1. Company Name: Krazy Kool Kastles
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT66 7NJ
Street Address: 26 Drumlin Rd
Country: UK
2. Company Name: Reid’s Florists
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT9 6AJ
Street Address: 154-156 Lisburn Rd
Country: UK
3. Company Name: Torrent Airsoft Activity Centre
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT71 4DY
Street Address: 104a Derryvale Rd
Country: UK
4. Company Name: Arcadia Amusement Ltd
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AA
Street Address: 37-39 Central Promenade
Country: UK
5. Company Name: Axe Yard Urban Axe Throwing
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT12 6QA
Street Address: Unit 3, 17, Balmoral Rd
Country: UK
6. Company Name: Arcade Chip Shop
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4AN
Street Address: 18 High St
Country: UK
7. Company Name: Game Amusements
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5PG
Street Address: Unit 3, 120, Saintfield Rd
Country: UK
8. Company Name: Tommy French
City/Town: Craigavon
Postal Code: BT66 6JB
Street Address: 64 William St
Country: UK
9. Company Name: Enjoy Entertainments
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 7YU
Street Address: 13 Cronston Court
Country: UK
10. Company Name: Ann Haffey BSc (Hons), MCHS, SRCh
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT61 7DQ
Street Address: The Gazette Shopping Arcade, 56, Scotch St
Country: UK
11. Company Name: Funland
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: BT33 0AE
Street Address: 90-94 Main St
Country: UK
12. Company Name: Funtime
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 1GJ
Street Address: 91 Castle St
Country: UK
13. Company Name: Noraut Ltd
City/Town: Omagh
Postal Code: BT78 1EH
Street Address: 8a Market St
Country: UK
14. Company Name: Oasis Retail Services
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT36 4GX
Street Address: Oasis House Mallusk Drive
Country: UK
15. Company Name: Robinson’s Shoes Belfast
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 5FE
Street Address: 25-27 Queens Arcade
Country: UK
16. Company Name: Sportsland Amusement Arcade
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8BL
Street Address: 28-34 Main St
Country: UK
17. Company Name: The Goldrush Entertainment Centre
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8DW
Street Address: 11 Dunluce Avenue
Country: UK
18. Company Name: Prison Island
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT12 6QA
Street Address: Unit 3 17 Balmoral Rd, Glatton
Country: UK
19. Company Name: Gucci
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 5FE
Street Address: 2 Queens Arcade
Country: UK
20. Company Name: Eze Gaming Ltd
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT5 6QR
Street Address: 14 Prince Regent Rd
Country: UK
21. Company Name: VR Fusion
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT48 7SE
Street Address: Unit 9 Bay Rd
Country: UK
22. Company Name: Premier Inn
City/Town: Lisburn
Postal Code: BT27 5QY
Street Address: 136-144 Hillsborough Rd
Country: UK
23. Company Name: Wacky Workshop
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8DW
Street Address: 11 Dunluce Avenue
Country: UK
24. Company Name: Funhouse Amusements
City/Town: Ballynahinch
Postal Code: BT24 8DN
Street Address: 63 Main St
Country: UK
25. Company Name: Splashdown Amusements
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 3TZ
Street Address: 17-19 Belfast Rd
Country: UK
26. Company Name: Amusements at The Bay
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT19 7LR
Street Address: 45 Loughborough Rd
Country: UK
27. Company Name: Happy Hour Amusements
City/Town: Lurgan
Postal Code: BT66 8BB
Street Address: 72 High St
Country: UK
28. Company Name: Spin Zone Amusements
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 3PA
Street Address: 24 Castle St
Country: UK
29. Company Name: Arcade Express
City/Town: Coleraine
Postal Code: BT52 1QL
Street Address: 88 Main St
