This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Ever tried to substitute your desert island disc choices for favourite things to eat but I had to have the lobster roll Stevie McCarry used to make before he went all Great British Menu stopped smoking and became a proper restaurateur with Lir in Coleraine The lobster roll in his former parish of Native Seafood in Portstewart made with a golden toasted brioche bun and supported by chopped lettuce and tomato mayonnaise and sprinkled with paprika and finely chopped chives was worthy of last supper status QUESTIONS have been asked in the Assembly over a dramatic decline in visitors to Portstewart in 2024 the Chronicle published data collected from footfall cameras which shows a 34 per cent drop in pedestrian traffic The findings prompted East Londonderry MLA Cara Hunter to table a Written Question in the Assembly to Economy Minster Conor Murphy Read the full story in this week's Chronicle Share your opinions on Alpha Newspaper Group Stay connected to us to get the latest news and updates John Rahm won the 2017 Irish Open here with an amazing score of 24 under par There are three 18-hole courses at Portstewart as well as the Old Course which is actually a 5-minute drive away on the other side of town The club has appointed European Golf Design whose MD Jeremy Slessor said “We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to work with Portstewart to look at its three distinctive golf courses.” The Strand Course is beautifully sited between the beach and the River Bann Blessed with a quite spectacular front nine and up to 92nd in our Top 100 UK&I Course Rankings in association with Peter Millar Portstewart is a joy to play with an eye firmly set on the future Header Cell - Column 0 Header Cell - Column 1 Address portstewartgc.co.uk reception@portstewartgc.co.uk Blessed with a wonderful location for golf this exhilarating seaside course has a quite sensational front nine It will be very interesting to observe the proposed changes take place to the back nine with the intention of creating an even better course that is still as spectacular but with a greater balance throughout most exciting and most difficult opening holes in the Top 100 – A brilliant site for golf with towering dunes UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 92 the front nine is among of the most thrilling I have ever played Portstewart Golf Club is not far from the world-famous Open Championship course at Royal Portrush, and its Strand Course is high in the list of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland it is the Strand Course that is the real star of the Portstewart show The course evolved from an original design by Willie Park Junior that was subsequently given a very substantial makeover in the late 1980s when Des Giffin blended seven new holes with the existing layout to create one that is both beautiful to look at and exciting to play highlights include just about all of the phenomenal front nine starting with the excellent dogleg-right opener the anticipation as you stand on the first tee is huge an elevated drive takes you down to a rumpled fairway with the green waiting over 400 yards away as you start your golfing safari The two short holes on the front nine - the 3rd and 6th - are especially lovely There is a general consensus that the back nine is something of an anticlimax due to its flatter topography but there are some undulations and elevation changes and perhaps still more so than at many leading links courses There is also much to be said for having two quite different nines Work is taking place to address this imbalance and I am really looking forward to seeing how this beds in John WinterGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistThis course was built on a budget but they now have the funds to realise its true potential and a comprehensive strategic course plan is following as evidenced by the improvements to the thirteenth and fourteenth holes Nicholas HerculesGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistI can’t think of a more spectacular front nine that I’ve played in over 430 courses I cannot wait to return for the front nine and to see the results of the considerable changes planned and underway on the back nine A course not to be missed on the Causeway Coast with aesthetics to die for Richard HealyGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistIt wasn’t a course I approached with great expectations but everything about the visit created a wonderful experience and lasting memories Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts Sheila DiamondGolf Monthly Top 100 PanellistA course of two contrasting halves with the front nine being of significantly higher quality than the back nine notwithstanding the improvements (actual and planned) to the back nine the feeling remained that I wish we could have started on ten and the round had reached its climax on one to nine overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable course and well worth the green fee Much of its character is defined by the dunes and the “short” 16th is one of the finest par 3s anywhere CASTLEROCK Castlerock is a wonderful club whose two courses are sometimes wrongly overlooked simply because