Mondello Park
Location
Caragh (Co. Kildare), near Naas, Republic of Ireland
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Nearby Tracks
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Dundrod Circuit
157.0 km away
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Kirkistown Circuit
161.2 km away
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Isle of Man TT Mountain Course
184.2 km away
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Track Info
Mondello Park - Caragh, County Kildare, Ireland
Ireland’s only FIA-licensed permanent circuit - clockwise - compact, technical layouts topped by an International course with fast Esses and a stadium-style final sector
When was the track built?
The short circuit was designed in 1966 and opened in 1968 to bring racing off public road courses like Dunboyne. The National loop came in 1969 and, after Martin Birrane’s investment, the International Circuit opened in 1998 with FIA upgrades, pit garages and an on-site motorsport museum.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race meetings ran in May 1968. Mondello quickly became Ireland’s racing hub, later stepping up to international fixtures with British and FIA series throughout the 2000s.
What’s the circuit like?
- International - rhythm and rotation: A busy 3.50 km lap with fast approaches into the Esses, a flowing middle and a technical final complex that punishes rear traction on long runs.
- National - short and punchy: Classic club-racing vibe with big stops, great sightlines and tight gaps that keep fields compressed.
- Benchmark pace: 1:28.708 in an F1-spec EuroBOSS car stands as the International outright; National’s outright sits at 0:47.380 from BOSS Ireland machinery.
- Weather wildcard: Irish showers can swing balance and tyre strategy within a race window, especially on the slick curbing through the Esses.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- EuroBOSS - International: 1:28.708 - Johnny Laursen, Benetton B197, 2006.
- British F3 - International: 1:32.266 - Álvaro Parente, 2005.
- FIA Sportscar - International: 1:33.268 race lap - Christian Pescatori, Ferrari 333 SP, 2001.
- BSB Superbike - International: 1:38.604 race lap - Jonathan Rea, 2007.
- BOSS Ireland - National: 0:47.380 - Sylvie Mullins, 2023.
Why go?
Mondello offers close, visible racing with multiple vantage points and quick-fire support schedules. You’ll see everything from ICCR national classes and Fiesta swarms to historic Leinster Trophy weekends and international guests. The venue also hosts Drift Masters rounds that turn the place into a festival.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Main straight - T1 braking: Starts, restarts and deep braking duels with pit action opposite.
- Esses complexes: See who keeps momentum and rotates cleanly over kerbs as tyres go off late in the stint.
- Final sector: The technical linkers decide the launch onto the pit straight and produce photo finishes at the flag.
Not just one series - headline events at Mondello
BTCC: Visited 2001–2006, bringing tin-top elbows-out action to the International loop.
BSB: Superbikes from 2003–2007, including Jonathan Rea’s breakout Mondello performances.
FIA Sportscar Championship 2001: Dome vs Ferrari 333 SP endurance duel, with Pescatori’s 1:33.268 race lap a benchmark.
Drift Masters European Championship: Annual crowd-puller with packed grandstands and a festival atmosphere.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mondello Park - Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Best options are driving via the M7 - N7 to Naas then following circuit signs, rail to Sallins & Naas then a short taxi, and coach - bus to Naas then taxi. The venue is about 5 minutes from Naas and around 25 minutes from Dublin in light traffic.
Public transport - rail or coach to Naas, then taxi
- Train to Sallins & Naas: Take Irish Rail to Sallins & Naas on the Dublin - Kildare corridor, then a taxi for the final 9 km to the gate. Typical taxi time is about 9 - 10 minutes.
- Coach - bus to Naas: From Dublin Airport and city, Dublin Coach runs to Naas (Roseville). From Naas, continue by local taxi to Mondello Park.
- From central Dublin without a car: Fastest public route is train to Sallins & Naas + taxi (about 42 minutes total from Dublin City according to planner estimates).
There is no regular public bus directly into the circuit. Plan a taxi for the last leg from Naas or Sallins.
Driving - use the M7 - N7 and follow Naas - circuit signs
- From Dublin - M50: Join N7 - M7 toward Naas. Exit for Naas and follow brown Mondello Park signs to Donore. The circuit is about 25 minutes from Dublin in light traffic.
- From the south - west: Use the M7 toward Naas and follow local signage to the venue.
Parking - on site P zones, disability bays at Gate 2 on major events
- General parking: On site event car parks are stewarded and signed on approach. Arrive early for the closest bays on large show - race days.
- Accessibility: Event guidance lists designated disabled parking at Gate 2 when activated. Display your permit and follow marshal direction.
Camping - not generally available unless specified by the event
- Standard policy: Spectator camping is not permitted for most events. Some weekends offer event-run glamping or limited campervan arrangements but usually no overnighting on site. Always check your event page.
Taxis and set downs
- Set destination: Mondello Park, W91 T957. On event days staff direct drop off - pick up to the active gates.
