Rory McIlroy fever helping to drive up costs – but concerns over locals priced out of the market remain

A mural of Shane Lowry with the Claret Jug in Portrush (Niall Carson/PA)

A mural of Shane Lowry with the Claret Jug in Portrush (Niall Carson/PA)

Accommodation prices have been soaring on the north coast with only 68 days until The Open’s return to Portrush.

Six years on from hosting one of golf’s most prestigious competitions, the Co Antrim town is once again gearing up for the tournament.