Barry’s‘couldbeknockeddownforflats’aftercouncilrefusespreservationnotice

Lorraine Mulholland:

As someone said, Barry’s was the heart of Portrush — every child just loved going there as that was the big attraction of the town. Like most people have said, I have very happy childhood memories of Barry’s — it was Portrush.

Liesel Radcliffe Nihell: Needs to be made bigger and better, like Tayto Park. It will be the end of Portrush if it goes. So sad. Why do we not treasure and support our seaside towns? Bangor is like a ghost town now. The Open House Festival team are the only ones putting a bit of life and culture back into it. It needs family amusements, family restaurants and family events to keep visitors coming.

Bridin McKenna: This is not a good idea. This area needs Barry’s, not more apartments. It would be a sad day to see it go. Can’t believe there is not more being done to keep it.

Lorna McCooke Potts: Barry’s is a sacred institution for the North Coast; an attraction that brings in families. It would be a great loss to the North Coast and will hit the economy of Portrush hard. There is little for teenagers to do as it is and thus would be a terrible blow.

Diane Milby: Disgraceful. This is just the council’s attempt to claw back some of the £80m debt they are in. Barry’s is and always has been one of the reasons families travel from near and far to Portrush.

Claire Slavin: It will be very sad if Barry’s does not open again.

Julie Richards: If Barry’s goes, Portrush will be like a ghost town. Apart from a few decent restaurants, there’s not much else to go there for. Beach is lovely, but there are plenty of beautiful beaches along our coastlines.

Liz Downey: I have such wonderful memories of Barry’s, from my childhood and those of my children. Unfortunately, I lost my daughter at 19 and the love and memories I have are irreplaceable.

Nodge McMurray: No zoo, or no Barry’s? What a wonderful place Northern Ireland will be. Where else will working-class families take their kids? Grew up going to Barry’s and took my kids, too, before we could afford to go abroad.