Bishopscourt Racing Circuit
Location
Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Bishopscourt Racing Circuit - Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Former military airfield transformed into a fast permanent circuit - home to motorcycle racing, cars, superkarts and stage rallies
When was the track built?
Bishopscourt was originally a Royal Air Force airfield constructed during the Second World War. Its broad runways and service roads provided enough space to create a temporary 4.828 km racing course.
Motor racing began in 1962. The early layout was extremely fast, but competition stopped during the 1970s when the site returned to military and security use.
How did racing return?
The circuit was revived during the early 1990s with a shorter permanent layout that no longer depended entirely on the original runways. It gradually became an important home for Northern Irish motorcycle and car racing.
A major redevelopment in 2011 resurfaced the course and added the longer International section. Today, organisers can choose between International, National and Intermediate configurations.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and exposed: Its airfield origins produced long acceleration zones, while the open landscape leaves drivers exposed to wind and changing weather.
- Heavy braking: Tight corners follow several quick sections, creating opportunities to overtake but placing high demands on brakes and tyres.
- Multiple layouts: Different connecting roads allow the circuit to be shortened for particular vehicles, events or safety requirements.
- Flat but demanding: There are few major hills, so the challenge comes from speed, accurate positioning and carrying momentum between corners.
What races here?
- Ulster Superbikes: Modern Superbikes, Supersport machines and smaller motorcycle categories form an important part of the calendar.
- Car racing: Single-seaters, touring cars, sports cars and historic vehicles compete during Irish and British club meetings.
- Superkarts: Extremely light racing karts use the full-size circuit and can reach much higher speeds than normal rental karts.
- Stage rallies: Organisers combine the circuit, access roads and former airfield surfaces into individual timed stages.
Records and major events
- Car lap record: 1:01.352 - Cian Carey, May 2025, on the approximately 1.83-mile National Circuit.
- Superbike lap record: 1:05.093 - Charlie Nesbitt, October 2024.
- Sunflower Trophy: A major motorcycle race previously won by riders including Joey Dunlop, Steve Hislop and Jonathan Rea.
- Enkalon Trophy: Another long-running motorcycle event that forms part of the Ulster Superbike season.
Lap records are divided by circuit layout and vehicle category, so times from cars, motorcycles and superkarts are not directly comparable.
Why go?
Bishopscourt offers a traditional club-racing atmosphere where spectators can get closer to the vehicles and teams than at many large international venues. Meetings often contain several short races, making the action easy to follow.
Its mixture of motorcycles, cars, karts and rally machinery also means that separate events can provide very different experiences at the same circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for race starts, finishes, pit-lane activity and vehicles accelerating at full power.
- Hairpin: Good for heavy braking, overtaking attempts and riders or drivers choosing different lines.
- Fast outer sections: Best for appreciating the circuit's speed and its origins as a wide military airfield.
- Paddock: Useful for seeing the vehicles and preparation work between sessions when public access is permitted.
Bishopscourt is in rural County Down, several miles southeast of Downpatrick and approximately 30 miles from Belfast. Driving is normally the simplest way to reach it. Entrances, viewing areas and paddock access vary between events, so check the organiser's current information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Bishopscourt Racing Circuit (Northern Ireland)
Bishopscourt Racing Circuit is in rural County Down, around 30 miles south of Belfast. Driving is the easiest way to visit, but buses from Belfast can take you to Downpatrick and onward towards the Bishopscourt area if you plan the journey carefully.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is by far the simplest way to reach Bishopscourt. The circuit is surrounded by countryside and the final approach uses smaller local roads.
- From Belfast: head south towards Downpatrick using the A24 and A7.
- From Downpatrick: continue towards Ballyhornan and follow signs for Bishopscourt.
- From Ardglass: the circuit is only a few miles north of the village.
- Navigation: search for “Bishopscourt Racing Circuit” rather than simply entering Downpatrick.
Temporary road closures can occasionally affect the normal approach during events, so follow organiser signs when you get close to the circuit.
Getting there by bus
There is no convenient rail journey to Bishopscourt, so visitors without a car should use buses and plan the final section carefully.
- Travel from Belfast Grand Central Station to Downpatrick. Translink services 215 and 515 operate on this route.
- At Downpatrick, change for the 16A bus towards Ballyhornan when the timetable allows.
- Get off in the Bishopscourt area and continue towards the circuit.
The Bishopscourt bus stop is in the local area rather than inside the race circuit. The current 16A timetable also has no Sunday service, so it is not suitable for many Sunday race meetings.
Flying in
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is generally the most convenient airport for visitors flying to Bishopscourt.
- Belfast City Airport: allow roughly 55–60 minutes by car to the circuit.
- Belfast International Airport: another useful option with a wider range of flights, but normally a slightly longer drive.
- Rental car: strongly recommended because it makes the rural final journey much easier.
- Without a car: travel into Belfast, take a bus to Downpatrick and arrange the final connection from there.
If several people are travelling together, a rental car or pre-booked taxi is usually much simpler than combining several rural bus services.
Parking & camping
Bishopscourt has space for spectator vehicles, but parking and overnight arrangements depend on the event.
