Barry's Amusements in Portrush could become 120 bed hotel once sold, according to study

  • UTV
Barry's has long been part of the Portrush landscapae.

The owners of Barry's Amusements have said the Portrush attraction is now on the market as 'a development opportunity.'

A feasibility study by Savills site could be developed for several uses, including a 120-bed hotel, 23 residential dwellings or a combination of both, in addition to leisure and recreational facilities.

The 2.23 acre site has been been placed on the market with a guide price of £2.75 million.

The Trufelli family announced in October 2019 that Barry's was to be put up for sale after 93 years.

The famous attraction was to stay open during the sales process. However, the start of Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 meant the business never opened for the year's season.

It will not reopen until the ongoing sales process has concluded.

Families across Northern Ireland have grown up with trips to Barry's. Credit: UTV

In an update today, the family said the business has yet to be sold, despite being on the market since 2019.

"This has been an intensive process which has been hindered by the Covid pandemic and the resulting economic conditions," the family said.

They also said they were now hoping to re-market the business for sale given the recent return "to a more favourable economic environment."

Barry's has been in operation in Portrush for 93 years. Credit: Pacemaker

"As a result, we have appointed Savills and Philip Tweedie & Company to market the site as both a going concern and a development opportunity," the statement continued. "Barry’s continues to remain closed in line with Covid restrictions and will not re-open until the sale process has concluded."

Commenting on the sale, Neal Morrison, Director, Savills Ireland said: “Portrush is one of the most stunning seaside locations in Ireland and the opportunity to acquire a site that fronts onto the beautiful West Strand beach is truly rare.

"We expect demand to be strong due to the potential that this site offers”

Philip Tweedie of joint agents Philip Tweedie & Company also commented: “We are delighted to be appointed as joint agents on this very exciting sale.

"This is in essence the last true seafront site available in Portrush Town and should attract a high level of interest from a mix of entrepreneurs and property developers from far and wide.”