The ups and downs of the last few years has in itself been like rollercoaster ride since Barry’s Amusements Complex went on the market in 2019, but today we can confirm that the doors have opened at the now named Currys Fun Park Portrush.
Originally put up for sale in 2019, a year later it was advertised as a development opportunity with an asking price of £2.75M. The iconic attraction was bought from the Trufelli family by businessman Michael Herbert.
But a multi-generational affection and relationship with Barry’s, left Northern Irish families feeling they themselves had an investment and say in the future of the site, and not many had an appetite for apartments to replace the amusements. The prospect of more development in the seaside town sparked a public outcry, and people campaigned to keep the amusements open.
Now with a dose of people power, Owen Curry, the man who is giving Barry’s a new lease of life with a long-term lease agreement, has opened the doors again to the place where of making memories for many Northern Irish families.
Speaking recently, Owen explained his family’s interest in taking over County Antrim’s famous family attraction.
“We live local here, and we know how iconic this is,” Owen commented. “We could only dream that we could get a chance at taking over Barry’s and putting our own amusement park in here.
“When the site came up for sale it went out then for a long-term lease, we put our hat in the ring for that, and we’re proud to be taking over this new exciting venture for us. We’re very happy.”