Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone eyes comeback with proposed go-kart attraction

A planning application has been submitted to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a proposed children’s go-kart fun ride area at Carnfunnock Country Park, outside Larne.

The application was lodged by an agent on behalf of Ian and Christopher Lough, operators of Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone, which operates independently within the country park grounds.

Ian said the proposal, currently under consideration by the council’s planning department, would be situated beside the existing trampoline and ‘walk on water’ ball attractions at the Family Fun Zone.

He explained the attraction would be similar to a children’s ‘mini-cars’ facility that had previously operated at Carnfunnock.

Carnfunnock Country Park is currently closed as part of a major £7 million redevelopment programme at the 191-acre visitor attraction.

The park shut last July, with redevelopment works expected to continue over a 15-month period. The project is being funded primarily through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which contributed £6.1 million, alongside investment from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

New features planned for the site include a visitor centre, a fully accessible adventure play park, a bike park featuring a pump track and jump trail for older children and adults, and a modern amenity block for the caravan park.

Site plan design drawing showing location of proposed new go-kart facility at Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone

In a recent social media post, Carnfunnock Family Fun Zone said:

“Unfortunately, due to redevelopment works by the council in Carnfunnock Country Park, we won’t be able to open for 2026.

“But don’t worry, we are planning a bigger comeback in spring 2027 with new attractions and surprises.”

Ian and Christopher received widespread public support in September 2024 after revealing they had been issued with notice by the council to vacate the premises ahead of the redevelopment works.

The pair said at the time they had invested almost £500,000 into the business during more than two decades operating at Carnfunnock.

An online petition calling for the Family Fun Zone to remain open attracted almost 6,000 signatures.

The council said at the time it had a legal obligation to consider all aspects of health and safety in and around the site during the redevelopment project.