Tag Archives: Aqua Dome

News

Aqua Dome Makes Tripadvisor’s Top 20 Amusement And Water Parks In Europe List

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Aqua Dome Centre Manager with the Tripadvisor Best of the Best 2023 Award.

THE Aqua Dome has been Awarded ‘Best of the Best’ in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice and is ranked in No.18 in the Top Amusement and Water Parks in Europe List.

Based on reviews and ratings collected over the last year Tripadvisor has recognised travellers’ favorite things to do around the world and it is their opinions and stories that have helped the Aqua Dome attain this status. It was the

Centre Manager Mags O’Sullivan said staff in the Aqua Dome were delighted to receive this ‘Best of the Best’ award and are thrilled to be recognized among the best in Ireland and worldwide thanks to outstanding visitor reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor.

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The awards honor travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, things to do, and beyond, based on the reviews and opinions collected from travelers and diners around the world on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.

‘Best of the Best’ award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor, distinguishing them as travelers’ favorites for 2023.

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News

CEO Hopes Public Supports Return Of The Aqua Dome Next Month

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THE CEO of the Aqua Dome said he hopes the public will support the return of the popular facility next month.

Last week it has announced that the Aqua Dome will reopen its doors to customers on Tuesday March 15, almost two years to the day since it was forced to close due to the pandemic.

Coinciding with the extended St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday weekend, the reopening of the facility will bring a timely boost to the tourism industry in Tralee.

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CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “We are delighted to be reopening once again. We hope it will be business as normal for the years ahead and we look forward to welcoming our staff and regular customers back.”

“We are excited to welcome back our customers and we hope they will return in great numbers in the Spring and, in particular, during the peak months of July and August,” said Mr Ruttledge.

The Aqua Dome retained a core staff who have kept the place in excellent condition but plans for a new major attraction at the site were shelved because the funds were needed to offset losses caused by the closure.

Management remain mindful that the reopening of the Aqua Dome, which is powered by both gas and electricity, comes at a time when energy costs are on the rise and insurance premiums continue to be high.

Business/Property, News

Aqua Dome To Remain Closed Until Next Easter

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The empty pool at the Aqua Dome.

THE Directors of the Aqua Dome Tralee have today announced that, regretfully due to the continuing Government ban on indoor activities, the facility will not now reopen in 2021 and a new target date of Easter 2022 has been set.

Having previously announced that it would reopen on July 9th, it subsequently became clear that this decision had to be overturned as the restrictions preventing indoor attractions, such as the Aqua Dome, from opening remain in force.

The Directors have been informed that this is as a result of the concern surrounding the spread of the Delta variant in the younger generation.

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The Aqua Dome Chairman, Denis Reen, said: “The Aqua Dome makes a profit in the months of July and August and this subsidises the losses generated in the other 10 months of the year. As we now will miss these months for the second year in a row, due to the Government restrictions, we have no alternative but to remain closed until Easter 2022. We sincerely hope that some semblance of normality will have returned by then.”

The Aqua Dome is one of Kerry’s most popular tourist facilities attracting around 130,000 visitors each year. The majority of those visitors come during the summer months when up to 40 people would be employed.

The CEO of the Aqua Dome Tralee, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “We understand the disappointment that this decision to remain closed may cause and we apologise to our many loyal members and supporters. However, the future of the Aqua Dome is of paramount importance and the economics would indicate that this is the best course of action to ensure its long-term viability.”

News

Aqua Dome Reopening To Be Postponed

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The empty pool at the Aqua Dome.

AFTER announcing yesterday that they were to reopen on Thursday, July 8, the Aqua Dome has today said this is now unlikely to happen anytime soon.

A post issued this morning on their Facebook page states: “Many people will have seen the news that we were hoping to reopen on 8th July, however it now looks as though this will not be possible with the Government postponing the opening of facilities such as the Aqua Dome.

“Indoor Exercise and activity are no longer allowed to reopen following the Government’s statement yesterday. We are seeking clarification on this, but it does not look hopeful for an opening of the Aqua Dome anytime soon. It looks like our pool will remain empty for the time being.”

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The CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, has expressed his frustration: “It’s really annoying to be planning on re-opening one day and then to announce you’re not the next. People see other pools and hotel leisure facilities being open but they are for individual training and swimming lessons or residents only and that is obviously not the Aqua Dome business model.”

The Aqua Dome was planning to operate with substantially restricted numbers which would have had a massive effect on its income potential, but it was prepared to proceed in order to support the local tourism industry, while allowing staff to return to work.

