The Irish Times

Belfast stole a march on Dublin when its magnificent Waterfront Hall opened in 1998, instantly becoming the emblem of a new era. Now it has trumped us again by completing a landmark complex down-river that includes an indoor arena, science centre and multiplex cinema. The local media were very dubious about the idea of spending £90 million sterling on Odyssey, even likening it to the folly of London's Millennium Dome. But all the criticism and sneering suddenly ceased last December after the 10,000-seat indoor arena packed out for the first ice hockey match.