provided to those experiencing homelessness.

This year, Galgorm Collection will field six relay teams in the Belfast Marathon, with all proceeds going directly to Simon Community. The teams will include staff from across the Group’s hotels, restaurants, and bars, bringing colleagues together to raise both awareness and funds for a cause that affects so many in the local community. 

Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection, said:

“We are incredibly proud to support the vital work of Simon Community Northern Ireland. At Galgorm Collection, we aim to create a ‘home from home’ for our guests, yet we know that many in our community do not have a safe place to sleep. This is why our partnership with Simon Community is so important - it allows us to contribute in a meaningful way to people’s lives, providing support where it’s needed most.

“Over the past 15 years, the £180,000 we have raised reflects the generosity and commitment of our team, our guests, and the wider community. But beyond the numbers, it is about standing together to make a real difference. We remain fully committed to the partnership and look forward to continuing our support through initiatives like the Belfast Marathon, which gives our team the opportunity to actively contribute to this vital cause.”

Since its establishment in 1971, Simon Community Northern Ireland has been the region’s leading homelessness charity, with a clear vision of creating a society where everyone has a place to call home. 

Operating across Northern Ireland, the charity provides preventative services, temporary accommodation, and specialised support tailored to the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. For every £1 received, 94.8p goes directly to front-line services, 4.2p towards fundraising, and just 1p to governance. 

Jim Dennison, CEO, Simon Community Northern Ireland said:

“We genuinely couldn’t do what we do without partners like Galgorm Collection. For 15 years now, they’ve stood right beside us. In that time, they’ve raised an incredible £180,000 to support people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland. That support has helped us keep doors open, provide somewhere safe to stay when someone has nowhere else to go and reach people who urgently need help.

“The Galgorm team has rolled up their sleeves time and time again - organising events, taking on challenges, even running the Belfast Marathon - all because they believe in making a difference. 

“Right now, homelessness in Northern Ireland is rising, and the scale is heartbreaking. There are 62,000 people without a home - including almost 20,000 children. Every bit of support matters more than ever and we’re incredibly proud and thankful to have Galgorm as a partner.”

The partnership with Simon Community forms part of Galgorm Collection’s wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on supporting local communities, championing sustainability, and delivering positive social impact. With a workforce of over 1,100 people, the group encourages team members to engage in charitable initiatives, reinforcing a culture of giving back and shared responsibility.

Galgorm Collection’s long-term approach to CSR also includes environmental initiatives, responsible visitor policies, and support for local societies, clubs, and sports groups. The partnership with Simon Community underscores the group’s ongoing commitment to creating a meaningful, positive change across Northern Ireland.

For more information about Simon Community please visit

https://simoncommunity.org/ 

Galgorm Collection has announced a new sponsorship partnership with the Antrim Camogie Minor squad, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and the development of young sporting talent across Northern Ireland.

As a leading hospitality group and major employer in the region, Galgorm Collection continues to invest not only in tourism and employment, but also in initiatives that positively impact the communities in which it operates. The new partnership will provide valuable support to the county’s Minor team as they build on recent success and prepare for the season ahead.

The Antrim Camogie Minors have delivered a series of strong performances, most notably securing the All-Ireland Minor A Shield title in 2025 following victory over Laois. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to development, teamwork and supporting the next generation of sporting talent within the local community.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Tiarnán O’Neill, Chief Financial Officer at Galgorm Collection, said: “Camogie has a proud sporting heritage in Antrim, and we are delighted to support a squad that represents the future of the game in the county. As a locally rooted employer, we see first-hand the positive impact that sport has in fostering teamwork, resilience and confidence among young people.

“Supporting the Antrim Camogie Minor team reflects our wider commitment to investing in local talent and strengthening the communities in which we operate. We are pleased to support the squad and wish them every success for the season ahead.”

The partnership forms part of Galgorm Collection’s broader community engagement programme, which includes sponsorships, charitable initiatives, educational partnerships and ongoing collaboration with local schools, clubs and organisations across Northern Ireland.

Sean Kelly, Antrim Camogie Public Relations Officer, welcomed the support, adding: “Galgorm Collection’s backing is hugely significant for our players and the wider development of the squad. This support will make a meaningful difference as we continue to develop the team and prepare for the challenges of the season ahead.

“We are extremely grateful to have the support of a respected local organisation that shares our values around development, teamwork and community. We look forward to building a positive partnership both on and off the pitch.”

With a portfolio of hotels, resorts, restaurants and golf experiences across Northern Ireland, Galgorm Collection remains committed to delivering positive economic and social impact alongside its continued growth, supporting initiatives that promote wellbeing, youth development and community participation.

20 - 22 April 2026 | Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland

The British Sauna Society is delighted to announce the return of the UK Aufguss Championships to the award-winning Galgorm Resort, taking place from 20–22 April 2026. This marks the second time the championships will be hosted at Galgorm, following a highly successful debut in 2024.

For 2026, the championship format expands in an exciting new direction, with the introduction of the Modern Classic Aufguss category, in addition to the existing Performance Aufguss Single and Team competitions.

