Planning Approved For Expansion At Portrush’s Golf Links Hotel

Plans have been approved for a significant extension to the Golf Links Hotel, part of the Kellys Complex on the Bushmills Road in Portrush.

The development will see the creation of 35 additional bedrooms along with new spa, pool, and leisure facilities. The scheme also includes a series of associated works designed to enhance the existing complex, which has long been a mainstay of the North Coast’s hospitality scene.

The Kellys Complex is a landmark in Portrush, known for its mix of entertainment, dining, and accommodation. The expansion represents a fresh chapter for the family-run business, which has been adapting to changing visitor trends and tourism demands along the Causeway Coast.

It comes four years after the closure of Lush! — the iconic nightclub that once formed the beating heart of Kellys’ nightlife offering. In 2021, the Kelly family announced that Lush! would not reopen, marking the end of an era after more than 25 years of drawing revellers from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

During its heyday, the club hosted some of the biggest names in dance music, including Fatboy Slim and Tiësto, and was widely regarded as one of Ireland’s premier nightlife destinations.

The latest investment signals a shift in focus from nightlife towards leisure and tourism, as Portrush continues to evolve as a year-round resort. With the area’s popularity boosted by major events such as The Open golf championship, the expansion of the Golf Links Hotel is expected to create new jobs and strengthen the town’s reputation as a leading destination on the North Coast.