Country: UK
30. Company Name: The Funfair
City/Town: Ballycastle
Postal Code: BT54 6DS
Street Address: 12 Church St
Country: UK
31. Company Name: The Entertainer
City/Town: Armagh
Postal Code: BT61 7BW
Street Address: 45-47 High St
Country: UK
32. Company Name: One Stop Fun
City/Town: Bangor
Postal Code: BT20 3RR
Street Address: 22 Abbey St
Country: UK
33. Company Name: Ballygally Amusements
City/Town: Larne
Postal Code: BT40 2QG
Street Address: 13 Ballygally Rd
Country: UK
34. Company Name: Super Fun Amusements
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT48 9DA
Street Address: 19 Hall Rd
Country: UK
35. Company Name: Liberty Amusements
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT8 8NR
Street Address: 88 South Rd
Country: UK
36. Company Name: Playtime Amusements
City/Town: Dungannon
Postal Code: BT71 6AA
Street Address: 30 Main St
Country: UK
37. Company Name: The Amusement Spot
City/Town: Portstewart
Postal Code: BT55 7TP
Street Address: 23 Seafront Rd
Country: UK
38. Company Name: Coast Amusements
City/Town: Portrush
Postal Code: BT56 8LQ
Street Address: 5 Atlantic Rd
Country: UK
39. Company Name: Game On Amusements
City/Town: Larne
Postal Code: BT40 1JU
Street Address: 17 Railway Rd
Country: UK
40. Company Name: The Arcade Hub
City/Town: Antrim
Postal Code: BT41 4AE
Street Address: 24 Castle St
Country: UK
41. Company Name: Joker’s Funhouse
City/Town: Carrickfergus
Postal Code: BT38 7AF
Street Address: 2-4 High St
Country: UK
42. Company Name: Next Level Arcade
City/Town: Ballyclare
Postal Code: BT39 9AE
Street Address: 16 Main St
Country: UK
43. Company Name: Zone 8 Amusements
City/Town: Londonderry
Postal Code: BT47 6AE
Street Address: 5 Glen Rd
Country: UK
44. Company Name: The Game Zone
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 1NA
Street Address: 23 North St
Country: UK
45. Company Name: Family Fun Amusements
City/Town: Newry
Postal Code: BT34 1QH
Street Address: 10 Downpatrick Rd
Country: UK
46. Company Name: The Arcade Palace
City/Town: Banbridge
Postal Code: BT32 3AA
Street Address: 35-37 High St
Country: UK
47. Company Name: Tower Amusements
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT1 4AA
Street Address: 18 North Rd
Country: UK
48. Company Name: Adventure World Arcade
City/Town: Newtownabbey
Postal Code: BT36 6HP
Street Address: 12 Church Road
Country: UK
49. Company Name: Mega Amusements
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT12 5EH
Street Address: 40 Sandy Row
Country: UK
50. Company Name: Xtreme Fun
City/Town: Belfast
Postal Code: BT3 9EQ
Street Address: 14 Dock Rd
Country: UK
Arcades in Northern Ireland provide a fun and nostalgic escape for locals and visitors alike. These entertainment hubs range from traditional seaside amusements to modern gaming centers, offering everything from classic arcade games to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Below is a comprehensive overview of the arcade scene in Northern Ireland, highlighting key locations, their offerings, and why they continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
The Role of Arcades
Arcades serve as a cornerstone of recreational entertainment. They bring together families, gamers, and casual visitors in a lively atmosphere filled with colorful lights and engaging activities. Their roles include:
- Family Entertainment: Providing an all-ages venue for bonding and fun.
- Nostalgia: Offering a trip down memory lane with classic games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
- Modern Gaming: Featuring innovative experiences such as VR, esports, and interactive simulators.
Notable Arcades in Northern Ireland
1. Curry’s Fun Park Arcade (Portrush)
Located within the iconic Curry’s Fun Park in Portrush, this arcade is a highlight for those visiting the north coast.
- Classic Games: Pinball, claw machines, and air hockey.
- Modern Additions: Racing simulators and immersive shooter games.
- Ticket Redemption: Guests can win tickets from games to redeem for prizes.
