The tournament, one of the four major golf events globally and the only one held outside the US, returns to Royal Portrush from 13 to 20 July. After successfully hosting the event in 2019, this year’s Open is expected to draw large crowds, making it a key event in Northern Ireland’s tourism calendar.

Most local hotels have been fully booked for months, but several holiday homes are still available for rent on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. However, these homes come at a price. For instance, a property listed as the “Shane Lowry Mural House” features a newly painted mural of the 2019 champion and is available for 19,558 pounds for a seven-night stay (it accommodates up to seven guests). Another townhouse, just a short walk from the golf course, is listed for 23,856 for the week, sleeping five guests.

For those seeking more affordable options, a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four guests is available for 727 pounds per night, totalling just over 5 thousand for the week. However, with five months left until the event, these prices highlight the significant demand during this high-profile tournament.

Tourism NI has encouraged accommodation providers to ensure they are certified, as this is a legal requirement for short-term rentals in Northern Ireland. The tourism board estimates that The Open will inject 100 million pounds into the local economy but also warns businesses about the risks of overpricing. Áine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, stated, “Accommodation pricing is an important issue, and we continuously work with the tourism industry to encourage fair pricing”. Áine Kearney further emphasised that the overpricing could harm Northern Ireland’s reputation, noting that businesses that sensibly adjust their rates often attract more customers.