Overview
The Odyssey Complex dominates the eastern bank of the River Lagan, a striking cylindrical development that anchors Belfast’s revitalised waterfront. Inside you’ll find Northern Ireland’s largest indoor arena, the hands-on W5 discovery centre, a 13-screen Cineworld cinema, a 20-lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, a 36-hole adventure golf course, an arcade, and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Since its 2023 reopening as Odyssey Place, the leisure wing has been refreshed with new attractions, making it a reliable year-round destination for locals and visitors.
Note: In April 2026, the complex announced a rebranding to The O2 Belfast starting 1 July 2026, though the W5 science centre will retain its original name.
History & Development
The concept originated in 1992 as part of a major dockland regeneration push. Funded largely by a £45 million Millennium Commission grant and matched by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, the Sheridan Group, and the Sports Council, the project cost around £120 million to complete. Construction began in June 1998, with the arena opening in December 2000, followed by W5 in March 2001. The name “Odyssey” was actually chosen by Michael Montgomery, a 14-year-old at the time, to symbolise a journey of discovery.
Over the years, the complex has navigated ownership changes, financial restructuring, and a pandemic closure, but each challenge sparked reinvestment. A £3 million arena refurbishment in 2015, a major 2021–2023 redevelopment of the pavilion, and ongoing public realm upgrades have kept it at the forefront of Belfast’s entertainment scene. Today, it operates as a non-sectarian gathering place that draws millions of visitors annually, supporting hundreds of local jobs in hospitality, retail, and events management.
What to See & Do
The Arena
Seating just over 11,000, the arena serves as the home of the Belfast Giants ice-hockey team, which plays weekly home games from September to March. It’s also Northern Ireland’s premier venue for touring concerts, having hosted acts like Lady Gaga, Metallica, Depeche Mode, and The Who. Beyond music, the arena regularly stages WWE live events, UFC bouts, Premier League Darts, and major comedy shows. For a more relaxed experience, the Heineken Lounge and West Lounge offer private balcony seating, lounge-style furniture, and panoramic river views.
W5 Discovery Centre
Spanning 3,500 square metres, W5 stands for “Who, What, Where, When, Why.” It features around 250 hands-on exhibits across themed galleries, designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, and engineering. The standout attraction is Climbit, Europe’s largest Luckey Climber, which lets children scale a 12-metre structure safely. The centre also runs regular workshops and hosts a lecture theatre for educational talks and school groups.
Odyssey Place: Cinema, Bowling & Games
Reopened in April 2023, this wing brings together modern entertainment under one roof. Cineworld Belfast operates 13 digital screens, while Hollywood Bowl offers 20 lanes for league play and casual games. Families can tackle The Lost City Apocalypse Adventure Golf (36 themed holes) or burn off energy at the Funstation arcade. The complex hosts over a dozen dining options, ranging from quick-service cafés to full restaurants, making it easy to spend an entire day here without stepping outside.
Accessibility & Visitor Information
The complex is fully wheelchair-accessible, featuring ramps, lifts, and dedicated seating across all venues. Accessibility provisions include a Changing Places facility, FM hearing loop systems, sensory bags, ear defenders, and low-level counters at the box office and catering units. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a free ticket for a Personal Assistant is available on request. Interpretation services (BSL & ISL) and audio descriptions can also be arranged for performances in advance.
Getting There & Practical Tips
Located a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre, the complex is easily reached by crossing the Lagan Weir and Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Public transport options include the Glider Bus (G2), which stops right outside, and Metro Service 94 from Donegall Square North. Titanic Quarter railway station is a 10-minute stroll away, and the site sits within walking distance of Titanic Belfast.
- Parking: The on-site Odyssey Car Park offers 1,500 free spaces, including designated disabled bays.
- Tickets & Admission: There is no general entry fee for the complex; you pay per attraction or event. W5 charges around £12 for adults, with family discounts available. Cinema and bowling prices vary by session. Arena tickets are sold per event and should be purchased through official channels to avoid reseller scams.
- Arena Rules: Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the arena. Mobile phones must be switched off during shows, and latecomers may be held until a suitable break. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The venue is strictly non-smoking, and re-entry is not allowed once you leave the building.
- Opening Hours: Hours vary by attraction. W5 and Odyssey Place generally operate daily from mid-morning until late evening, while arena hours depend on the event schedule. Always check individual venue websites before visiting.
For the best experience, book arena tickets well ahead of peak season, and plan to walk the riverside promenade afterward to catch views of the Clarendon Dock basin and the city skyline.