VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Antrim’s Dundonald Ice Bowl

Dundonald International Ice Bowl, located in Dundonald, Belfast, is a premier family entertainment venue and the only public Olympic-sized ice rink on the island of Ireland. Opened in 1986 and operated by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC), it attracts over 500,000 visitors annually with activities like ice skating, tenpin bowling, and an adventure play area. Home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team and a hub for figure skating.

A visit to Dundonald International Ice Bowl typically lasts 2–4 hours, offering a range of activities suitable for families, groups, and adrenaline seekers. The venue is open year-round, with 2025 hours generally Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM–11:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 PM–8:00 PM, though holiday schedules vary (confirm at www.theicebowl.com). Tickets for activities are purchased on-site or online, with pre-booking recommended for skating sessions and birthday parties. The Ice Bowl combines fun, interactive experiences with dining options, making it ideal for all ages. Here’s a breakdown:

Ice Skating:

The Olympic-sized rink (the only one in Ireland) hosts public skating sessions seven days a week, offering a cool, family-friendly activity. Weekend and holiday sessions feature DJ entertainment, a state-of-the-art lighting system, and themed events like pop, chart, or club music nights.

Penguin and Snowman skating aids are available for younger or novice skaters (height restrictions apply, typically under 1.2m). Sessions last 1–2 hours, with skate hire included in the ticket price.
The rink is home to the Belfast Giants (professional ice hockey team) and supports elite figure skaters, occasionally hosting training sessions visible to visitors. Adults €6.00–€7.30, concessions (students/seniors) €5.50–€6.80, family of 4 €20.00–€24.00, family of 5 €23.50–€29.00, groups (15+) €4.50–€5.50. Prices are higher for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The rink is well-maintained but can be busy during school holidays. Pre-book online up to 7 days in advance at www.theicebowl.com for guaranteed spots. Some visitors report inconsistent staff interactions, such as issues with skating aids (e.g., a 2023 Tripadvisor review cited a penguin aid being removed mid-session), so clarify rules at check-in.

Tenpin Bowling:

The 30-lane bowling centre, one of the largest in Ireland, offers a high-tech experience with bumper lanes and ball ramps for kids and beginners.

Xtreme Bowling Sessions: Glow-in-the-dark bowling with UV-lit lanes, glowing pins, and music, ideal for evening fun.
Interactive games and scoring systems enhance the experience.
Pricing varies by time and group size; typically €5–€7 per person per game, with discounts for families or groups (check www.theicebowl.com).

Bowling is a major draw, praised for its modern setup and accessibility. Book lanes in advance for weekends to avoid waits, especially during Xtreme sessions. The centre is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps available.

Indiana Land Adventure Play Area:

Indiana Land is popular for birthday parties but can be hectic during peak times. Parents must supervise children, and height/age checks are enforced. The toddler area is a hit for younger visitors.

Overview: A jungle-themed indoor play kingdom for children, featuring hidden tunnels, rope bridges, and a giant vertical slide for an adventurous experience. Height limit of 5 ft and age limit of 12 years. The Free Fall slide requires children to be 6+ years.
Toddler Area: A separate soft play zone for babies and toddlers offers sensory shapes and textures for safe exploration.Approximately €5–€8 per child, depending on session length (confirm at www.theicebowl.com).
Birthday Parties: Hassle-free packages include skating, bowling, or Indiana Land access, plus food and a party host. Prices start at €12–€15 per child (minimum 8 children; book via +44 (0)28 9080 9100).
School and Group Outings: Tailored packages with discounted rates for 15+ people, including skating or bowling sessions.
Seasonal Events: Halloween’s “Spooky Saturday” (October) features themed skating and activities, while Christmas sessions include festive music and decorations.

Events are family-focused but require pre-booking for larger groups. Check the website for seasonal schedules.

Amenities:

Dining: An on-site restaurant serves family-friendly meals (burgers, pizzas, €8–€12), with a coffee shop for snacks and drinks. Visitors find the food decent but note limited healthy options. Nearby dining includes Blue Chicago Grill (5-minute drive) or cafes in Dundonald village.
Gift Shop: A small shop sells Ice Bowl merchandise and souvenirs, with modest pricing.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and on-site parking (120 spaces, with an overflow lot). Wheelchair and pushchair access is available throughout, though some Indiana Land areas have restrictions.
Parking: Reduced parking due to ongoing construction in 2025 requires an extra 20 minutes for arrival. A new 120-space car park opened on March 15, 2025, with a pedestrian walkway from the overflow lot. Avoid parking in nearby residential areas to respect locals.
Practical Details: 111 Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1XT, 8 km from Belfast city center (15-minute drive via A20). Accessible by Ulsterbus 4A/4B from Belfast (20 minutes) or a 10-minute walk from Dundonald Park & Ride. Belfast City Airport is 6 km away.
Tickets: Purchase on-site or online at www.theicebowl.com. Skating and bowling require separate tickets; combined packages are available for groups. No pre-booking is needed for Indiana Land, but check availability during peak times.
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours for skating or bowling, 1–1.5 hours for Indiana Land. A full visit with multiple activities takes 2–4 hours.
Weather: An indoor venue, ideal for rainy days, with no outdoor dependencies.
The Ice Bowl is lively but manageable; weekends and holidays are busiest. Arrive early to secure parking and activity slots. Some 2024 reviews cite staff rudeness (e.g., Tripadvisor complaints about poor customer service), so patience will be needed during peak times.

