1. The Goldrush Entertainment Centre
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8DW
Street Address: 11 Dunluce Avenue
Country: Northern Ireland
2. Arcadia Amusement Ltd
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AA
Street Address: 37-39 Central Promenade
Country: Northern Ireland
3. Gamezone
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT28 1LP
Street Address: 11 Lisburn Leisure Park
Country: Northern Ireland
4. Smokies Amusement Arcade
City/Town: Omagh
Postal Code: BT78 1EH
Street Address: 8 Market St
Country: Northern Ireland
5. Twilight Zone Amusement Arcade
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT17 9RY
Street Address: 191 Kingsway
Country: Northern Ireland
6. Funland
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AE
Street Address: 90-94 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
7. Sportsland Amusement Arcade
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8BL
Street Address: 28-34 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
8. Phil’s Amusements
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8BN
Street Address: 64-68 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
9. Flutters Amusements
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8DN
Street Address: 10 Dunluce St
Country: Northern Ireland
10. Kent Amusements
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0HH
Street Address: 79 Central Promenade
Country: Northern Ireland
11. Krazy Kool Kastles
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT66 7NJ
Street Address: 26 Drumlin Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
12. Station Arcade
City/Town: Enniskillen
Postal Code: BT74 6AG
Street Address: Quay Pass
Country: Northern Ireland
13. Twilight Zone Amusement Centre
City/Town: Newtownards
Postal Code: BT23 4EN
Street Address: 27 West St
Country: Northern Ireland
14. V I P Gaming
City/Town: Enniskillen
Postal Code: BT92 0JE
Street Address: 161 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
15. Game Amusements
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5PG
Street Address: Unit 3, 120, Saintfield Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
16. Q E 1 Snooker Club
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT5 5FP
Street Address: 32-46 Castlereagh Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
17. Spiros Automatic Machines
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT70 1DX
Street Address: 8 William St
Country: Northern Ireland
18. Elite Gaming
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT70 1DB
Street Address: 28 Irish St
Country: Northern Ireland
19. Oasis Gaming Machine Centre
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 6GB
Street Address: 7 Wellington Place
Country: Northern Ireland
20. Cashino Palace
City/Town: Cookstown
Postal Code: BT80 8EA
Street Address: Cemetery Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
21. Selfie City
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 3EA
Street Address: 44654 Donegall Quay
Country: Northern Ireland
22. Casino Palace
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT34 1DJ
Street Address: 8 Upper Water St
Country: Northern Ireland
23. Coco’s Adventure Playground
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AA
Street Address: 27a Central Promenade
Country: Northern Ireland
24. Funtime Leisure
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT47 2JE
Street Address: 108 Knockwellan Park
Country: Northern Ireland
25. Mohan’s Funfairs
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT60 2LA
Street Address: 85 Ballymoyer Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
26. Downpatrick Amusements
City/Town: Downpatrick
Postal Code: BT30 6BB
Street Address: 39 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
27. The Funfair Ltd
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 6FJ
Street Address: 43 Upper Queen St
Country: Northern Ireland
28. The Amusement Arcade
City/Town: Ballycastle
Postal Code: BT54 6AY
Street Address: 25 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
29. The Big Wheel
City/Town: Magherafelt
Postal Code: BT45 6EE
Street Address: 31-33 Market Sq
Country: Northern Ireland
30. The Park Amusements
City/Town: Dungiven
Postal Code: BT47 4LA
Street Address: 14 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
31. Premier Amusements
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 5BB
Street Address: 60-62 High St
Country: Northern Ireland
32. Golden Sands Amusements
City/Town: Portstewart
Postal Code: BT55 7AD
Street Address: 24 Central Promenade
Country: Northern Ireland
33. Lucky Spin Amusements
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4AB
Street Address: 18-20 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
34. Carousel Amusements
City/Town: Cullybackey
Postal Code: BT42 1QJ
Street Address: 22 The Square
Country: Northern Ireland
35. Riverside Amusements
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT52 1XJ
Street Address: 5 Riverside Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
36. Kingfisher Amusements
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 4JQ
Street Address: 35-37 Abbey St
Country: Northern Ireland
37. The Palace Amusements
City/Town: Ballygally
Postal Code: BT40 2QG
Street Address: 38 High St
Country: Northern Ireland
38. Joker’s Amusements
City/Town: Banbridge
Postal Code: BT32 4HE
Street Address: 7 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
39. Happy Land Arcade
City/Town: Ards
Postal Code: BT23 4AT
Street Address: 6 Victoria Sq
Country: Northern Ireland
40. Golden Nugget Amusements
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT9 6AF
Street Address: 64 Lisburn Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
41. Fisherman’s Amusements
City/Town: Strangford
Postal Code: BT30 7AT
Street Address: 22 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
42. Fun Centre
City/Town: Lurgan
Postal Code: BT66 6HD
Street Address: 15 Church St
Country: Northern Ireland
43. Star Amusements
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT34 1BP
Street Address: 30-32 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
44. Toyland Amusements
City/Town: Loughbrickland
Postal Code: BT32 3PA
Street Address: 25 Downpatrick Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
45. Admiral Amusements
City/Town: Portadown
Postal Code: BT62 3NG
Street Address: 50 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
46. The Seaside Arcade
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8DY
Street Address: 12 North Coast Rd
Country: Northern Ireland
47. Classic Amusements
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT71 6AB
Street Address: 19 Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
48. Midway Amusements
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT34 1DY
Street Address: 10 Upper Main St
Country: Northern Ireland
49. Ocean View Amusements
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8BL
Street Address: 8-10 Central Promenade
Country: Northern Ireland
50. Big Top Amusements
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT61 9AP
Street Address: 32-34 The Mall
Country: Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland may not be home to the massive theme parks found in other parts of the UK, but it offers a charming and family-friendly selection of amusement parks and entertainment centers. These destinations are perfect for locals and tourists looking for fun, adventure, and memorable experiences, whether through thrilling rides, outdoor activities, or family-oriented attractions. Below is an in-depth discussion of amusement parks and entertainment centers in Northern Ireland.
