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COVID-19 protocols

STAY SAFE & ENJOY A NIGHT OUT WITH US

Here at Galway Greyhound Stadium, we've made many changes to make a night at the dogs safe for our customers, racing community and staff in line with HSE guidelines and COVID-19 best practices.

Greyhound Racing is currently running behind closed doors, that means that only one person, one dog will be permitted for racing. From July 3rd, customers can join us in our restaurant in line with the Government's COVID-19 Roadmap and enjoy racing following COVID-19 protocols we've put in place. 

Video: COVID-19 Restaurant Protocols

We've put together a short video to help you to learn about the changes we've made to help keep you and our staff safe from COVID-19. 

STRICT PROCEDURES WILL BE IN PLACE FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY, INCLUDING:

  • Racing will be behind closed doors with a 'one man, one dog' policy. Customers will not be allowed to view attend Galway Greyhound Stadium unless they have made a restaurant booking.
  • Restaurant bookings must be booked in advance. Please click here to make a booking.  Where possible, please also order your Tote vouchers and Drinks in advance to limit the need for payment transactions. Galway Greyhound Stadium is currently a cashless environment for your safety. Drinks tabs will operate as necessary to be settled before departure.
  • Customers must remain at their table for the duration of the evening apart from visiting the toilets or smoking. Smokers will be directed by staff. 
  • Customers must ensure that they are complying with the latest Government COVID-19 guidelines. Do not attend if you are displaying symptoms.

CLICK THE VIEW THE FULL PROTOCOLS IN PLACE FOR RESTAURANT CUSTOMERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ok to book a meal at the greyhound stadium, is racing not behind closed doors?

Under the Governments recently published “Roadmap for reopening society and business” Restaurants are permitted to reopen from the 29th June. Customers visiting our restaurants from this date will be required to remain at their pre-booked table for the duration of the night similar to any other restaurant that they may attend. Customers will not be permitted to view racing from the outdoor concourse.

Is it safe to go greyhound racing now?

In line with Government & Public Health guidelines strict social distancing measures have been implemented for customers and patrons visiting IGB venues along with changes to service, cleaning procedures and the introduction of sanitiser at entrances and throughout the venue.

What days will the restaurant open?

Restaurant facilities will open on race days at each venue. Current racing schedules are available at time of booking and are subject to change.

What time do I have to arrive?

Customers are asked to arrive a minimum of one hour before the first race of the day of their visit. Controlled access to each venue will be in place to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered too.

Will Sanitiser be available?

Sanitiser will be available at all entry points to the stadium and at various locations throughout the building. Customers will be asked to sanitise their hands on entry to the venue.

How long can I stay in the restaurant for? When racing is over can we stay for a drink?

Bar service will be available for 30 minutes after the last race, with the restaurant remaining open for one hour after the last race.

How can I book?

Booking can be made online by visiting gogreyhoundracing.ie or by calling our reservations office on 061 448080.

When do I need to make my booking by?

Bookings can be made up to 5.30pm on the day of the event, subject to availability.

How far in advance can I book for?

Bookings can now be made for the remainder of 2020. Christmas pricing will be confirmed by the end of July 2020.

Can I mix packages in my booking?

Packages cannot be mixed on a single booking. 

Is it ok to bring children?

Children are welcome to attend; they must remain seated and observe the same social distancing protocol as other customers. Due to the reduced capacity of our restaurants, there will be no reduced pricing for children.

How many people can I book for?

Bookings can be made for any number provided that the appropriate physical distancing is adhered to between different groups that are not members of the same household. It is recommended that groups from different households make separate bookings.

How many people can sit at one table?

The minimum number of people on a table is 2 people, with the maximum guaranteed on one table being 4. Some restaurant configurations allow for tables of 6. Table allocations are done by the restaurant manager on a nightly basis to ensure social distancing and maximising restaurant capacity.

I want to book for an occasion, can I book a private suite for a group?

Due to the current restrictions in place with regards to physical distancing, our private suites are currently not available. This will be kept under review in line with public health advice.

Do I have to go only with people from my own household or can I meet friends for dinner?

To ensure appropriate physical distancing is adhered to different groups that are not members of the same household should make individual bookings.

Will staff be allowed to work if they are sick?

Staff reporting symptoms before or during work will not be permitted to work.

Will the staff serving me be wearing PPE?

Service staff will be wearing face coverings at our venues where the 2-metre physical distance cannot be maintained for the safety of staff and customers. In line with the guidelines issued by Fáilte Ireland for the Reopening of Restaurant & Cafés, a strict handwashing policy for staff will be in place.

How can staff maintain a social distance in a restaurant?

Tables throughout our venues will be positioned 2 metres apart. In some venues protective screens have been installed to limit the contact with staff. Where physical distancing cannot be maintained face coverings will be in place.

Can I add additional courses or food items on the night?

A limited number of add-ons will be available on the night which can be added to the package.

I want to book a different package that used to be available before, can I do that?

Historical packages will not be available, the only packages available to book are the current range.

Will I be able to buy drinks on the night?

Drinks can be purchased on the night with table service only in operation.

Can I pay in cash on the night?

All packages must be paid for in advance of your visit to the stadium. Cashless payments are encouraged for additional purchases.

Can I go outside to watch racing?

Under the Governments roadmap to Reopening Society & Business, greyhound racing is permitted behind closed doors until the 20th July. Viewing racing from the main outside concourse will not be permitted until after that date.

How can I watch racing?

Racing will be broadcast on the multiple TV screens throughout the restaurant.

I smoke, will I be able to go outside to smoke?

A designated smoking area will be in operation at all venues with customers asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines.

I am a wheelchair user, will it be possible for me to make a booking?

Wheelchair access is available, please advise us at time of booking that a wheelchair user is part of your group.

Should I bring anything with me?

Customers are asked to bring their own pen should you want to write on your race programme as we cannot provide one to you. You are welcome to bring some hand sanitiser with you; we will provide some at entrances and points throughout the stadium but you may wish to have some at your table.

I’ve made a booking can I add people to it or change my package?

Changes can be made to your booking by contacting our reservation team on 061 448080.

Do I need to wear a face mask or gloves?

In line with public health advice customers are welcome to wear face masks if they wish. Customers wearing gloves on arrival to the venue will be asked to remove them and sanitise their hands.

Can I go if I am feeling sick?

Customers are asked not to attend if they are feeling unwell or have any of the symptoms of COVID 19. Our cancellation policy has been updated to allow for such incidents will prepayments transferrable to a future date.

Will I have my temperature checked when I arrive?

Customer temperatures will not be checked at the stadium.

Will the car park be open as normal or is there restrictions?

Car parks will operate as normal. Customers are asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines.

I want to book for the ground floor, where can I watch racing?

A casual restaurant offering is available in some venues where people can book a table to watch racing.

I don’t want food, can I book a table to watch racing?

No, as it is only our restaurants that are open currently you must book a restaurant package.

Can I go to the bar for a drink?

Bar Service will be strictly table service only.

Will there be Tote facilities and a commentator as normal?

Tote betting facilities will be available to your table with a cashless system in operation. A commentator will be on hand to guide you through the evening.

If I win on the Tote how can I get my winnings if there is no cash?

Tote winnings throughout the night will be paid out in vouchers which can be collected in cash at the end if the night.

Is it possible to order food to take away?

All food is table service on the night of the event, takeaway food will not be available.

View our Greyhound Racing COVID-19 POLICY