of their proximity two giants dates back well over a century and is a tough par-73 links designed by Ben Sayers and then Harry Colt This is part of the Anchor Complex incorporating the award-winning Inishowen Business Suite and Club Aura are all part of the complex The award-winning Strand House is available on a room-only basis Each comes with a light complimentary breakfast with a large residents' lounge downstairs and a smaller library-lounge with sea views The third (left) and second holes on the Strand(Image credit: Getty Images)The dunes at Portstewart are among the best anywhere(Image credit: Getty Images)The well-protected green at the short fifteenth(Image credit: Getty Images)An aerial view of the fabulous dunes at Portstewart(Image credit: Getty Images)The green at the testing par-4 sixteenth Plateau(Image credit: Getty Images)Historical Top 100 Rankings UK&I2025/26 - 922023/24 - 982021/22 - 972019/20 - 97 New EntryFrequently Asked QuestionsWho is the most famous golfer to have played Portstewart?John Rahm won the 2017 Irish Open here with an amazing score of 24 under par He specialises in course reviews and travel and has played over 1,250 courses in almost 50 countries he played all 21 courses in East Lothian in 13 days One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 Courses of the UK&I as well as the Next 100 where he is missing two in Scotland and two in Ireland He has been a member of Tandridge for over 30 years where his handicap hovers around 15 You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com you will then be prompted to enter your display name https://www.derrynow.com/section/1245/advertise-with-us All the latest breaking local news from Derry and County Derry Keep up to date with the latest sports news Read all the latest crime & court news in Derry and County Derry Read all the latest Irish news and updates from around Ireland Catch up on all the latest business news in Derry and County Derry Find whats happening in and around Derry and County Derry Enjoy our award winning photos and picture galleries taken in Derry and County Derry Read about the latest properties available in Derry and County Derry Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Derry and County Derry Derry and County Derry Met Eireann Weather Forecast Recent death notices and obituaries from Derry and County Derry Latest environmental and climate change news in County Derry Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism • Margaret Ethel Blair, Claudy • Dessie Campbell, 2 Drumachose Park, Limavady • Leo Donald Dolan, Apartment 2, Ocean View, 5 The Crescent, Portstewart • Walter Lynch, 34 Enagh Crescent, Maydown • Barbara McAllister, Glenview Drive, Limavady • Bridget “Bridie” McCartney (née Patton), 191 Foreglen Road, Claudy • Celine Murray (née Kildea), 61 Carnhill, Derry The death has taken place of the late Margaret Ethel Blair Jo and Gareth and much loved Grandmother and Great Grandmother. A private family service will take place at her Daughter Joanne’s home May followed by burial in Upper Cumber Cemetery donations in lieu if wished to Cumber Upper Parish Church c/o Mr Matthew Robinson Claudy BT47 4JA. All enquires to Adair and Neely Funeral Directors Tel 02871311321. Sadly missed by her family circle and friends. The Lord is My Shepherd It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Leo Donald Dolan, April 30 2025 and the late Kevin and much loved grandpa of Torin Matthew and Caelan. House strictly private Portstewart on Saturday at 12noon followed by interment in Agherton Cemetery. No flowers please. Lovingly remembered The death has occurred of the late Walter Lynch loving son of the late Jack and Isabel and cherished brother of Elizabeth Funeral service there on Saturday at 2.00pm Interment afterwards in St Canice’s Parish churchyard The death has occurred of the late Barbara McAllister Passed away peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital on Thursday loving Mother of Jim and Brian. Family home strictly private. Anyone wishing to pay their respects to Barbara may call at Browns Funeral Home on Friday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm Funeral service will be held in Browns Funeral Home on Saturday at 12noon followed by burial in Enagh Cemetery (All Welcome) Family flowers only please donations if desired and cheques payable to First Limavady Presbyterian Church and forwarded to Browns Funeral Directors Will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her entire family circle and friends The death has occurred of the late Celine Murray (née Kildea) a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother and dear sister of Christina and the late Mary Funeral from there on Saturday at 9.30am for 10o’clock Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church Interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism 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info@presscouncil.ie Computer generated image of what Merrow Hotel and Spa may look like Gabrielle SwanWed 26 Mar 2025 at 19:12A controversial new hotel on the north coast will bring a “significant boost” to the Northern Irish economy The green light has been given for the £20m Merrow Hotel & Spa near Portstewart It is