Kiltorcan Raceway
Location
Ballyhale, County Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Kiltorcan Raceway - Ballyhale, Ireland
Modern outdoor kart circuit in County Kilkenny - long, technical and used for everything from first-time rental sessions to national and international kart racing
When was the track built?
The exact opening date of the original Kiltorcan circuit is not widely documented, but the Holland family has owned and operated the venue since April 2000 and brought decades of karting experience to the site.
The circuit seen today is much newer. Kiltorcan underwent a major renovation in 2023, with the track redesigned to approximately 1.1 km and fitted with a modern barrier system and new start-finish gantry.
When was its first race?
A reliable date for Kiltorcan's first competitive race is not publicly documented, so it is better not to give an uncertain year. The venue has hosted both leisure karting and organised competition for many years.
Today it is closely connected with the Tillotson T4 Series and also hosts other Irish karting categories, test days and major race meetings.
What's the circuit like?
- Long for a kart track: At around 1.1 km, Kiltorcan gives drivers more time to build speed and link corners together than many smaller rental circuits.
- Technical infield: Several tight bends and rapid direction changes reward smooth steering and accurate braking rather than simply accelerating as hard as possible.
- Changing rhythm: Faster sections are mixed with slower corners, so drivers constantly switch between carrying momentum and braking for tighter turns.
- Outdoor conditions: Rain, cold weather and changing track temperature can completely alter the grip level, adding another challenge during competitive events.
Racing and benchmarks
- 2026 T4 Senior benchmark: Adam Perry recorded a 52.565-second lap during KT Cup qualifying.
- Till otson T4: A controlled four-stroke racing category designed to keep the machinery similar and place more emphasis on the driver.
- T4 Bambino and Mini: Categories give younger competitors a route into organised kart racing from an early age.
- T4 Junior and Senior: Faster classes provide close wheel-to-wheel racing for more experienced competitors.
- Rental karting: The public fleet includes 200cc junior karts, 270cc adult karts and 390cc two-person karts.
Why go?
Kiltorcan is particularly good for newcomers because you do not need to own a kart or have racing experience. Rental sessions allow beginners to learn the circuit, while more competitive Grand Prix formats introduce qualifying and a proper final race.
At the same time, this is a genuine competition circuit. Visitors can also watch experienced racers use purpose-built machinery on the same technical layout, making Kiltorcan useful both as an introduction to karting and as a place to see serious Irish kart racing.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Start and finish area: A good choice for race starts, qualifying laps and watching the field accelerate beneath the circuit's overhead gantry.
- Tight infield sections: Best for watching drivers brake late, defend position and try different lines through the slower corners.
- Trackside viewing areas: The compact layout allows spectators to follow several sections of the circuit without the karts disappearing from sight for long.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Kiltorcan Raceway (County Kilkenny)
Plan your trip: driving is the easiest way to reach Kiltorcan Raceway. The outdoor karting circuit is in the countryside near Ballyhale, with free parking at the venue. Public transport can get you to Ballyhale or nearby Thomastown, but you will need to arrange the final connection.
Getting there by car
- Navigation: enter Kiltorcan Raceway, R95 E060 into your sat-nav or mapping app. The Eircode is the simplest way to find the rural entrance.
- From Kilkenny: travel south towards Ballyhale and follow your navigation for Kiltorcan as you approach the village.
- From Waterford: travel north towards Ballyhale, then continue onto the local roads leading to the circuit.
- First visit: allow a little extra time for the final part of the journey because the raceway is outside the main village.
Bus & train
- Ballyhale: TFI Route 365 serves the village, providing connections towards Waterford, Thomastown and Carlow.
- Route 73: Bus Éireann also serves Ballyhale on its Waterford–Athlone route.
- By train: Thomastown station is on the Dublin Heuston–Waterford line and is a useful option for visitors travelling by rail.
- Final connection: buses and trains do not stop at the raceway itself, so arrange a taxi or lift for the last part of your journey.
Public transport is possible, but for a first visit a car is normally the simplest option.
Parking
- Free car parking: parking is available at the venue for visitors.
- Arrive before your session: leave enough time to park, check in and prepare before you are due on track.
- Race events: if you are attending a championship or organised kart meeting, follow any separate paddock and parking instructions issued for that event.
Before your karting session
- Pre-booking is recommended: arrange your karting session before travelling so you know there is availability.
- Beginners are welcome: the venue offers rental karting for different experience levels, so you do not need to be an experienced racer.
