When I was younger there was an abundance of things to do and enjoy including great places to eat, shop and to visit. But now sadly many of them have been lost over the years as our wonderful region continues to evolve.
Some have been lost because it was too expensive to maintain, while pure economics have played a huge part in the loss of other much-loved facilities.
Here are just some of the things you used to be able to do in Newtownabbey, but now can’t.
What do you miss the most?
5. Things missed in Newtownabbey
Although Xtra Vision operated across Northern Ireland, its branches in Newtownabbey are missed by a number of residents. The excitement of heading down on a Friday or Saturday night to rent a film or video game was part of a lot of routines. Photo: NI World
6. Things missed in Newtownabbey
Monkscoole House in Newtownabbey was demolished in 2023. The tower block was one of the four iconic multi-storey blocks of apartments in Rathcoole alongside Abbotscoole House, “Carncoole House and Glencoole House. People familiar with the area still reminisce about Monkscoole and the estate's four blocks. Photo: NI World
7. Things missed in Newtownabbey
A lot of Newtownabbey Times readers have said how they are not happy about the changing face of the borough's main streets. They have stated how they miss the local independent traders in areas such as Ballyclare and Glengormley. Photo: Google
8. Things missed in Newtownabbey
Walker and Ramsey's toy shop was located in the Ballyclare Road area of Glengormley were Ferbro Buildings stood. A hive of activity throughout the year, it especially came to life in the run up to Christmas, with residents of a certain age remembering back to their childhood and the festive window displays helping to create a sense of magic. Photo: Google