This expanded format reflects the rapid growth of Aufguss across the UK and internationally, while opening the door to both established and emerging Sauna Masters to showcase a wider spectrum of creative, technical, and traditional skills.

Two paths, one championship

In Performance Aufguss, Singles and Teams will deliver immersive, theatrical sauna rituals combining choreography, music, storytelling, and advanced heat and aroma craftsmanship. Winners will go on to represent the UK at the Aufguss World Championships Finals at Satama Sauna Resort in September 2026. Runners-up will qualify for the Play-Offs at Thermen Bussloo in August 2026, offering a further route to the world stage.

New for the UK in 2026, the Modern Classic Aufguss category celebrates the roots of the discipline, focusing on traditional technique, ritual structure, and refined heat distribution. The winner of this category will qualify for the World Finals at Farris Bad later in 2026.

Both competitions will be judged by an international jury of certified Aufguss experts, ensuring the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and alignment with global best practice.

“The introduction of the Modern Classic category alongside Performance Aufguss represents a huge step forward for Aufguss in the UK. It allows us to honour tradition while celebrating innovation, giving Sauna Masters at all levels the opportunity to grow, refine their craft, and compete internationally. We are thrilled to return to Galgorm, a resort that truly understands and supports authentic sauna culture.”

— Deborah Carr, UK Aufguss Lead, British Sauna Society

A destination event for guests and competitors

The combined format is expected to bring fresh energy and depth to the championships, creating a compelling experience for spectators and spa guests, while providing a richer competitive platform for Sauna Masters at every stage of their journey. Alongside the competition itself, visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere celebrating contemporary sauna culture, ritual, and wellbeing.

Crucially for competitors, the 2026 championships will also feature attractive cash prizes, adding further incentive for ambitious Sauna Masters to step onto the national stage and test themselves against the UK’s best.

“The UK Aufguss Championships are always an incredible experience, and Galgorm is a fantastic setting for such a high-energy and creative competition. It’s a really fun event to be part of, with an amazing atmosphere, and as reigning UK champion, I’m really looking forward to returning, defending the title, and seeing what the next wave of Sauna Masters brings to the competition.”

— Zak Moore, Reigning UK Aufguss Champion

A valuable business investment for saunas and spas

The championships also highlight the wider value of investing in Aufguss within spa and wellbeing businesses. Spas that actively sponsor and support their teams to train and compete consistently report significant commercial and cultural returns. Investment in high-quality sauna ritual programmes has been shown to drive stronger member retention, increased guest satisfaction, and deeper engagement with thermal spa offerings — reinforcing sauna as both a cultural centrepiece and a powerful business asset.

“We are delighted to welcome the UK Aufguss Championships back to Galgorm in 2026 and to once again host the British Sauna Society within our Thermal Spa Village. Sauna has always been at the heart of our wellbeing offering, and Aufguss plays an important role in how we deliver immersive, authentic thermal experiences for our guests. Following the success of the championships here in 2024, it’s a privilege to provide a setting where world-class sauna mastery, tradition and innovation can be experienced at this level.”

— Tara Moore, Associate Director of Spa Operations, Galgorm Resort

Tickets and entry.

Galgorm Resort are offering day and overnight packages starting from just £85 - more details, as well as participant information for competitors, are available via the British Sauna Society website.

To book tickets, plan your visit, or find out how to enter:

www.britishsaunasociety.org.uk/uk-aufguss-championships

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.

Ian Paisley, Chair of the Trustees of GECP, said, “Our vision is to move beyond piecemeal development and address the estate’s decline through a single, holistic and genuinely transformative plan; one that respects Galgorm’s built fabric, honours its intangible heritage, and recognises the special place it holds in the heart of the community.

“We believe the proposal achieves an exciting and carefully considered balance between commercial viability and clear, lasting public benefit.”

An outstanding example of Jacobean architecture, Galgorm Castle dates back to the early seventeenth century. It represents a unique nexus of cultural, political, and social history; a microcosm of Northern Ireland’s rich and storied past.

The Castle has played a part in numerous historic events from the Battle of the Boyne to the Easter Rising. Figures associated with both government and rebellion, and with cultural activities from the development of the Orange Order to the preservation of language and culture, have found a home at Galgorm. There are few estates in Ireland where so many key historical figures and events converge.

Ian added, “Galgorm Castle is a jewel in the crown of our local heritage, and this project represents a once-in-century opportunity to secure its future. Our proposals show how sensitive commercial activity can sit alongside environmental protection and community benefit.

“The Board of Directors are delighted to be part of an initiative that will ensure this treasures the estate, its buildings, landscapes, and history are enjoyed long into the future, nurturing local culture and creating jobs.”

The reinstatement of original paths, trails, and gardens will also connect the castle to its wider landscape thus improving links with the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Gracehill and providing the community with natural amenities for all to use and enjoy.

Ian concluded, “Our aspiration is for Galgorm Castle and Estate to become a world-class destination, welcoming creative artists and performing groups from across the community, the country and further afield, while also serving as a driver of sustainable local economic growth.

“We want the estate’s landscape, trails, and historic setting to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, and for Galgorm to act as a beacon that attracts further investment, partnership, and opportunity into the area.”