Nearby Attractions:

Streamvale Open Farm: 2 km away, a family-friendly farm with animals and play areas.
C.S. Lewis Square: 6 km, features Narnia-themed sculptures and Connswater Greenway trails.
Titanic Belfast: 8 km, a world-class museum (25-minute drive).
Stormont Estate: 4 km, home to the Parliament Buildings of the six counties, with free tours.
Notes: Combine with Streamvale for a full family day or Titanic Belfast for a cultural excursion.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

Opened on September 22, 1986, by DUP leader Peter Robinson, the Ice Bowl is a landmark in Ireland’s leisure scene, hosting the Belfast Giants and fostering figure skating talent. Its Olympic-sized rink, unique in Ireland, supports elite athletes and public recreation, contributing to regional tourism and community engagement.

What’s New for 2025

Dundonald International Ice Bowl is undergoing a significant £52m redevelopment, approved in 2023 by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, with £12.2m from Westminster’s Levelling Up Fund. The project, led by contractor Heron Bros Ltd (appointed January 2024), aims to replace the 37-year-old facility, deemed “no longer fit for purpose,” with a state-of-the-art leisure complex opening in 2026. While the full transformation won’t be complete in 2025, several updates impact the visitor experience this year, alongside ongoing operations.
Phase 1 Updates: Construction began in 2024, with a new 120-space car park opening on March 15, 2025, to mitigate reduced parking availability. An overflow car park with a pedestrian walkway supports access. Visitors should allow an extra 20 minutes for parking and walking due to altered traffic flow and pedestrian routes for safety.
Continued Operations: The existing Ice Bowl remains fully open in 2025, with uninterrupted access to skating, bowling, and Indiana Land during construction. This ensures no disruption to visitor activities, though some noise or visual construction elements will be noticeable.
Future Vision: The new facility, set for 2026, will include an Olympic-sized ice rink, a 24-lane bowling alley (down from 30), a 100-station gym, community rooms, a restaurant, and a coffee shop, expecting to draw 700,000 visitors in its first year. While not available in 2025, promotional materials (e.g., CGI images) will be displayed on-site to preview the transformation.
On May 22, 2024, the Ice Bowl was evacuated due to a suspicious package containing an unknown substance, later deemed non-threatening. The incident highlighted safety protocols, and in 2025, the venue is implementing enhanced security measures, including increased staff training and visible PSNI coordination. Visitors may notice additional bag checks or signage, ensuring a safer environment.
Spooky Saturday (October 2025): Building on past success, this Halloween event will feature expanded activities like themed skating with glow-in-the-dark effects, costume contests, and Indiana Land spooky trails. Tickets (€8–€12) will be available from September 2025 at www.theicebowl.com
Christmas Sessions (December 2025): New festive skating sessions with live DJs, Santa meet-and-greets, and holiday-themed bowling games are planned as are family packages (€25–€35 for 4).
Addressing 2024 Tripadvisor complaints about staff rudeness (e.g., the penguin aid incident), LCCC is rolling out customer service training in 2025. A new feedback portal on www.theicebowl.com allows visitors to report issues directly, aiming to improve interactions. Visitors are encouraged to clarify skating aid policies at reception to avoid misunderstandings.
In 2025, a social guide (PDF) for neurodiverse visitors will be introduced, downloadable at www.theicebowl.com, detailing sensory-friendly skating and bowling sessions. This builds on existing wheelchair access (ramps, accessible toilets) and responds to calls for inclusivity. Contact info@theicebowl.com for accommodations.

Tips for Visitors

Book in Advance: Reserve skating sessions or birthday parties online at www.theicebowl.com, especially for weekends or holidays. Bowling lanes can be booked on-site but fill quickly.
Arrive Early: Allow an extra 20 minutes for parking due to construction-related changes. Use the new 120-space car park or overflow lot, and avoid residential areas.
Plan Activities: Start with skating (pre-book to secure aids for kids), then try Xtreme Bowling for a lively evening. Indiana Land suits younger children but check height/age rules.
Combine Attractions: Pair with Streamvale Open Farm (2 km) or C.S. Lewis Square (6 km) for a full day. Titanic Belfast (8 km) is a 25-minute drive for cultural exploration.
Request the social guide or accommodations via info@theicebowl.com. The venue is wheelchair-friendly, but Indiana Land has physical limitations.
Budget Wisely: Pack snacks to save on restaurant costs (€8–€12). Family tickets (e.g., €24 for 4 skating) offer value. Bowling and skating are separate fees.
Weather Prep: An indoor venue, perfect for any weather. Dress warmly for skating; lockers are available for coats.
Check Updates: Monitor www.theicebowl.com for construction-related changes or event schedules, especially for Spooky Saturday or Christmas sessions.