- From Sallins & Naas Station: About 9 km - typically 9 - 10 minutes by taxi outside peak times.
- From Naas town: Roughly 8 km - around 8 - 10 minutes by taxi.
Walking from stations - car parks
- From Sallins & Naas rail: The walk is approximately 9 km on rural roads. A taxi is strongly recommended.
- From on site parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on your P zone and chosen viewing area.
Airports and longer trips
- Dublin Airport DUB → Naas: Dublin Coach runs direct services to Naas (Roseville) most of the day. Then take a taxi to Mondello Park.
- From Dublin City: Fastest route without a car is train to Sallins & Naas + taxi.
About the venue - quick context
- International circuit up to 3.5 km: Ireland’s only permanent international-spec circuit, located 40 km from Dublin.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: M7 - N7 → Naas, then follow Mondello Park signs to W91 T957.
- Rail users: Sallins & Naas then taxi for the 9 km final hop.
- Airport arrivals: Dublin Coach to Naas then taxi.
- Accessibility: disability parking at Gate 2 when advertised on event pages.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mondello Park - Naas - County Kildare (Ireland)
Whether you are here for Irish Championship racing, Masters Superbike rounds, Drift Masters, rallycross, classic festivals, car shows or a trackday, this friendly national circuit sits in horse country close to Dublin with gardens, stately homes, lakes and mountains to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Irish National Stud & Gardens - Kildare Town: Thoroughbred tours, Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden. Great half day for all ages.
- Kildare Village: Open air outlet shopping with cafés and play spots - easy rainy or windy day fallback.
- Newbridge Silverware - Museum of Style Icons: Compact galleries and a good café - handy between showers.
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park: Train, playgrounds and peatland trails - perfect for younger kids.
- AquaZone - National Aquatic Centre (Blanchardstown): Indoor slides and wave pool if you add a city detour.
- Mondello experiences - karting: Public sessions and experiences run on select non event days. Check schedule if you want a slot between qualifying and racing.
Family venues often use dated tickets on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Russborough House - Blessington: Palladian mansion with art, maze and lakeside walks - mix of indoor - outdoor.
- Castletown House - Celbridge: Ireland’s largest Palladian house with parklands for a leisurely stroll.
- Curragh Racecourse - Horse Museum area: When racing is on, it is a classic Irish day out - otherwise visit the plains and nearby heritage spots.
- Dublin city core: Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Trinity College - Book of Kells and covered arcades on Grafton Street.
- Kilkenny Castle or Trim Castle: Strong castle days if you add time - both pair well with cafés and riverside walks.
Eat and drink like a local
- Naas - Newbridge town centers: Gastropubs, bakeries and coffee bars perfect for paddock picnic supplies and post session dinners.
- Kildare food stops: Farm shops and cafés around the Stud and on the road to the Curragh for hearty breakfasts and scones.
- Classic Irish plates: Roast beef and Yorkshire, fish and chips, chowder with brown bread, and stews on cooler days.
- Sweet treats: Pastel de natas, tray bakes and ice cream at Kildare Village or Naas canalside cafés.
- Race week tip: Book Friday - Saturday tables in Naas, Newbridge and Kildare Town on big drift - superbike weekends and during Curragh race meetings.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Blessington Greenway & Lakes: Flat lakeside paths - rent bikes or stroll to viewpoints. Great at golden hour.
- Wicklow Mountains - Glendalough: Short loops around the Upper Lake or tackle the Spinc boardwalk for bigger views.
- The Curragh Plains: Wide open grassland for an easy jog or kite with the kids - parking laybys along the R413.
- Royal Canal Greenway - Maynooth area: Family friendly cycling on towpaths with frequent coffee stops.
- Grand Canal - Sallins: Lock gates, barges and a flat promenade for a quick fresh air break.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Dublin - 35 to 60 minutes. Storehouse, Book of Kells, EPIC and Phoenix Park - an easy full day.
- Glendalough - Wicklow Mountains - 45 to 80 minutes. Monastic settlement and lake loops with café stops.
- Kilkenny - 60 to 90 minutes. Castle, Medieval Mile Museum and riverside walks.
- Trim - 50 to 70 minutes. Massive Norman castle on the Boyne - photogenic at sunset.
- Brú na Bóinne - Newgrange - 70 to 100 minutes. Prehistoric passage tombs - timed tickets required.
- Howth coastal loop - 60 to 90 minutes. Clifftop paths and seafood if you add a seaside evening after the chequered flag.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular houses, tombs and museums often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late spring through early autumn carries the busiest calendars - drift festivals, superbikes, national car meetings and club events. Local hotels around Naas - Newbridge fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Classic Irish mix. Expect bright spells, quick showers and breezy banks. Pack layers, a light rain shell, waterproof footwear and sunscreen for clear breaks.
