Cllr Richard Holmes has expressed his shock and sadness that Barry’s, the jewel in crown of Portrush’s tourism scene has been put up for sale.
The sale was announced on Friday morning by the Trufelli family who have run the business across three generations.The Ulster Unionist East Londonderry Westminster candidate, Richard Holmes, said:
“This has obviously been a difficult decision for the Trufelli family, and it will be an anxious time for the staff who face an uncertain future as the business changes hand.
“The Trufelli family have clearly stated that they want to pass on the baton after almost 100 years and it is essential that the business is maintained as part of the great tourism offer that Portrush possesses. Barry’s is as synonymous with Portush as Harland and Wolff’s Samson and Goliath are with Belfast. It would be sad to see the iconic business making way for development land.
“Whilst the business sale progresses, we should all record our gratitude to the Trufelli family for the memories of summer days spent in Barry’s from the Helter Skelter to the Hobby Horses Carousel and of course The Big Dipper. There can be very few in Northern Ireland who weren’t drawn by the sound of excited screams emanating from the arcade and who didn’t experience the joy as they descended the hill to the glass front and the hours of fun that waiting ahead.
“Both for the Trufelli legacy and the family friendly Portrush tourism industry, we must hope that a buyer is found who wants to build on the firm foundations laid down and ensure that Barry’s remains an iconic part of the Portrush scene for generations to come.”