due to begin construction in the coming months the project has divided opinion with TUV leader Jim Allister leading opposition to the development conferencing facilities for up to 350 people and nine chalets and a base for visitors during the North West 200 it is estimated to bring in a £5.5m guest spend and 100 jobs to the area Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s planning committee gave the green light on Wednesday after a near decade-long planning process which involved the courts A spokesperson for C&V Developments said today’s decision “is another important step towards making the Merrow Hotel & Spa a reality” “The proposal is the same today as was first brought forward in 2016 The unnecessary delays to the application over the last eight years have only served to frustrate the investment the job opportunities and the boost to the local hospitality sector that the complex will create,” they added “They have also led to uncertainty to other businesses and organisations who will benefit from the project not least the NW 200 team who deserve a permanent home to manage one of the best known outside sporting events in the world “Ratepayers across the borough have lost out Had the hotel been open and operational as planned Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council would have benefitted from the substantial annual rates contribution from the hotel.” “This is a welcome investment in Portstewart and the wider Causeway Coast,” she said “I’ve worked closely with the developer throughout this process and have seen first-hand the commitment they’ve shown to doing this right – not just for their business “This development will complement the natural beauty and visitor appeal of the North Coast while also supporting long-term economic growth “This hotel and spa will create new employment opportunities across a range of sectors – from hospitality and leisure to construction and local suppliers “It’s a real vote of confidence in our area and I look forward to seeing the Merrow take shape in the months ahead.” Shortly after Merrow was given panning permission by the council in 2016 Mr Allister issued a legal challenge over the property The case then became embroiled in a lengthy legal battle after the North Antrim MP won the first challenge The High Court identified a series of breaches in the process saying that Causeway council’s decision to make the approval on the site was procedurally unfair This meant that the planning permission had to be reconsidered by the council Final approval was given by the planning committee last August After the Department for Infrastructure decided last month the application will not be called in Causeway council’s planning committee approved construction today Mr Allister’s concerns over the property were that it was not adequately costed if the applicant will even get external funding and how this would be financed or if the applicant has the funds to even complete the process,” he wrote to the planning committee last summer “Councillors have no way to independently scrutinise any of their pronouncements “I have continually asked for the publication of this business plan It seems the planning department does not.” hit out at what he said were “politically inspired” objections to the project Margaret Canning's selection of business stories sent every Tuesday Please check your inbox to verify your details THE number of visitors to Portstewart fell dramatically in 2024 according to council footfall figures.Traders in the town declared Northern Ireland’s best place to live just a few months ago are concerned.A special feature in this week’s Chronicle breaks down data collected from footfall cameras which shows a 34 per cent drop in visitor numbers during the year.One shopkeeper told the newspaper the mood of his fellow business owners along the Promenade was “really not good.” For the full report pick up your own copy of the paper which is out this week Samuel Houston's case has sent shockwaves through Portstewart A postmaster and church secretary accused of exposing himself on Portstewart’s promenade has signed his business over District Judge Peter King told Samuel Houston that now he is no longer the local postmaster he has no reason to be in the coastal town “he is excluded from Portstewart.” Receive today's headlines directly to your inbox every morning and evening PORTSTEWART Golf Club ladies Foursomes Team have won the Causeway Coast Trophy for the year 2024/25 Foursomes Matches take place from October to March each year between local clubs Royal Portrush Portstewart were delighted to win the trophy after a long number of years Photographed are the team panel - with ladies playing in one up to five matches depending on their availability Front row: Denise Ross/Christine Hutchinson/Maggie Penny/ TC Louie Fillis & LC Moraig McCrum/ TC Pauline Agnew/Heather McIlmaine Back Row: Nicola Willmott/Elizabeth McGarry/Laura Douglas/Moyra Gowland/LVC Fiona Kilgore/Inge Rowan/Mary Glover/Karen Jackson/Hazel Browne/Irene Murray/Helen McLaughlin A CHARITY which keeps people who have difficulties reading up to date with their local news has found a new home in Portstewart.Causeway Talking News has been creating a vital weekly audio magasine