The Role of Amusement Parks
Amusement parks in Northern Ireland play a significant role in the region’s tourism and leisure sector:
- Family Entertainment: Offering spaces for families to bond and enjoy outdoor fun.
- Tourism Boost: Attracting visitors with unique experiences tied to the region’s culture and natural beauty.
- Community Building: Hosting events, workshops, and seasonal celebrations that bring communities together.
Key Amusement Parks in Northern Ireland
1. Barry’s Amusements (Rebranded as Curry’s Fun Park), Portrush
One of the most iconic entertainment spots in Northern Ireland, Barry’s Amusements, now operating as Curry’s Fun Park, is located in the seaside town of Portrush.
- Attractions: Classic rides such as roller coasters, dodgems (bumper cars), and a ghost train.
- Family-Friendly: Arcade games, kiddie rides, and carnival games.
- Seasonal Events: Popular during summer holidays and festive seasons.
Curry’s Fun Park holds a nostalgic charm, attracting generations of families and tourists visiting the beautiful north coast.
2. Pickie Funpark, Bangor
Situated by Bangor’s picturesque marina, Pickie Funpark is ideal for families with young children.
- Key Features:
- Swan Pedalos: Iconic pedal boats on the park’s lagoon.
- Miniature Railway: A short but delightful ride for kids.
- Play Areas: Modern playgrounds and splash pads.
- Catering: An on-site café with stunning views of Belfast Lough.
Pickie Funpark combines a relaxed atmosphere with fun activities, making it a popular day-trip destination for locals and visitors.
3. Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne
While not a traditional amusement park, Carnfunnock Country Park offers a variety of recreational and adventure attractions.
- Activities:
- Miniature railway rides.
- Adventure playgrounds for children.
- A hedge maze, perfect for a family challenge.
- Mini golf and treasure hunts.
- Natural Beauty: Overlooking the Antrim Coast, the park blends fun with the region’s stunning landscapes.
4. Funtasia, Bundoran (Near the Border)
Located just across the border in Bundoran, County Donegal, Funtasia is worth mentioning due to its proximity and popularity with Northern Irish visitors.
- Highlights:
- Indoor waterpark with slides and pools.
- Climbing walls and play areas.
- Bowling alleys and arcade games.
- Family Focus: Perfect for rainy days or as part of a cross-border trip.
5. W5 Interactive Discovery Centre, Belfast
While not a traditional amusement park, W5 at the Odyssey Pavilion provides hands-on fun for all ages. It’s a science and discovery center designed to entertain and educate.
- Attractions:
- Over 250 interactive exhibits.
- Themed zones like the Space Zone and Discovery Zone.
- Climbing and adventure play areas.
- Events: Hosts workshops, STEM activities, and seasonal exhibitions.
6. Loughwell Farm Park (Popular Day Trip)
Although technically in County Galway, Loughwell Farm Park attracts families from Northern Ireland seeking an outdoor adventure experience.
- Features:
- Petting farms and animal encounters.
- Indoor and outdoor play zones.
- Mini tractor rides and zip lines.
Seasonal and Temporary Amusement Parks
During holidays and festivals, Northern Ireland also sees temporary amusement parks and fairs:
- Halloween Carnivals: Cities like Derry-Londonderry host seasonal fairs with thrilling rides and haunted attractions.
- Christmas Markets: Belfast’s Christmas Market often features funfair rides, such as carousels and Ferris wheels.
- Summer Fairs: Traveling fairs like Planet Fun bring classic rides to various towns across the region during summer.
Nature Meets Fun: Unique Outdoor Experiences
Northern Ireland’s amusement offerings often combine recreation with its breathtaking natural scenery:
- The Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Railway: A scenic train ride connecting visitors to the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
- Castle Ward Adventure Park, Strangford: This park offers outdoor activities such as archery, cycling, and kayaking in a historic setting.
Challenges Facing Amusement Parks
Weather Dependence
Northern Ireland’s unpredictable weather can affect attendance at outdoor amusement parks. Many venues are adapting by adding indoor attractions to mitigate this challenge.
Sustainability
With a global focus on eco-friendly tourism, amusement parks face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing waste.
Competition
The proximity of larger amusement parks in the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK creates competition, pushing local parks to innovate and enhance their offerings.
Why Visit Amusement Parks in Northern Ireland?
Despite being smaller in scale than some counterparts in England or Scotland, amusement parks in Northern Ireland have unique selling points:
- Scenic Locations: Many are set against the backdrop of the region’s natural beauty.
- Family-Oriented: Parks prioritize family experiences, making them ideal for day trips.
- Community Focus: Local parks often reflect the community spirit, hosting events and programs that involve visitors of all ages.
Future of Amusement Parks in Northern Ireland
As tourism continues to grow, amusement parks in Northern Ireland are likely to evolve to meet changing demands. Innovations might include:
- Virtual Reality (VR): Integrating VR experiences to attract tech-savvy visitors.
- Eco-Tourism: Emphasizing sustainable rides and attractions.
- Diverse Offerings: Expanding beyond rides to include wellness retreats, art installations, and cultural experiences.
Conclusion
Northern Ireland’s amusement parks may not feature towering roller coasters or massive theme park complexes, but they offer a unique blend of fun, community, and natural beauty. From the nostalgia of Curry’s Fun Park to the educational excitement of W5, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a tourist exploring the region, Northern Ireland’s amusement parks promise memorable experiences for all ages.