- Families: karting options are available for younger drivers as well as adults, with the venue welcoming participants from around five years old depending on the kart and activity.
- Outdoor track: the circuit is designed for all-weather use, but conditions can still affect how the track feels.
Accessibility
- Contact the raceway in advance if you have limited mobility or need help accessing the reception, paddock or spectator areas.
- Car or taxi is the easiest option for visitors who would find the final journey from Ballyhale or Thomastown difficult.
- If you plan to drive: speak to the venue beforehand about any individual requirements so they can advise which karting option is suitable.
What to know before you go
- Dress for outdoor conditions: bring suitable clothing for the weather, particularly during colder or wetter months.
- Wear sensible footwear: comfortable closed shoes are the best choice for karting.
- Allow enough time: do not arrive exactly when your driving session is due to begin; you will need time for check-in and preparation.
- Check opening times: seasonal opening hours vary, so confirm your booking before making a long journey.
About Kiltorcan Raceway
Kiltorcan Raceway is an outdoor karting venue near Ballyhale in County Kilkenny. The circuit has been operated by the Holland family since 2000 and offers karting for beginners, families, groups and more experienced drivers.
The 1,000-metre all-weather track provides a mixture of corners and technical sections, while the venue also supports competitive karting and organised race events.
Always check Kiltorcan Raceway's latest opening times, booking availability and event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Kiltorcan Raceway (County Kilkenny, Ireland)
Kiltorcan Raceway combines outdoor karting with the countryside of south County Kilkenny. Away from the track, you can explore medieval abbeys, castles, gardens and riverside towns - with Kilkenny City close enough for an easy day of sightseeing.
Family-friendly highlights near Kiltorcan
- National Reptile Zoo: Ireland's only dedicated reptile zoo has snakes, lizards, tortoises, alligators and other animals, plus regular animal encounters and an indoor play area.
- Kilkenny Castle: Explore the grand rooms of this historic castle before letting younger visitors enjoy the extensive parkland outside.
- Jerpoint Park: Discover the remains of a medieval settlement beside the River Nore, with guided experiences and seasonal sheepdog demonstrations.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Jerpoint Abbey: This impressive 12th-century Cistercian abbey is known for its stone carvings, cloister and remarkably well-preserved medieval remains.
- Medieval Mile Museum: Head into Kilkenny City for an easy introduction to more than 800 years of local history inside the restored St Mary's Church.
- Jerpoint Glass Studio: Watch skilled glassblowers transform molten glass into finished pieces at this family-run studio near Thomastown.
Eat & drink away from the track
- Ballyhale: Stay close to the circuit for a simple café, pub or takeaway stop before continuing your journey.
- Thomastown: This attractive riverside town has cafés and places to eat and combines easily with Jerpoint Abbey or Jerpoint Glass.
- Kilkenny City: Head into the city for the widest choice of restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries and evening dining.
Get outdoors in south Kilkenny
- Woodstock Gardens: Explore Victorian gardens, an arboretum, woodland walks and viewpoints above the River Nore near Inistioge.
- Nore Valley: Walking routes around Thomastown and Inistioge follow the river through peaceful countryside and woodland.
- Kilkenny Castle Park: The free parkland surrounding the castle provides an easy walk if you want fresh air without leaving the city.
Irish weather can change quickly, so waterproof layers and practical shoes are useful if you plan to combine karting with gardens or country walks.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Kilkenny City: Combine Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile and the city's compact historic streets for an easy full day.
- Jerpoint Abbey & Thomastown: Visit the abbey before exploring the riverside town and nearby craft studios.
- Kells Priory: Walk freely among the extensive ruins of one of Ireland's largest medieval monastic sites.
- Inistioge: Pair the picturesque village with Woodstock Gardens and a walk through the Nore Valley.
Good to know before karting
- Book before travelling: Kiltorcan currently processes bookings online, so arranging your session in advance is the safest option.
- Check age and height rules: Junior, youth and adult karts have different requirements. Single-seat karting currently starts from age 8.
- Dress for the track: Full-length trousers and covered upper clothing are required. The circuit provides safety equipment including gloves, a balaclava and a racing suit or wet suit.
- Listen to the briefing: Every driver receives safety instructions before entering the pit lane, which is particularly useful if this is your first time karting.
- Outdoor conditions matter: The circuit is all-weather, but rain can completely change grip levels and the driving experience.
Karting sessions, age and height requirements, race events and attraction opening hours can change - check current official information before travelling.