Former glory

I had an amazing day today! A few friends and I headed up the coast to Portrush, one of our 'seaside resorts'. To be fair it has seen better days, it's quite dated and tacky but I think that makes us love it even more. I have so many happy memories from there as a child.

First we headed to Barry's amusement arcade, where they have a couple of surprisingly good rides; I was glad we went before lunch anyway! Then we spent the afternoon bodyboarding at the beach, with some fantastic waves. A quick ice cream in Morelli's famous ice cream parlour in Portstewart on the way home capped off a great day.

The photo shows one of Portrush's landmarks, the Arcadia. Built in the 1920s it was - according to my grandparents' generation - a fantastic dance hall in the 50s. When I was a kid it had fallen into disrepair, but in the past 10 years it's been totally revamped, and restored to its former glory. Good job too :)