Ballymoney Chronicle - News - ‘Bonkers’ for beds

News

‘Bonkers’ for beds

Thursday, 12 January 2012

LAST week's announcement that Portrush Royal is to stage this Summer's Irish Open Championship saw a welcome accommodation boost for the Ballymoney area.
Rooms in Ballymoney's B&B's were rumoured to have been snapped up as soon as news broke that the north coast would host the major golf championship event from June 28 to July 1 this year.
Some golf enthusiasts were so eager they didn't wait for official confirmation last Friday - instead booking beds in advance to avoid disappointment.
The news was met by excitement from accommodation providers and councillors in the Ballymoney area.
Influx
‘phenomenal'

Helen Hamilton, proprietor of Garden Lodge, Garden Cottage and Country Garden House in Ballymoney said the influx of callers requesting a room was "phenomenal."
“We've had a massive influx of callers from last Thursday and everything is booked out from June 27 to July 1, except for Garden Cottage which has availability from June 30.
“But, we'll not panic - it's an exciting boost for accommodation providers in the area.
“When I heard it on the news I expected an increase in interest but was astounded by the demand for rooms. "It's a bit like the North West weekend. Folk were off the mark as soon as they got wind of the news and dates.
“It's great for the area and there's even talk that after this event Portrush will play host to bigger championships."
Ivan King, owner of Burn-Brig House in Dervock said all his rooms were booked up 3-4 hours after the unofficial announcement last Thursday.
“All four rooms are gone and guests booked to stay all four days of the tournament. There's even more hype with this than the North West with guests coming from over seas as far as Spain to experience the tournament."
'Doors will open'
Ivan added: "It's great news for accommodation providers in North Antrim - with the North West in May, the Irish Open in June, the Milk Cup in July and the anticipated opening of the new Causeway Centre this Summer. Who knows what doors will open if they handle this major golf tournament right.
“It's been a difficult time for most of us - but this is a welcome boost with over 200,000 visitors expected to visit the north coast over the four days."
Brian and Annie Watton, proprietors of Kilmail Country Chalet situated on the main B62 between Ballymoney and Portrush, said they still had rooms available - but expected they wouldn't sit for long.