Portrush Gears Up For Open Championship With Community Engagement Event

As anticipation builds for this summer’s Open Championship in Portrush, local officials and event organisers are inviting residents to a community engagement session this week.

The event, held at Portrush Town Hall on Wednesday, offers a unique opportunity for locals to ask questions and gain insights into the logistics behind hosting an event of such scale.

Representatives from The R&A and Causeway Coast and Glens Council will be present to discuss key issues, including the economic impact, traffic management, and the benefits to the local area. 

When The Open returned to Portrush in 2019 after a 68-year absence, it drew 237,000 spectators and a global television audience numbering in the millions. An official report estimated that the event generated approximately £100 million for Northern Ireland, with the Causeway Coast and Glens region contributing around £26 million. However, some local traders voiced concerns that the influx of visitors disrupted their usual business during peak season.

For this year, The R&A anticipates that attendance will exceed 250,000, and a new readmission policy will allow spectators to leave and return to the venue throughout the day. Building on lessons from 2019, local authorities have introduced more rigorous traffic controls.

Furthermore, Northern Ireland’s tourism officials have launched a major global marketing campaign, highlighting the region’s premium accommodations, dining, and leisure facilities. The Department for the Economy will also use the event as a platform to showcase economic opportunities to foreign investors.

The drop-in session, scheduled from 12 noon until 6pm, is aimed at those living or working in Portrush and the surrounding areas. Attendees will have access to information covering topics such as the 153rd Open, volunteering opportunities, local business support, economic benefits, legacy and sustainability, recruitment, and traffic and transport, alongside details about The Open Camping Village.