The Chairman of the Aqua Dome, Denis Reen, said: “At the end of the day, we have to follow public health advice and our desire to operate in a safe manner is our highest priority. We are concerned for the future of the company because we rely so heavily on the income generated in the summer months. This is when we make the profit which enables us to remain open throughout the year. We will make a decision on a possible re-opening this summer once we have more news, but for now we will remain closed.”

News

Aqua Dome Plans For Reopening On July 8

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Chief Executive of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge with Tara Moran and Tanya O’Connor at the Aqua Dome on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE Aqua Dome is due to reopen on Thursday, July 8 after being closed for over 15 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The indoor facility has been given the green light to welcome back customers next week, just as the summer season gets into full swing, unless the Government delays the process further.

The Aqua Dome will operate with limited capacity in line with government guidelines and customers will now have to book a two-hour time slot online at www.AquaDome.ie.

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The CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “We are incorporating a completely new way of operating with customers requested to book online and arrive pool-ready. For the time-being, we are limiting the time allowed in the pool, which is a big but necessary change from the way we normally operate because of COVID. Overall, we are delighted to be reopening again and we are looking forward to providing a fun visit for visitors from within and to County Kerry.”

The Aqua Dome are currently recruiting additional staff to help manage the social distancing and general ongoing sanitising requirements.

This is despite the need to limit the numbers in the pool and Spa to about 25 per cent of normal capacity for the foreseeable future.

The Chairman of the Aqua Dome, Denis Reen, said: “The reduced numbers will impact the financial operation of the facility which operates at a profit only in the summer months. Although we are glad to be open again and are grateful for the government supports, we are concerned about the knock-on effect of the reduction of income on the future of the Aqua Dome. It is important for Tralee and County Kerry that those facilities like the Aqua Dome are open in order to support the tourism industry that is so vital to the county’s economy.”

The online booking system will go live on Monday 5th July and further information and updates can be found on the Aqua Dome website www.AquaDome.ie.

The Aqua Golf the 18-hole mini golf will also open on Thursday 8th July, however no booking is necessary for this attraction.

Anyone interested in applying for a temporary job at the Aqua Dome should contact a Duty Manager at info@AquaDome.ie before Friday 3rd July 2021.

Business/Property, News

Tralee Sports/Leisure Facilities To Receive Funding

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The Aqua Dome.

FIVE Tralee sports and leisure facilities were among those to benefit from grants as part of a €2.5 million funding package for swimming pool operators across the country.

The funds were confirmed yesterday by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and Minister of State for Sport and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jack Chambers.

Sport Ireland has appointed Ireland Active — the representative body for the leisure, health and fitness sector — to administer the swimming pool grant scheme, supported by partners Swim Ireland.

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The Kerry Sports Academy will receive €8,419, the Brandon Hotel Leisure Centre €5,670, the Aqua Dome in Tralee will receive €11,856, Manor West Leisure Club, Tralee will get €7,646 and Tralee Regional Sports and Leisure Centre €10,481.

Others to benefit in Kerry include Banna Leisure Centre (7,131), Dingle Skellig Leisure Club (€7,474), Ballybunion Health and Leisure Centre (€9,107), Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre (€12,199), the Aquila Club in Killarney (€11,684), Castlerosse Park Resort, Killarney (€5,670), Kenmare Bay Hotel and Leisure Centre (€8,419), Killarney Towers Hotel Leisure Centre (€6,787), Parkavon Hotel, Killarney (€4,725), Muckross Park Hotel Killarney (€5,756), The Brehon Hotel and Angsana Spa, Killarney (€6,443) and Killarney Park Hotel Health and Fitness Club (€7,131).

Business/Property, News

Aqua Dome To Remain Closed For Rest Of 2020

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THE Aqua Dome, has announced that it will remain closed for the remainder of the year and it’s possible that this will continue to be the situation until Easter 2021.

The directors of the Aqua Dome considered the recommended regulations to keep staff and customers safe during the Covid 19 pandemic and decided that it is not advisable to re-open the attraction in Tralee at this time.

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The Chairman of the Aqua Dome, Denis Reen, said: “We very much regret that we are forced to make this decision as we are very much aware of the negative impact of this on our valued staff and customers. Opening the facility with reduced numbers and the necessary social distancing would result in heavy losses. In addition with the prevailing litigation culture, even one case in such circumstances would be enough to close the Aqua Dome permanently. We make an urgent plea to this new Government to do something about the Book of Quantum which is dictating the level of awards which are five times higher than the European average and leading to the out of control litigation culture we have in this country.”

