Special travel arrangements for golf fans at Irish Open

Q Radio Sport

We're less than a month from the beginning of this year's Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The European Tour event is being hosted by the Rory Foundation, and the travel plans aim to bring thousands of extra spectators to the Strand course at Portstewart Golf Club.

As can be expected for tournaments which draw high numbers of people, those going have been advised to leave extra time for their journeys.

Translink has joined forces with Tourism NI, the European Tour, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Department for Infrastructure - Roads and the PSNI to devise a strategy for transport to the host venue.

Four of the biggest names in golf talk about Portstewart, host of the 2017 #DDFIrishOpen.

Say you were there: https://t.co/rKiGPCjBnq pic.twitter.com/KzY0u5AXh6

— Northern Ireland (@DiscoverNI) June 3, 2017

Translink Service Delivery Manager Sam Todd has spoken of the number of travel options available.

“The 2017 Irish Open will be a world-class sports event putting Northern Ireland centre-stage as a top visitor destination. We want to ensure everyone enjoys hassle-free journeys to Portstewart, reducing traffic congestion in the area as much as possible and helping more people sample the delights of the scenic Causeway Coast.

“There will be enhanced train capacity, special coaches from across NI and free Park & Ride shuttle services with full details available online now at www.translink.co.uk/irishopen2017/.

“A free shuttle bus service will connect with rail services arriving at and departing from Coleraine Train Station. The event coincides with the introduction of an hourly train service on the Londonderry Railway Line providing customers with more journey choice. There will be enhanced capacity on train services to Coleraine including some additional early morning trains on the Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a late night train from Coleraine to Belfast on the Saturday. Day return train tickets can be pre-purchased from selected stations only.

“Special Golf coaches will operate from towns and cities across Northern Ireland for direct travel to the event with tickets available to purchase online only. Local Ulsterbus service 140 travelling between Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart will operate a 20 minute frequency, enhanced to every 10 minutes during peak times. This service includes pick-up/drop-off from Portstewart Golf Club and also serves local caravan sites. 

“A free and frequent Park & Ride shuttle bus service will operate between 6.30am and 9pm from dedicated parking sites that will be clearly signposted as you approach the event. These services will conveniently drop-off passengers at Portstewart Golf Club for easy event access,” said Sam. 

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, says there's been a fantastic effort in getting a plan in place. 

"We want people travelling to this beautiful part of our Borough to enjoy every aspect of their visit. I would strongly encourage everyone to plan their journey well in advance, and make use of the park and ride and public transport options. A lot of hard work has gone in to devising a traffic and travel plan which is both efficient and effective. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to what is certain to be an unforgettable experience, whether you are here to enjoy the action on the green or the festival experience and entertainment programme."

Looking forward to getting back to Portstewart and this year's @DDFIrishOpen. Hopefully @McIlroyRory will let someone else win this year! pic.twitter.com/h0DdpvI939

— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) April 24, 2017

Aine Kearney, Director of Business Support and Events commented on the opportunity to welcome thousands of tourists and those living locally.

“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will bring thousands of domestic, national and international visitors to Portstewart and the wider Causeway Coastal Route this July and Tourism NI has been working with all tournament partners to ensure the visitor experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

“The Causeway Coastal Route will come alive with things to see and do for all of the family and we are encouraging visitors to plan their journey in advance and make the most of the hassle free transport and accommodation offerings available and enjoy the festival atmosphere of the unmissable Irish Open.”

PSNI Superintendent John Magill said, “The policing operation is very much about supporting our partners to ensure that ticket holders and visitors are able to get to the Causeway Coast safely and that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. A significant amount of planning has gone into the transport arrangements and we would encourage anyone attending to familiarise themselves with the various options available ahead of time.”

Travel options

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open 2017 Translink Travel Options

Rail Capacity

Enhanced rail capacity available on selected services from July 4 – 9

Additional Rail Services include: 
Belfast – Coleraine:    Sat 8^th July 6.05am from Great Victoria Street (GVS) / Sun 9^th July 7.10am and 8.10am from GVS

Coleraine – Belfast:    Sat 8^th July 11.19pm from Coleraine Bus & Rail Centre

Derry~Londonderry – Coleraine: Sun 9^th July 8.38am

Rail tickets can be pre-purchased from selected train stations only – Belfast Central, Great Victoria Street, Portadown, Lurgan, Lisburn, Bangor, Carrickfergus, Antrim and Londonderry.

-     Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.

-       Normal NI Railways fares apply.

-       The new Londonderry Railway line hourly timetable operates Monday – Saturday.

Rail Shuttle Bus Service

-        Rail Shuttle bus will operate between Coleraine Train Station and Portstewart Golf

Club on the following days and times: 

Ulsterbus Service 140

-  Travelling between Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart, Service 140 will operate a 20 minute frequency enhanced to every 10 minutes during mid-morning and early evening peak periods from July 5th –9th.

-   Service 140 connects in Coleraine with the 218 Goldline Express coach service from Belfast.

-     It will include drop-off/pick-up from the following caravan sites – Kellys, Juniper Hill and Dhu Varren.

Special Golf Coaches

Special golf coach tickets are available for travel, July 6 – 9

-          Special golf coach tickets are only available to book online. £16.50 adult /  £8.25 Child

-          Special golf coach services will depart from:

Armagh/ Dungannon/ Cookstown/ Magherafelt

Newry/ Sprucefield/ Lisburn

Newtownards/ Bangor/ Holywood

Newcastle/ Downpatrick/ Cairnshill P&R

Crevenagh P&R/ Omagh/ Strabane/ Derry~Londonderry / Limavady

Larne/ Ballyclare

Belfast Europa Buscentre (includes a July 5 departure)

-          Online sales will close at 3pm on day prior to travel (Thurs – Sat) and 11am on day prior to travel (Sunday)

-          Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.