and local news programme for residnets across the borough for over 45 years.The charity provides a free audio CD for those who find it difficult to read the local news from newspapers due to sight problems * For full story see today's Chronicles and Northern Constitution which are now in the shops Path and steps to ladder at Port na Happle in Portstewart. A PORTSTEWART woman has voiced serious concerns about the “dangerous” state of the swimming facilities at Port Na Happle highlights several issues that pose risks for users the iron steps were slanted and washed away during winter storms forcing swimmers to climb into the water over rocks which was easier than the current situation Aileen said: “I recently requested the Council to install new ladders “They installed an upright ladder with a circular iron bar as a step “The new ladders are still an issue; they have steps just one inch wide with studs on each step which makes them very difficult to navigate,” added Aileen Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council was approached for comment regarding these conditions A spokesperson stated: “The Council undertook works at Port Na Happle several years ago to enhance access for swimmers to this well-known coastal swim spot “These enhancements were designed with the exposed nature of the location in mind The Council considers the facility fit for purpose.” * FOR FULL STORY SEE TODAY'S COLERAINE CHRONICLE WHICH IS NOW IN THE SHOPS • Liam Butcher, Portstewart • Jessica Rachel Glasser, 13 Newton Road, Limavady • Teresa Sloan (née McGonigle), 17 Thorndale, Limavady • Heather Elizabeth Wallace (née Allen), Derry • Eileen Walls (née McDowell), 6 Moyola View, Creagh The death has taken place of the late Liam Butcher much loved son of Elizabeth and the late Billy House strictly private (family only please) followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery BT52 1BF or online at www.hughwadefuneraldirectors.com Lovingly remembered by his family and friends The death has occurred of the late Jessica Rachel Glasser May 6 at 12noon followed by burial in Christ Church Limavady burial ground at 1.00pm (all welcome) donations if desired and cheques made payable to Rainbow Centre Will be lovingly remembered and Sadly missed by all her family and friends It is with deep sorrow and great sadness that we announce the passing of Teresa Sloan (née McGonigle) Loving mother of Dee and the late Paul R.I.P Dear daughter of the late Neil Alphonsos and Molly McGonigle Wake will commence in her home; 17 Thorndale May 5 at 9.30am for Requiem Mass in Christ The King Church Limavady at 10.00am followed by cremation on Friday May 9 in Antrim & Newtownabbey Crematorium Family flowers only please donations in lieu to: Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research Enquiries to: Brendan or Thomas: O’Brien’s of Limavady Funeral Directors Queen of the most holy rosary pray for her The death has taken place of Heather Elizabeth Wallace (née Allen) Peacefully at Melmount Manor Nursing Home (in the tender loving care of her family) devoted mother of Ryan and the late Warren and Baby Nyree May 5 at 12.20pm for a Service of Thanksgiving for her life in Dunnalong Parish Church at 1.00pm followed by burial in Upper Cumber Cemetery All are welcome to pay their respects at Ryan’s home on Sunday between 1.00pm and 9.00pm donations in lieu if desired to Melmount Manor Nursing Home Comfort Fund c/o Mrs Ruth Hay Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her entire family circle The death has taken place of Eileen Walls (née McDowell) (Newbridge), May 3 2025 wife of the late Tom and loving mother of Joseph daughters in law and the entire family circle Police have carried out a controlled explosion after sealing off a section of Portstewart Strand on Friday morning.Some residents reported hearing a loud bang during the operation which was prompted by the discovery of a live maritime flare on the beach at around 9.30am on September 27 The beach was closed to allow Army Technical Officers (ATOs) to attend the scene and make the flare safe It is understood a controlled explosion was carried out on the device Sergeant Purvis said: “Our primary aim was to protect the public and I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding.” The new owners of Portstewart Town Hall have lodged a planning application to refurbish the historic building as an event space with self-catering accommodation attached In 2021 Causeway Coast and Glens Council handed the property back its historical owners set up by the members of the Montagu family living overseas The applicant behind the proposed development of the landmark building is property management firm Dunrus Ltd controlled by Dungannon-based Jack Dobson who had previously helped build a European-wide meat processing business The proposal includes building a new extension to the rear According to documents accompanying the application plans take account of the building's listed status and original features “The setting of the building and its relationship with its neighbouring listed buildings will be significant in considering how to develop the site” Stay connected to us to get the latest news and updates. The discovery of a bicycle and a bag containing a number of items in the Strand Road area of Portstewart was made on Thursday 13 February The PSNI has confirmed a local man was arrested in the Portstewart area on Saturday morning in relation to the incident He has since been charged to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday 24th February The man, aged 40, has been charged with common assault, false imprisonment, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, domestic abuse offences, and two counts of theft.Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know A person has been rescued from the water in Portstewart after they got into difficulty swimming in a popular beauty spot the Portrush Inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch by the Coastguard after reports of a person in difficulty in the water at the herring pond The volunteer crew were paged at 3.42pm and launched at 3.53pm with the crew arriving on scene at 3.59pm cloudy but good visibility and a sight sea swell on the way to the scene,” said a RNLI spokesperson “On arrival on scene the casualty was quickly located and taken onboard the ILB The casualty was then transported back to Portstewart Harbour and handed into the care of the Ambulance Service and the coastguard.” Lifeboat operations manager Beni McAllister said: “This was a classic rescue for the volunteer crew something they train for on a regular basis which allowed us to be on scene very quickly and recover the casualty.” The herring pond in Portstewart is a popular location for open water swimming as the rock pool can be accessed by a ladder climb experts advise it is best to swim an hour either side of low tide in the area A postmaster and church secretary accused of exposing himself on Portstewart’s busy promenade has appeared in court Samuel Houston is charged with two counts of indecent exposure and one of indecent behaviour on dates between September 2024 and January 2025 Conall Madden at Ormeau Labs on March 10 (Luke Jervis) A Portstewart publican in his twenties says he is “keeping things fresh” with a major revamp of his historic family-owned venue director of north coast hotspot The Anchor is also carrying the torch for his late father having taken the reins alongside his mum Edel and sister Courtney four years ago It was bright but crisp in Portstewart (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) They draw tens of thousands of tourists and day-trippers every summer but January in our much-loved seaside towns can be a very different – not to mention colder – experience While the cash rolls in when the sun shines the winter months are usually harsh for traders Mark Edgar will make his return to Portstewart FC in January's transfer window THE Seahawks pushed themselves back into the win column after Ciaran O’Hara got the job done after 83 minutes Following a bitter loss at home last weekend Portstewart regrouped against Tobermore United and secured themselves a clean sheet and more importantly we had a few good chances in the first half.“In the changing room the message was to not panic be patient and we’ll get our opportunity to score "It’s a competitive league and it’s about taking your opportunity when it comes it was announced on their social media that Mark Edgar will be returning to the club in January's transfer window who currently plays for Heights FC said that: “I’m delighted to be back at Portstewart and hopefully can help the team push up the table come January “The club seems to be going in the right direction and it was a no-brainer when speaking to the gaffer," added Mark Mo Mahon said: “Mark’s quality and connection to the club are exactly what we need and want in the door as we continue to build momentum on and off the pitch this season Portstewart play Knockbreda this Saturday at Mullaghacall where they hope to add to their win streak and lift three more points A vehicle has been set alight outside a property in Co Londonderry during a “reckless” arson attack The Land Rover Discovery was completely gutted in the blaze which happened in Portstewart in the early hours of Monday morning It was targeted outside a home in the Millstone area around 1.30am shortly after emergency services were notified .PSNI Detective Inspector Lavery confirmed an investigation is underway "Officers received a call from our colleagues at NIFRS shortly after 1.50am as this appeared to have been a deliberate attack on the vehicle,” they added NIFRS were present and attempting to control the fire however this took some time given the extent of the blaze “Luckily no one was injured but this was a reckless act and detectives would like to hear from anyone with information especially from those who were in the area and who may have captured any footage around the time of the incident Jonathan Maxwell and Liam Cunning outside Dempsey's of Portstewart When you think of icons on the Causeway Coast your mind may be drawn to amusement arcades ice cream parlours and natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway rather than any electrical retailer Dempsey’s of Portstewart has been a prominent store on the town’s promenade and as its new owners Jonathan Maxwell and Liam Cunning have proved one that is proudly supported by local residents