About this category
Wander through empty hotels, rusting fairground rides, closed-down cinemas and deserted resorts to uncover leisure destinations that time forgot. Once alive with laughter and music, these venues now stand in silent decay. Our explorations celebrate their faded glamour and the memories left behind.
Reports
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Edendork Dance Hall
Edendork Dance Hall, near Dungannon, opened in 1950 as St. Malachy’s Parochial Hall and quickly became a cherished social hub, especially during the heyday of Ireland's showbands in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite its vibrant history, shifting tastes and a decline in upkeep led to its demolition in October 2024, yet its legacy lives on in the memories of those who once danced under its roof.
Cascades Leisure Centre
Cascades, located in Portadown, Northern Ireland, was once a bustling leisure centre, boasting a 33-meter, 6-lane pool, a smaller pool for children and learners, and fitness suites including a full gym and steam room. Its doors closed in August 2020, as part of a strategic move to amalgamate with two other leisure centres in the borough, paving the way for a more contemporary facility in Craigavon.
The American Diner – Route 66
Route 66 is a former American diner located in Conlig, Northern Ireland. Opening in 1998 this restaurant followed a similar fate of the American Route 66 and closed its doors in 1999 due to dwindling traffic numbers.
Otterburn Hall
Otterburn Hall was previously a military hospital during World War II before being bought by the YMCA in 1980 who converted it into a hotel After changing hands multiple times over the years, Otterburn Hall closed its doors suddenly in 2012 with the loss of 30 jobs. At the time of closure, it was a 4* hotel, comprising of 65 bedrooms and a wedding venue set in 500 acres of woodland and deer park.
Zhytniy Market
Zhytniy Market is one of the oldest, still functioning markets in Kyiv, Ukraine. Redeveloped in 1982 when Ukraine was then part of the Soviet Union, this market features striking Soviet architecture that some locals liken to a Chinese Pagoda.
Hotel Salute / Salyut Kyiv
Hotel Salute, also known as Hotel Salyut, is a 3-star, pet friendly, 89 room hotel located in the Pechersk District in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Loudoun Castle Theme Park
Loudoun Castle, also known as the Windsor of Scotland, was besieged by the armies of Oliver Cromwell. Years later, it served as "Scotland's Premier Theme Park" before tragedy struck when a worker fell to their death. Today, it lays abandoned after low visitor numbers rendered the park financially unviable.
The Country Pub & Restaurant
This country pub and restaurant is located on a seldom-travelled country road in Northern Ireland. It called last orders at Christmas, leaving behind everything including their Christmas tree.