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Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eerie abandoned UK waterpark where slides are covered in mould and mice run free
Waterworld, a once-beloved family destination in Northern Ireland, now lies in ruins, with mice running around, as a TikToker captures the eerie scenes in a haunting video What was once a beloved family destination in Northern Ireland has now fallen into eerie abandonment. Waterworld, a leisure centre and bowling alley in Portrush, Co. Antrim, now lies in ruins, and its once lively halls are now home to mice and mould. TikToker Jamie Robinson, known for exploring abandoned locations across Northern Ireland, recently visited the derelict site, sharing haunting footage with his followers. Once packed with excited children and families, Waterworld now stands as a crumbling shell of its former self. In his video, the centre's iconic water slides, once bright and bustling, are now covered in mould and falling apart. The entire complex is derelict, yet scattered remnants of its former life remain — making the scene all the more unsettling. Inside the bowling alley, bowling balls still sit ready to roll, untouched since the day the centre shut down in February 2020. In the swimming pool area, a mouse can be seen darting across the tiles, a stark contrast to the joyful splashes that once filled the air. The sauna and other facilities also appear frozen in time, as though left behind in a hurry. The clips struck a nostalgic chord with viewers, many of whom recalled childhood memories at Waterworld. 'Was my fav place in Portrush,' one user commented. Another wrote: 'This makes me so sad! Such good memories as a wain at Waterworld. I used to love the fish tank at the entrance.' Others noted how intact parts of the centre still appear. 'Looks still in good nick,' said one, while another reminisced: 'Any rainy day, that's where ya went in Portrush.' Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council members have urged the council to focus on the sale of the site. At last month's Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting, DUP Alderman Mark Fielding asked for an update on the Portrush water play area, which has been lying vacant since its closure five years ago. He said: 'I think five years is a long time and I'm sure there are reasons why it hasn't been put on the market, but do we sell it in the open market or as an indoor water leisure facility? These are the questions that need to be asked. 'But at the minute it's sitting there, there's negative social media about it, with it being broken into and different things, so [is council] in a position where we can say we're going to sell it?' TikToker Jamie has also explored other notable abandoned sites across Ireland. One of his previous videos features Ostan Ghaoth Dobhair, a once-thriving hotel in Bunbeg, Donegal. Built in 1970 and located along the Wild Atlantic Way, the hotel was a regular retreat for manchester -united-fc> Manchester United legend George Best. Since its closure in 2015, the Ostan has slipped into disrepair, with rooms left fully furnished but overtaken by mould and creeping plants. The decay has given the former luxury spot a haunting, post-apocalyptic atmosphere, with paint peeling from the walls and nature slowly reclaiming the space.
Belfast Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Family connection makes leading the Joey Dunlop 25 celebrations even more special, says Jonathan Rea
The event has been organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Dunlop family to celebrate the life of 26-time Isle of Man TT winner Joey, who was also a five-time motorcycling world champion. The 48-year-old tragically lost his life in a racing accident at Tallinn in Estonia on July 2, 2000. Today's programme of events is being held in Joey's honour as the 25th anniversary of his untimely passing approaches. A parade of 25 of his former racing bikes is set to begin at 6.00pm and will be led by Joey's family in his beloved red Mini car, followed by one of the sporting icon's original racing vans. Six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea will then lead the one-of-a-kind parade of Joey's motorcycles, riding Dunlop's TT-winning Rea Racing Yamaha TZ750. The machine belonged to Rea's grandfather John, who sponsored Joey at the beginning of his illustrious career. England's Carl Fogarty, himself a four-time World Superbike champion, will be next in line on Joey's Honda RC45 as the bikes set off one by one. Yamaha World Superbike rider Rea said: 'It's cool that my grandfather sponsored Joey in the beginning. 'With the family connection to Joey, I was more aware of Joey as Gary and Richard's dad because I was only a kid when I'd hang out with them at the races. 'When I got older, then I became more aware of his aura and reputation and the things he had achieved. 'He did things in his own quiet way and there will only ever be one Joey Dunlop.' Roads around Ballymoney town centre will be closed to traffic from 5.00pm to 9.00pm and the rider line-up for the parade includes 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, a former Honda team-mate of Joey's, who is flying over from the Isle of Man to take part. A stellar guest list also features Michael Rutter, Ron Haslam and his son Leon, Eugene Laverty, Jeremy McWilliams, Brian Reid, Steve Cull, Bruce Anstey, Adrian Archibald, Ryan Farquhar, Ian Lougher, Alex George, Glenn Irwin, Alastair Seeley, Phillip McCallen and many more. A host of events are planned throughout the day from 2.00pm onwards at three locations in the town at Joey's Bar, Dalriada School and Townhead Street car park, including Meet the Riders, family entertainment, autograph signing sessions and an exhibition of Joey's bikes. Meanwhile, Michael Dunlop has followed in Joey's footsteps by having part of the TT course named in his honour after his record-breaking success in 2024. Dunlop overtook his uncle Joey's record of 26 victories to set a new tally of 29. A previously unnamed left-hand corner on the Mountain section on the approach to the 27th milestone has been named MD's, marking the 36-year-old's record-clinching 27th success last June. 'It is a real, genuine honour to have this happen, and it's something I'm really proud of,' said Dunlop. 'Anyone that knows me will know how important history and legacy is to me. I'm definitely not one for the attention, and I think everyone knows I don't really enjoy the spotlight, but to be recognised in this way is special and means a great deal to me. 'I've still got plenty of wins in me yet, who knows where I'll get to in that respect, but to know that this corner is here and will always be here – it's a real privilege.' Practice week for the TT is set to get underway on Monday with racing scheduled to begin next Saturday.
BBC News
06-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Fogarty and Rea to lead Joey Dunlop celebration
Multiple World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty are to headline a special event to remember and celebrate the achievements of motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop in Ballymoney on Saturday 24 JOEY 25 celebration will be held in the 26-time Isle of Man TT winner's hometown, a quarter of a century since the five-time Formula One world champion's passing as a result of an accident at a race in Estonia in July 2000.A star-studded line-up of riders will assemble to honour the memory of one of Northern Ireland's most revered sportsmen of all time.A host of British Superbike riders, Joey's former team-mates, rivals and friends will ride 25 of his original bikes in a closed road event around the town event is being staged by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in conjunction with Joey's family, who are pleased his life will be remembered 25 years since he died, aged 48."We couldn't think of a better way to remember Joey than an event in his hometown," said Joey's wife Linda."This will be the biggest collection of Joey's bikes that has ever been brought together, and to have so many of his friends and famous riders take part in this event is very special."This landmark anniversary of Joey's passing is a really tough time for the family, and we would like to thank the local council for staging this event, which we hope thousands of people can enjoy."Jonathan Rea will ride a famous Joey Dunlop bike at the event."I am honoured to be on board one of Joey Dunlop's machines at this celebration event in his home town," said the six-time World Superbike champion."What a thrill to be able to ride his Isle of Man winning Yamaha TZ750 around the streets of Ballymoney."Joey was a hero of mine growing up and he inspired so many riders from this country, including me, to achieve our dreams"