The Directors said that they did not take this decision lightly while recognising that the Aqua Dome is a very important part of the tourism infrastructure of Tralee and the entire county of Kerry.

Up to 40 people are employed at the Aqua Dome during the peak summer season while there were 126,000 visits by customers to the attraction in 2019.

News

Aqua Dome To Close Until Further Notice As A Result Of COVID-19 Crisis

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THE Aqua Dome has taken the decision to close its doors until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Following the latest advice from HSE and Kerry County Council, the directors have agreed to close the facility with immediate effect in the interests of public safety.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers but the health and safety of the people is our paramount concern,” said Chief Executive Kieran Ruttledge.

Business/Property, News

Mags Presented With Outstanding Achievement Award By An Taisce

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Mags O’Sullivan pictured with Gary Tyrrell and Grainne Ryan of An Taisce.

THE manager of the Aqua Dome was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award 2019 and a Certificate of Recognition at An Taisce Climate Ambassador Awards 2019 in Dublin last Wednesday.

Mags O’Sullivan participated in An Taisce Climate Ambassador programme throughout 2019 and together with management and staff in the Aqua Dome worked tirelessly to make positive environmental changes to help reduce the Aqua Domes carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Mags said that “businesses have an important role to play in climate change and it’s a role that the team at Tralee’s Aqua Dome takes very seriously”.

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Following on from the National Dialogue on Climate Action in The Rose Hotel last year, Mags signed up to be a Climate Ambassador and in January this year Mags along with her Aqua Dome team set about analysing all areas of operations that had potential to be greener and together they set about making positive environmental changes.

These positive changes have been showcased in their environmental videos and blogs posts and shared across all their social media channels.

Some of the environmental improvements made to date in the Aqua Dome include replacing all the old conventional lights with energy efficient LED lights, converting from oil to gas; a glass partition was erected between the pool and the café / gym to keep the heat in the pool and minimise heat loss from the main pool area and reduce energy consumption; placing compostable bin bags in all the bins instead of using the old non-biodegradable black refuse sacks and many more changes.

The Aqua Dome hopes to encourage and inspire other individuals and businesses to take an active role in becoming greener and do whatever it takes to reduce the national carbon footprint, minimise plastic pollution and reduce water wastage.

Staff at the Aqua Dome also work closely with Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kerry County Council, North Kerry Family Fun, Top Kerry Attractions, other tourism providers, accommodation providers and a variety of other businesses supporting green initiatives, sustainability and positive environmental change wherever possible confidence to take action, and inspiring others to join them on their journey.

Business/Property, Entertainment

SPONSORED: Amazing ‘Pay As You Go’ Membership Deals At The Aqua Dome

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The Aqua Dome is the perfect place to relax, swim or get fit this winter.

WITH the dark nights of winter upon us for the next few months we can expect cold, wet and windy weather and our leisure options are now limited to indoors.

The Aqua Dome is a Tralee institution and has been providing entertainment for nearly a quarter of a century for people from all over the county and far beyond.

The Aqua Dome offers members swimming facilities in tropical temperatures with lots of fantastic features in the pool, a fully equipped gym and a superb vitality Spa including Sauna, steam, cool pool and heated loungers.

The Aqua Dome

There are great offers for memberships at the Aqua Dome, either for full memberships or Pay as you go. Check out the following options;

Pay only a nominal amount for a 6 or 12 month membership and then PAYG adult members pay only €5 & PAYG junior members pay only €4!

• PAYG Adult 6 months membership – €65

• PAYG  Adult 12 months membership – €100

• PAYG Family (2a+3c) 6 months membership – €100

• PAYG Family (2a+3c) 12 months membership – €160

(THERE IS A €20 CHARGE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CHILD – ADDITIONAL CHILDREN MUST BELONG TO THE FAMILY). For more on this check out their website or call them on 066 7129150

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Lifestyle, News

Mags To Bring Irish Pride To Russia’s Frozen North

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Manager of the Aqua Dome, Mags O'Sullivan is off diving in Russia for ten days. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Manager of the Aqua Dome, Mags O’Sullivan is off diving in Russia for ten days. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

DIVING into freezing ice cold Russian waters inside the Arctic Circle wouldn’t be most people’s idea of a holiday, but Caherslee woman, Mags O’Sullivan will do exactly that when she heads east for adventure on Friday.

She will be part of a group of eight Irish divers who will hold what is thought to be the first ever St Patrick’s Day Parade on Russia’s frozen White Sea.

“It will be a small parade!” Mags O’Sullivan told us on Wednesday. “We are going to dress up and put flags on top of the snowmobiles and I’m sure we’ll get a few Russians involved as well.”

“We’re really hoping we will see green aurora borealis St Patricks night to make it very special,” she said.

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Mags is taking part in an ice diving speciality course. Over the course of five days she will make ten 30 metre dives into water between -1° and -2° for 30 and 40 minutes wearing a dry suit.

Because of the high salt content of the water it doesn’t freeze solid. For a dive to take place a hole must be cut in the ice shelf which can be up to five feet thick.

Mags, who is manager of the Aqua Dome, she has been diving for 25 years and previously was a diving instructor at WaterWorld in the Maherees.

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Of the eight Irish people heading off, Mags will be the only Kerry person with all the rest hailing from Dublin. The journey to The White Sea will take her two days in total.

The average temperature above the ice on The White Sea in March is -10° but it can reach -30°.  While down below, the divers will explore reefs, the biology of the White Sea and shipwreck sights.

Because of the lack of visibility through the ice, daytime dives are considered night dives. A high beam torch will help Mags navigate her and a companion through the deep.

With a team of four, dives will be done in pairs. While two are diving, the other two will be above the ice tendering a rope down so they can find their way back to the hole in the ice.

“It will be challenging, it will be quite physical and I suppose with the severe elements of the cold air and the ice it will make it a little bit more difficult,” said Mags. “You have to go to these remote places to appreciate the natural beauty of our planet and environment.”

Business/Property, Entertainment

Aqua Dome Launches New Website

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Rafal Napierala of Expose Design and Mags O’Sullivan of the Aqua Dome launching the new Aqua Dome website. Photo by Gavin O’Connor

THE Aqua Dome Tralee has launched its brand new website under the water of the Falling Rapids to coincide with its 21st birthday this Thursday.

The tourist attraction, which welcomed its 4,000,000th visitor earlier this year, has streamlined its online look with a view to attracting millions more water and fun lovers from all over Ireland.

The CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “In reaching the milestone of our 21st Birthday, the Aqua Dome has operated without a subsidy for over two decades, unlike many other similar aquatic centres throughout Ireland. We could not have achieved this without the support of our customers, staff and the vision of our Directors. The brand new website, created by Expose Design in Tralee will play a key role in the Aqua Dome’s continuing presence as the top tourist attraction and a major contributor to the local economy in Kerry for the next 21 years.”

Members of the public have been invited to join in the 21st Birthday celebrations at the Aqua Dome from Thursday to Sunday this week when a Family Ticket for two adults and three children will cost only €21 – a saving of €31.

Further information on the Aqua Dome’s 21st Birthday offers, memberships and packages are available from the new-look aquadome.ie

Entertainment, News, WHAT'S ON

Celebrations As Aqua Dome Welcomes Its 4,000,000th Visitor

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The Aqua Dome's 4,000,000th visitors Kate and Cian McCarthy with Aqua Dome employees, front: Mags O'Sullivan and back, Noel McCorde and Denise Lynch. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
The Aqua Dome’s 4,000,000th visitors Kate and Cian McCarthy with Aqua Dome employees, front: Mags O’Sullivan and back, Noel McCorde and Denise Lynch. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

A GREAT sense of anticipation was in the air just after 3pm on Friday as the staff of the Aqua Dome nervously waited to see who would be the 4,000,000th visitor through their doors.

The balloons were in place at the entrance, the cake in place and the stage was set for the arrival of the lucky person.

In the end, ‘Lady Luck’ was with Kate and Cian McCarthy from Milltown who it seems got through the door at the right time.

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The mother and son pair looked visibly shocked as they entered to music, celebrations and a whole host of photographers.

For being part of Aqua Dome history, they were awarded a ‘One Year Family Pass’ that is eligible for two adults and three children.

TraleeToday.ie was there to get a few words with Kate, and see how she was handling the news.

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“We didn’t expect this at all! We haven’t been over here now in a while because of the winter really, so today is our first day back. We didn’t know anything about all of this,” she said.

“We’re delighted with the prize! It’ll definitely be used, we’ll probably be here every day now!” she laughed.

While the chilly weather was affecting the rest of the staff and Kate as they posed for photographs outside, Cian was happily exclaiming that this was the best day of his life!

Someone who has been there from the start of the Aqua Dome 21 years ago, Mags O’ Sullivan, was understandably delighted with the milestone reached and we got a few words from her about the whole event.

“It’s a great milestone in the Aqua Dome’s history to welcome the 4,000,000th visitor. It’s a fun place we have here for all the family. The kids love it, the parents love it. We have so much to offer here.”

Here’s to another four million!

News

Aqua Dome To Welcome Its 4,000,000th Visitor This Month

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rsz_aqua_dome (1)CONFETTI shoots will explode and ticker-tape will shine when the Aqua Dome Tralee welcomes its four millionth (4,000,000) visitor next weekend, sometime between February 19 and 22.

But who will be the lucky 4,000,000th visitor?

“Based on the average number of people who visit the Aqua Dome each week, our calculations suggest that the lucky visitor will arrive through the doors next week, probably towards the weekend,” said Chief Executive of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge.

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“We are very proud to reach such a significant milestone in the life of Kerry’s number one fee-paying tourist attraction. Men, women and children of all ages from all over the world have been among the four million people who have created a splash in the Aqua Dome since we opened in 1994,” said Kieran.

The four millionth visitor to the Aqua Dome, whether it’s a member of the Gym or a fee-paying day tripper, will win one year’s free family  membership (2 adults & 3 children) so they can continue to enjoy the Aqua Dome experience into the future.

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The countdown to the moment when the 4,000,000th visitor walks through the door will be featured on the Aqua Dome Facebook Page, Twitter and Blog on www.Aquadome.ie.

To celebrate the latest milestone, management have already started to look ahead to promoting the good health and well-being of the next 4,000,000 visitors.

“We have just taken delivery of brand new top of the range Olympic Weight equipment and after an exhilarating workout in our revamped gym, a relaxing session in the sauna and steam rooms, take a dip into the best Plunge Cool Pool in Munster,” said Kieran Ruttledge.

The Aqua Dome Tralee will celebrate its 21st birthday in May of this year when more celebratory activities and offers will be announced for customers.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 8pm. For bookings or more information, email info@aquadome.ie or call 066 7128899.

News

Glass Broken In Transit Delays Repairs To Aqua Dome

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CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge.

MANAGEMENT at the Aqua Dome in Tralee have confirmed that all the work to repair the damage caused by the storms last December and February will be completed before Christmas.

A shipment of glazing for the dome was broken in transit to the site and this will now enforce another closure in later in the year but the good news for families is that the Aqua Dome will be open for the mid-term break and Bank Holiday weekend.

The CEO of the Aqua Dome, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “Initially, we had planned a 10-day closure from last week but the delivery of several broken panels has severely disrupted our programme. We now have to get new panels specially made and this takes around three weeks. This means that we will have to close for another short period in November when there is a spell of fine weather.”

Management and staff at the Aqua Dome have apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused by matters that were beyond their control.

For more details on opening hours and special offers for the Christmas and New Year periods, visit www.AquaDome.ie.

Entertainment

10 Signs You Grew Up Going To The Aqua Dome

rsz_aqua_dome (1)As the Aqua Dome celebrates its 20th anniversary, Gavin O’Connor, looks back at 10 things people of a certain age remember about the waterpark…

1. Trying to avoid lifeguards as you sought to drag a few more minutes, or even hours, out of your splash time.

2. Chilling in the jacuzzis for clandestine meetings about what the next move should be regarding aforementioned.

2. Waiting as “the man” in charge of the big slide ushered his hand up and allowed you to go. As far as that time and place was concerned, he may well have been God himself.

3. Freezing your backside off when queuing up for the outside slide, which was only ever opened on very special occasions. Then almost drowning as you hit the water at the end.

4. Trying to sneak into the gym to have a go in the sauna – this was strictly the preserve of adults.

5. If someone did sneak in (not saying we know anyone who did) they wet their hair in the toilets sinks in the dressing rooms to look less inconspicuous. Not a good tip.

6. Finding the sweet spots as you turned the corner on the rapids for maximum jet propulsion. Because of this, the outside lanes were hot property. This was indeed a fine art.

7. Putting your toes on all the spouts in the fountains to make one massive jet of water that shoots into the sky.

8. Indulging in some chlorine-soaked chips while still in your togs.

9. Checking the lockers in case somebody forgot to collect their pound.

10. The sense of pride to know your town had the biggest water park in Ireland. For a child that’s basically like hosting the Olympics and the World Cup all in one.

What do you remember about growing up going to the Aqua Dome? Leave a comment below…