By Orla Rapple

Orla Rapple discovered that there is more than just dog-racing at Dublin’s famous Shelbourne Park.

An evening at the dog races may not sound like the most appealing way to spend one of your precious evenings out in Dublin.

However, Shelbourne Park in Dublin has all the attributes that you would expect for a fun night on the town as well as some dog-racing thrown in for good measure. As a result, the stadium is an exciting and very different venue for birthday parties, stag nights or just a night out with friends.

Shelbourne Park is the country’s premier stadium for greyhound racing and is host to the Irish Derby, Oaks and the Champion Stakes. Although it might seem hard not to get away from the, greyhounds, the stadium offers plenty of other activities for those who find dogs chasing a fake hare a little boring. Every pocket is catered for at Shelbourne Park.

The large ground-floor concourse has a value-for-money carvery restaurant with multiple Tote betting points available when you feel the need to place that all important bet, and a Bureau de Change and Tote voucher service. There is also direct access to the open terrace and bookmakers.

Those who want to spend their night at the dogs in more luxurious surroundings have the option of the glass-fronted Grandstand Lounge on the middle floor, which boasts a terraced table seating area overlooking the race circuit.

There are a number of bars, a snack service and Tote betting service throughout this area.

Further up in the stadium is the 200-seat Grandstand Restaurant with Table d’Hote and a la carte menus. This area has the added bonus of a Tote betting service available at your table and a magnificent view of the racing action.

The Grandstand Restaurant on this floor is incredibly popular, so popular that booking in advance is advisable, and is the perfect place for a romantic meal or to eat with a group of friends.

At the top floor of Shelbourne Park is the area for the crème de la crème — this part of the stadium offers hospitality suites with full waiter service and private bar. A Tote betting and courtesy hostess service is also available.

And if you really want to splash out there are a whole range of optional extras here, including a photographic service, spot prizes and even a tipster in attendance.

Shelbourne Park caters for large groups and offers a number of deals, from the reasonably-priced Shelbourne Sizzler package to luxurious corporate packages that would impress any client.

If the thrill of Shelbourne Park makes you want to become more involved in the sport, then the stadium also offers the option of part-owning your very own greyhound!

This is not as expensive as it sounds. Members of a greyhound syndicate can be the proud, part-owner of a dog for as little as E50 per week, which includes the cost of maintenance and training.

You do not have to join an already existing syndicate either — they can be formed in the workplace, by families or friends and would even be a perfect present.

Shelbourne Park has experts on hand to advise on all aspects of syndication, including the purchase decision and trainer selection.

Whatever your views on greyhound racing, a night out at Shelbourne Park may change your mind so much that you could come away owning your very own whippet.

For more details on Shelbourne Park’s group outing offers call 00 353 1 6683246. Reservations at the Grandstand Restaurant can be made at 00 353 1 6672422 or by e-mailing egancatering@iol.ie.