- On-site parking: available at many race meetings.
- Follow marshals: different areas may be used for spectators, competitors and officials.
- Camping: available at selected multi-day events rather than automatically at every meeting.
- Check your ticket: some events include parking or camping in the ticket price.
For example, the 2026 Classic Bike Festival includes day parking with spectator tickets and camping with weekend tickets. Other events may use different rules.
Understanding the circuit
Bishopscourt began life as an RAF airfield before becoming a permanent motorsport venue. Today it can use several different circuit configurations.
- International Circuit: approximately 2.136 miles.
- National Circuit: approximately 1.830 miles.
- Intermediate Circuit: approximately 1.479 miles.
- Events: the venue is especially well known for motorcycle racing but also hosts cars, sprints, track days and other motorsport.
Check which layout your event is using, as paddock and spectator activity can be spread across different parts of the site.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: rural roads around the venue can become busy when a large meeting finishes or begins.
- Bring suitable footwear: expect grass and uneven ground away from the main paddock.
- Prepare for the weather: County Down conditions can change quickly, even during summer.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and anyone watching close to the circuit.
- Do not rely on Sunday buses: check the latest Translink timetable before choosing public transport.
- Save the address: 29 Lismore Road, Bishopscourt, Downpatrick, BT30 7EY, Northern Ireland.
For a first visit, driving directly to Bishopscourt is the easiest plan. If you are staying in Belfast without a car, travel to Downpatrick by bus and arrange the final journey before race day.
Parking, camping, bus services, entrances and local road arrangements can change between events. Check the organiser's information and the latest Translink timetable before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Bishopscourt Racing Circuit (County Down, Northern Ireland)
Bishopscourt Racing Circuit is a fast permanent motorsport venue built from a former RAF airfield near Downpatrick. Motorcycles are a major part of its identity, but the circuit also hosts car racing, karts and track activity - with Strangford Lough, Saint Patrick heritage, forests and the Mourne Mountains all within easy reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Exploris Aquarium: Take the Strangford ferry to Portaferry for Northern Ireland's only aquarium, with marine life, penguins and a seal-rescue programme.
- Castle Ward: An 18th-century estate overlooking Strangford Lough with woodland trails, historic rooms and filming locations used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.
- Downpatrick & County Down Railway: Heritage trains operate on selected days, giving families a relaxed way to see part of the countryside around Downpatrick.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- The Saint Patrick Centre: An interactive museum in Downpatrick dedicated to the story of Ireland's patron saint. It is a useful introduction if you know little about Saint Patrick beyond the holiday.
- Down County Museum: Set inside a restored 18th-century gaol, the museum explores the history and people of County Down.
- Down Cathedral & Saint Patrick's Grave: Walk up Cathedral Hill to the traditional burial place of Saint Patrick beside Down Cathedral.
Eat & drink around Bishopscourt
- Downpatrick: The nearest major town is the easiest place to find cafés, pubs, takeaway food and casual restaurants before or after racing.
- Strangford: Head toward the lough for seafood and waterfront dining, especially if you are combining dinner with Castle Ward or the ferry.
- Try an Ulster fry: A traditional cooked breakfast often includes bacon, sausage, egg, potato bread and soda bread - useful fuel before a long day at the circuit.
- Look for local seafood: County Down's coast and Strangford Lough make fish and shellfish a natural choice on menus around the area.
Get outdoors between race days
- Strangford Lough: Walk beside the shoreline, take the ferry between Strangford and Portaferry or look for kayaking and wildlife-watching activities.
- Tollymore Forest Park: Explore riverside and woodland trails beneath the Mourne Mountains. It works well for everything from an easy family walk to a longer hike.
- Murlough National Nature Reserve: Walk through dunes to a long sandy beach with the Mourne Mountains behind you.
Waterproof footwear and a light rain jacket are useful even during summer - weather in County Down can change quickly.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Newcastle & the Mourne Mountains: Combine the seaside promenade with mountain scenery, forest walks and longer hiking routes.
- Strangford & Portaferry: Visit Castle Ward, cross the lough by ferry and continue to Exploris for an easy full-day loop.
- Belfast: Allow a full day for Titanic Belfast, the city centre, St George's Market and Northern Ireland's largest selection of restaurants and museums.
- County Down coast: A slower drive around the coast connects beaches, small villages and viewpoints across the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough.
Good to know during race weekends
- Bishopscourt has several layouts: The International, National and Intermediate circuits differ in length, so check which configuration your event is using.
- Motorcycle racing is a major attraction: The venue hosts rounds of the Ulster Superbike Championship plus established trophy and classic-bike meetings.
- The circuit began as an airfield: RAF Bishopscourt was established during the Second World War, and the wide-open former airfield site still shapes the character of the venue.
- Prepare for exposed weather: Wind and rain can make a cool day feel colder around an open former airfield, so bring an extra layer.
- Bring hearing protection: Motorcycle and car racing can be extremely loud from close spectator areas, particularly for children.
Race schedules, circuit layouts, spectator access, attraction opening hours and transport arrangements can change - check current information before travelling.