The Bet McLean Oval guide
The Bet McLean Oval is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It has been home to Glentoran F.C. since 1892. The stadium was severely damaged by aerial bombing during the Belfast blitz of World War II and was unusable until 1949. A new main stand was constructed in 1953. The stadium was refurbished with a new stand built in 2000, but requires consistent maintenance to fulfill health and safety requirements and its total capacity is currently restricted to 6,050.
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As of August 2021, the Oval has been sponsored by bookmakers A. McLeans in a five-year, £250,000 deal, with the name of the Oval becoming the BetMcLean Oval.
The stadium is located in the Ballymacarrett area of Belfast, close to the Connswater railway line. The nearest bus stop is on the Newtownards Road, about a 10-minute walk from the stadium. The nearest train station is Lanyon Place, about a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
The Bet McLean Oval is a popular venue for football matches and other events. It is a historic stadium with a rich history, and it is sure to continue to be a popular destination for fans of Glentoran F.C. and other sporting events for many years to come.
Pubs near The Bet McLean Oval, home of Glentoran FC
- McKenna’s Bar is an Irish pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It has a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a good menu of pub grub. Address: 29 Garmoyle St, Belfast BT15 1DY. Phone: 028 9075 7334.
- The Great Eastern is a traditional pub with a cosy interior. It’s a great place to watch a game of football or just relax with a pint. Address: 273 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1AF. Phone: 028 9045 7534.
- King Richard Tavern is a popular pub with a lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to go for a night out with friends. Address: 10 Castlereagh Rd, Belfast BT5 5FP.
Hotels near The Bet McLean Oval in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter. This modern budget hotel is located just a short walk from the River Lagan and the Titanic Quarter. It has a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour reception.
- Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Alfred Street). This hotel is also a good budget option, and it’s located in the heart of Belfast city centre. It has a restaurant, bar, and laundry facilities.
- Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre. This contemporary hotel is a bit more upscale, and it’s located just a few minutes walk from Belfast City Hall. It has a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
- Travelodge Belfast Central. This is a straightforward hotel with simple rooms, but it’s a great option if you’re on a budget. It’s located just a short walk from Belfast Central Station.
Here are some other hotels that are a bit further away from The Bet McLean Oval, but they’re still within a 10-minute drive:
- Clarion Hotel Belfast. This 4-star hotel is located in the city centre and has a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
- The Merchant Hotel. This 5-star hotel is located in a Georgian townhouse and has a Michelin-starred restaurant, bar, and spa.
- Hilton Belfast. This 4-star hotel is located next to the Titanic Quarter and has a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
How to get to The Bet McLean Oval, Glentoran football ground
- By car: The stadium is located off the Sydenham Bypass, so it is easy to reach by car from anywhere in Belfast. There is a car park at the stadium, but it can get busy on match days, so it is advisable to arrive early.
- By train: The nearest train station is Sydenham, which is a short walk from the stadium. There are regular trains from Belfast Central and Great Victoria Street stations.
- By bus: There are a number of bus routes that stop near the stadium, including the 1A, 2A, 9A, and 10A. The bus stop is located on Dee Street, just a short walk from the stadium.
- By foot or bike: The stadium is located in East Belfast, so it is possible to walk or cycle to the stadium from many parts of the city. There are also a number of cycle paths that lead to the stadium.
Here are some specific directions from different locations:
- From Belfast City Centre: Take the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and follow the Sydenham Bypass signs. The stadium will be on your left.
- From Bangor: Take the A2 towards Belfast and follow the Sydenham Bypass signs. The stadium will be on your left.
- From Lisburn: Take the M1 to Belfast and follow the Sydenham Bypass signs. The stadium will be on your left.
Things to do near The Bet McLean Oval in Belfast
- Visit the Titanic Quarter. The Titanic Quarter is a 185-acre waterfront development that was once the home of the Harland and Wolff shipyards. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with a variety of attractions, including the Titanic Belfast museum, the SS Nomadic, and the Titanic Slipways.
- Take a walk along the River Lagan. The River Lagan is a major waterway that flows through Belfast. There are several pleasant walking trails along the river, including the Lagan Towpath and the Peace Wall Walk.
- Explore the Botanic Gardens. The Botanic Gardens are a beautiful oasis in the heart of Belfast. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a number of greenhouses.
- Visit the Ulster Museum. The Ulster Museum is one of the largest museums in Northern Ireland. It houses a collection of over 2 million objects, including artifacts from ancient Egypt, China, and Greece.
- Go shopping at CastleCourt. CastleCourt is a large shopping mall in Belfast city centre. The mall has over 160 stores, including a number of high-street brands.
- Have a pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon. The Crown Liquor Saloon is a beautiful Victorian pub that is listed as a Grade A listed building. The pub is known for its ornate interior, which features stained glass windows, mosaic tiles, and carved wood.
These are just a few ideas of things to do near The Bet McLean Oval in Belfast. There are many other attractions and activities to enjoy in this vibrant city.