Greyhound focus: Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium, Waterford

In the latest of our greyhound stadium profiles, we tell you all you need to know about Kilcohan Park, the home of greyhound racing in the south east.

What’s the deal?

Greyhound racing has been part of life in Waterford for nearly three quarters of a century, having been first hosted in Kilcohan Park in 1938. Up until very recently, the venue also served as a home ground for Waterford United FC, until the Blues headed off to the RSC in the 1990s.

Thanks to an extension that incorporated the addition of Masters Restaurant and Barkers Bar five years ago, Kilcohan Park has become an excellent facility for greyhound racing and entertainment, with a top-class track to boot.

How do I get there?

Easily enough as it turns out. Kilcohan Park is located around two and a half kilometres from Waterford city centre and there’s enough parking for 200 cars on site. For a more detailed map to the course (don’t be a hero lads, just give it a quick look over), click here.

When’s the best night to go?

Racing takes place every Friday and Saturday night with 10 races on each card, the first off at 8pm.

What’s the highlight?

That would have to be the Red Mills Waterford Masters, one of the main events in the Irish greyhound calendar and definitely the highlight of the season in the south east.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 12 November, when Razldazl Rioga, the dog of none other than commentating legend Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, will be looking to build on his success at the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels race in Cork last month.

Anything else?

The racing itself might stop before the wee small hours, but the craic and entertainment in Barkers Bar and Traps Bar means that the fun doesn’t have to. Christmas is expected to be particularly busy with a number of different bands being lined up to play throughout the festive season, while there are also packages available for companies or stag parties.

That’s all very well, but what if I’m hungry?

Then you’ll have nothing to worry about at Kilcohan Park, where there are plenty of bars and restaurants to cater for your culinary needs. The 180-seat Masters Restaurant offers panoramic views of the race circuit, while you can also avail of the side table tote betting and table drinks service.

Elsewhere, both Barkers Bar and Traps Bar offer some tasty food choices, with club deals, sizzlers and platter packages from as little as €15. The platter package is the cheapest food option with admission & race programme, a very good deal if it's only light bites you're after.

And the damage?

€10 for the adults, €5 for students and OAPS and a euro for children if you want to bring the little nippers along for the ride.

For details and information on fixtures, tickets and a whole lot more, about Waterford Greyhound Stadium and the other 18 stadia around Ireland, check out www.igb.ie.