Corporate hospitality with a difference

When The Open Championship returned to Royal Portrush in 2025, it was not only a milestone for golf, it was a milestone for Northern Ireland. More than 278,000 fans descended on the North Coast across the week-long Championship, while images from the course were broadcast to around 100 million viewers in over 190 countries.

For one multi-national brand, the tournament was the perfect moment to bring their colleagues and friends together. They wanted something that matched the scale of the occasion, an experience that went beyond the fairways. That is where Magheramorne Estate came in.

Over five days, our estate became their private home for entertaining. Together we created a programme that combined world-class hospitality, authentic Northern Irish traditions and the exclusivity that only a private estate can offer. Every element was carefully considered, with the client’s team and our suppliers cared for as attentively as their VIPs.

Staying at Magheramorne

Guests were accommodated across 19 elegant bedrooms in the Victorian manor house and a further 16 in the Courtyard, giving them complete privacy and comfort. Each morning began with breakfast in the sunlit conservatory, offering a calm start to the day.

Throughout the visit, the estate’s drawing rooms became gathering places for guests to enjoy drinks and snacks, and watch coverage of The Open. When it was time to go to Royal Portrush, the journey was a convenient and scenic drive away, allowing guests to spend their days immersed in the Championship and their evenings unwinding back at the Estate.

A food experience like no other

Food was central to our guests’ experience. Every menu was crafted by Jane’s Kitchen, balancing refined dining with a deep sense of place.

• A barbecue on the terrace celebrated the summer season, pairing relaxed outdoor dining with sweeping views of the estate.

• A lively jazz brunch featured a Bloody Mary and Virgin Mary station, setting a playful tone for the day ahead.

• Formal dining evenings showcased the very best of Northern Irish produce, from fresh seafood and locally sourced meats to vegetables grown by nearby farmers.

No meal was complete without Magheramorne’s own heritage breads. Each table was served with freshly baked soda and wheaten bread, recipes passed down from Jane Allen’s grandmother who first baked them on the family’s farm in Ballymena. These loaves carried more than flavour. They carried a story of welcome, warmth and tradition.

Dishes were enhanced with local ingredients, from regional pours to produce grown just miles away, ensuring every plate and sip reflected both craftsmanship and authenticity.

Creating the setting

Hospitality was matched by atmosphere. Our in-house florist designed arrangements that complemented the estate’s architecture and gardens whilst reflecting the client’s brand. Prior to guests’ arrival, their trusted partners helped dress the estate to reflect the client’s vision. Additional outdoor seating areas allowed guests to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy further al fresco dining.

Experiences to remember

Entertainment and activities ensured the days were as engaging as they were relaxing. Guests enjoyed:

• Clay pigeon shooting and archery in the grounds

• Whiskey tasting with cigar pairing

• Traditional music and Irish dancing, giving international visitors a real sense of Irish culture

• A golf simulator, which added a playful competitive edge

• A snack bar available throughout the day

A fond farewell

The event closed with a farewell dinner that became a highlight of the week. Guests were invited to hear Jane Allen share the story of her family business, from humble beginnings on the farm to four decades of excellence through Jane’s Kitchen, right up to the present day where the Allen family run the estate together. It was a fitting end to a programme rooted in both heritage and hospitality. Guests left not just as clients but as friends, and we look forward to welcoming them back.

Why it worked

This successful partnership allowed us to showcase our strengths and ability to deliver, providing a service that had:

• Exclusivity: The manor, courtyard and grounds were entirely theirs.

• Food at the heart: Every menu was crafted with care, balancing refinement and tradition.

• Flexibility: Activities, entertainment, accommodation and dining were woven together into one seamless programme.

• Service to remember: Our team worked tirelessly and as one to deliver the exceptional.

More than hospitality

For this brand, the event was about more than entertaining guests. It was also about rewarding their team, celebrating culture and creating memories during one of the world’s greatest sporting occasions.

At Magheramorne Estate, this is what we do best. We create corporate events that are authentic, memorable and completely bespoke.

If you would like to explore what is possible for your business, we would love to talk. Contact us to discover how we can help.