Golf tourism fuels Northern Ireland construction boom

Northern Ireland’s golf tourism is driving an unprecedented wave of hospitality construction. Record-breaking visitor spend of £86.2 million in 2024, boosted by The Open’s £213 million economic impact, is fuelling over £66 million worth of developments — from luxury hotels and suites to new links courses.

Investment in hospitality projects is set to jump by 111% this year, with momentum building towards £85 million in 2026. Flagship schemes include the £30 million Bellarena Golf Links, the first new links course in over a century, and expansions at Dunluce Lodge, The Golf Links Hotel, and Kingfisher Country Estate, adding hundreds of high-end rooms and leisure facilities.

International demand is surging, particularly from North America, where visitors account for 70% of inbound golf tourists. With long stays and high spend, the sector is creating lasting commercial opportunities far beyond the fairways — positioning construction firms to capture sustained demand in premium leisure and hospitality.

Read the full analysis to see where opportunities are emerging in Northern Ireland’s hospitality construction sector