When asked what they missed most about the town in years gone by, Dunnes Stores on Main Street was by far the top answer for Larne residents. Pictured here in 2008, the store closed in 2019, to the dismay of local shoppers. One wrote: "Dunnes in the centre of the town helped all the other local shops, but now it's gone it's hit the Main Street big time." Another added: "From when Dunnes left, it ripped the heart out of the town centre. It was a meeting place for many older people and with the taxis and bus stop just outside."placeholder image
When asked what they missed most about the town in years gone by, Dunnes Stores on Main Street was by far the top answer for Larne residents. Pictured here in 2008, the store closed in 2019, to the dismay of local shoppers. One wrote: "Dunnes in the centre of the town helped all the other local shops, but now it's gone it's hit the Main Street big time." Another added: "From when Dunnes left, it ripped the heart out of the town centre. It was a meeting place for many older people and with the taxis and bus stop just outside."

9 photos of things people miss about Larne in days gone by

By Helena McManus
Published 19th Aug 2024, 16:46 GMT
Updated 19th Aug 2024, 17:15 GMT

Like many other places in Northern Ireland, Larne has seen its share of changes over the decades – not least in the town centre.

There were many things and locations that residents returned to on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis.

Inevitably, the march of time and the need for progress has led to their demise or disappearance altogether.

Here are some things that have disappeared from Larne and are very much missed.

Another Larne hostelry to have called last orders in more recent years was The Eagle Bars. From having had their first legal pint there to playing in the pool team, the historic Station Road pub held fond memories for many locals. When it closed in 2012, one resident told the Larne Times: "It was a great bar for everyone, both sides of the divide. A loss to the town really."

5. Things Missed

Another Larne hostelry to have called last orders in more recent years was The Eagle Bars. From having had their first legal pint there to playing in the pool team, the historic Station Road pub held fond memories for many locals. When it closed in 2012, one resident told the Larne Times: "It was a great bar for everyone, both sides of the divide. A loss to the town really." Photo: National World

At one point, every large town in Northern Ireland had its own Woolworth's. Photos of the Larne branch of 'Woolies' are hard to come by, but a visit to the famous high street chain remains a fond memory for lots of people - particularly for the pick n' mix.

6. Things Missed

At one point, every large town in Northern Ireland had its own Woolworth's. Photos of the Larne branch of 'Woolies' are hard to come by, but a visit to the famous high street chain remains a fond memory for lots of people - particularly for the pick n' mix. Photo: National World

One of Larne's most distinctive pubs, The Cellars bar shut in 2004, with the Main Street building later demolished. Many recall enjoying a drink in the cosy interior with its open fire, with one resident remarking: "It was a sad loss to Larne when it closed."

7. Things Missed

One of Larne's most distinctive pubs, The Cellars bar shut in 2004, with the Main Street building later demolished. Many recall enjoying a drink in the cosy interior with its open fire, with one resident remarking: "It was a sad loss to Larne when it closed." Photo: Steve Robinson

Whether it was popping in for a cup of tea in the café or to buy a newspaper, Apsley's was a popular spot for Main Street shoppers. Pictured here in 2016, the shop had a presence on Main Street from 1903, when it was established as a family concern. William James Apsley, from Carnduff, bought the shop for his daughters Sarah and Lizzie. It sold newspapers and fancy goods and acted as a shipping agent for emigrants bound for the USA, Canada and Australia. George and Llewellyn Apsley then sold the newsagency to Bobby Lyttle in June 1990, who continued to run the business for three decades.

8. Things Missed

Whether it was popping in for a cup of tea in the café or to buy a newspaper, Apsley's was a popular spot for Main Street shoppers. Pictured here in 2016, the shop had a presence on Main Street from 1903, when it was established as a family concern. William James Apsley, from Carnduff, bought the shop for his daughters Sarah and Lizzie. It sold newspapers and fancy goods and acted as a shipping agent for emigrants bound for the USA, Canada and Australia. George and Llewellyn Apsley then sold the newsagency to Bobby Lyttle in June 1990, who continued to run the business for three decades. Photo: Google

Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:LarneNorthern Ireland
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice