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Belfast's your best bet

Weekends away in Belfast now offer an extra venue for those who fancy a flutter at the races, with the opening of a new £3 million greyhound racing track.

Located on the Upper Malone Road in Belfast, Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium has been hailed "the new night out in Northern Ireland", sure to attract racing fans, tourists or those simply looking for some quality entertainment in the city.

Commenting on the opening of the grounds, chief executive John McCollum told the Belfast Telegraph: "The re-positioning of greyhound racing as a more sociable occasion has seen its popularity soar in the south of Ireland and Drumbo Park can now compete with the very best stadiums in Ireland."

Long gone are the old images of local men wearing cloth caps and smoking pipes, the concept of greyhound racing has been given a more glamorous make-over, appealing to young and old.

The redesigned complex includes three bars, a three tier restaurant, a fast food outlet and a coffee bar, with the restaurant and bistro providing panoramic views of the track.

Spectators can also watch the night's racing on the 100 plasma television screens scattered around the venue, as well as a live link from Shelbourne Park in Dublin.

According to Mr McCollum, the new stadium will appeal to those who are new to the sport, as the facilities can also serve as an alternative venue for corporate entertainment, social gatherings and parties.

However, for those who are seasoned greyhound racing fans the new track is not expected to disappoint.

Mr McCollum added: "Traditional fans of greyhound racing will view some exciting races while enjoying a flutter or two with the bookmakers and we will also be showing live racing coverage from two of Irelandís leading tracks, Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross."

Also commenting on the benefits of the newly improved Belfast complex, racing manager John Connor told the Belfast Telegraph that the developments have put Northern Ireland back in the "premier league" of greyhound racing, following a string of recent track closures across the region.

The newly developed Drumbo Park replaces the the Ballyskeagh dog track, that also served as Lisburn Distillery Football Club's home turf, a mile from Malone Golf Club.

Management aims to cater for 100,000 a year as the stadium makes a name for itself in Belfast not only as a prime place for avid fans of the sport, but also as a key entertainment venue to rival the likes of the Waterfront Hall in the city centre.

"I am confident Drumbo Park is poised to play a very significant role as a sporting and social venue for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in Northern Ireland," Mr McCollum maintained.

Renewed confidence, together with growing tourism has fuelled significant developments in Belfast in recent years, making it a hotspot for visitors and a place of pride for locals.

For those who fancy placing a bet on a weekend in Northern Ireland's capital, Fly Belfast offers fast and affordable flights to the city, and with more and more low-cost airlines servicing routes to Belfast, there's never been a better time book a short-trip and sample a bit of Northern Irish hospitality for yourself.
06 August 2008