This arcade blends traditional amusements with modern gaming, making it a must-visit for families enjoying the seaside.
2. Jet Centre Arcade (Coleraine)
The Jet Centre in Coleraine houses a vibrant arcade as part of its larger entertainment complex.
- Games Offered:
- Virtual reality attractions.
- Classic arcade machines like basketball shootouts and skee ball.
- Dance and rhythm games.
- Additional Amenities: Bowling lanes, mini-golf, and a cinema, making it a versatile venue for all-day entertainment.
3. W5 at Odyssey (Belfast)
While W5 is primarily known as a science and discovery center, it incorporates interactive gaming zones with arcade-style attractions.
- Interactive Play: Educational and fun games for younger audiences.
- Modern Technology: Virtual and augmented reality games for an immersive experience.
- Family Appeal: Activities are designed to be engaging for children and adults alike.
4. Lost City Adventure Golf (Belfast)
Although primarily a mini-golf venue, Lost City Adventure Golf also features a small but exciting arcade section.
- Arcade Games: Popular games like claw machines and basketball hoops.
- Golf and Games Combo: Guests can enjoy a round of themed mini-golf before heading to the arcade for some bonus fun.
5. Funtasia Waterpark (Bundoran, Nearby)
Just across the border in Bundoran, County Donegal, Funtasia Waterpark is a popular destination for Northern Irish visitors.
- Arcade Features:
- A large selection of video games.
- Prize-winning machines.
- Multiplayer racing and sports simulators.
- Why It’s Popular: Its proximity to Northern Ireland makes it an easy cross-border trip for families and gaming enthusiasts.
Key Features of Arcades in Northern Ireland
- Traditional Games: Classic arcade cabinets and games such as air hockey, claw machines, and pinball are staples.
- Modern Gaming: Many arcades now feature VR, esports arenas, and large multiplayer simulators.
- Prize Redemption: Ticket-based games remain popular, offering rewards for points accumulated during play.
- Multi-Activity Centers: Arcades are often part of larger complexes, including cinemas, bowling alleys, or mini-golf courses.
Seasonal and Mobile Arcades
During seasonal events and fairs, temporary arcades pop up across Northern Ireland:
- Christmas Markets: Belfast’s annual Christmas Market sometimes includes arcade-style games alongside its other attractions.
- Traveling Fairs: Events like Planet Fun often include a variety of arcade machines as part of their entertainment offerings.
Why Arcades Remain Popular
- Nostalgia: For many, arcades bring back childhood memories, making them appealing to older generations.
- Family-Friendly: Arcades cater to all ages, providing activities that parents and children can enjoy together.
- Affordable Entertainment: They offer fun at a relatively low cost compared to larger amusement parks or attractions.
- Technological Advancements: Modern arcades incorporate cutting-edge technology, including VR and motion simulators, attracting a tech-savvy audience.
Challenges Facing Arcades
- Competition from Home Gaming: The rise of home gaming consoles and online multiplayer platforms has created competition for traditional arcades.
- Maintenance Costs: Keeping arcade machines functional and up-to-date can be costly.
- Space Limitations: Arcades in smaller towns or cities may struggle to compete with larger entertainment centers.
The Future of Arcades in Northern Ireland
The future of arcades looks promising, especially with advancements in gaming technology:
- Esports Integration: Arcades may incorporate esports arenas to attract competitive gamers.
- Virtual Reality: Increased use of VR and AR technologies to create immersive experiences.
- Hybrid Models: Combining arcades with dining, events, and retail to offer a full entertainment package.
- Sustainability: Many arcades are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient machines and recycling programs.
Conclusion
Arcades in Northern Ireland provide a delightful mix of nostalgia and modern entertainment. Whether visiting a coastal favorite like Curry’s Fun Park Arcade or exploring innovative gaming at W5 in Belfast, there is something for everyone. As technology continues to evolve, arcades are likely to adapt, ensuring they remain a beloved form of entertainment for generations to come.