- Bank holidays - May - June and August bank holidays add traffic at Wicklow and Kildare attractions - prebook where possible.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences, museum access and karting may pause or run special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator banks with long, exposed walks between International and National sections. A compact seat pad or folding chair and refillable bottles help on warm days.
- Cash - cards: Cards widely accepted, but small market stalls and rural cafés may prefer contactless or cash.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, rain layers, spare socks for wet grass and a warm layer for evening prize givings.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, house - museum ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location
Caragh (Co. Kildare), near Naas, Republic of Ireland
Current Local Time
Current Local Weather
Track Info
Mondello Park - Caragh, County Kildare, Ireland
Ireland’s only FIA-licensed permanent circuit - clockwise - compact, technical layouts topped by an International course with fast Esses and a stadium-style final sector
When was the track built?
The short circuit was designed in 1966 and opened in 1968 to bring racing off public road courses like Dunboyne. The National loop came in 1969 and, after Martin Birrane’s investment, the International Circuit opened in 1998 with FIA upgrades, pit garages and an on-site motorsport museum.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race meetings ran in May 1968. Mondello quickly became Ireland’s racing hub, later stepping up to international fixtures with British and FIA series throughout the 2000s.
What’s the circuit like?
- International - rhythm and rotation: A busy 3.50 km lap with fast approaches into the Esses, a flowing middle and a technical final complex that punishes rear traction on long runs.
- National - short and punchy: Classic club-racing vibe with big stops, great sightlines and tight gaps that keep fields compressed.
- Benchmark pace: 1:28.708 in an F1-spec EuroBOSS car stands as the International outright; National’s outright sits at 0:47.380 from BOSS Ireland machinery.
- Weather wildcard: Irish showers can swing balance and tyre strategy within a race window, especially on the slick curbing through the Esses.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- EuroBOSS - International: 1:28.708 - Johnny Laursen, Benetton B197, 2006.
- British F3 - International: 1:32.266 - Álvaro Parente, 2005.
- FIA Sportscar - International: 1:33.268 race lap - Christian Pescatori, Ferrari 333 SP, 2001.
- BSB Superbike - International: 1:38.604 race lap - Jonathan Rea, 2007.
- BOSS Ireland - National: 0:47.380 - Sylvie Mullins, 2023.
Why go?
Mondello offers close, visible racing with multiple vantage points and quick-fire support schedules. You’ll see everything from ICCR national classes and Fiesta swarms to historic Leinster Trophy weekends and international guests. The venue also hosts Drift Masters rounds that turn the place into a festival.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Main straight - T1 braking: Starts, restarts and deep braking duels with pit action opposite.
- Esses complexes: See who keeps momentum and rotates cleanly over kerbs as tyres go off late in the stint.
- Final sector: The technical linkers decide the launch onto the pit straight and produce photo finishes at the flag.
Not just one series - headline events at Mondello
BTCC: Visited 2001–2006, bringing tin-top elbows-out action to the International loop.
BSB: Superbikes from 2003–2007, including Jonathan Rea’s breakout Mondello performances.
FIA Sportscar Championship 2001: Dome vs Ferrari 333 SP endurance duel, with Pescatori’s 1:33.268 race lap a benchmark.
Drift Masters European Championship: Annual crowd-puller with packed grandstands and a festival atmosphere.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Mondello Park - Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Best options are driving via the M7 - N7 to Naas then following circuit signs, rail to Sallins & Naas then a short taxi, and coach - bus to Naas then taxi. The venue is about 5 minutes from Naas and around 25 minutes from Dublin in light traffic.
Public transport - rail or coach to Naas, then taxi
- Train to Sallins & Naas: Take Irish Rail to Sallins & Naas on the Dublin - Kildare corridor, then a taxi for the final 9 km to the gate. Typical taxi time is about 9 - 10 minutes.
- Coach - bus to Naas: From Dublin Airport and city, Dublin Coach runs to Naas (Roseville). From Naas, continue by local taxi to Mondello Park.
- From central Dublin without a car: Fastest public route is train to Sallins & Naas + taxi (about 42 minutes total from Dublin City according to planner estimates).
There is no regular public bus directly into the circuit. Plan a taxi for the last leg from Naas or Sallins.
Driving - use the M7 - N7 and follow Naas - circuit signs
- From Dublin - M50: Join N7 - M7 toward Naas. Exit for Naas and follow brown Mondello Park signs to Donore. The circuit is about 25 minutes from Dublin in light traffic.
- From the south - west: Use the M7 toward Naas and follow local signage to the venue.
Parking - on site P zones, disability bays at Gate 2 on major events
- General parking: On site event car parks are stewarded and signed on approach. Arrive early for the closest bays on large show - race days.
- Accessibility: Event guidance lists designated disabled parking at Gate 2 when activated. Display your permit and follow marshal direction.
Camping - not generally available unless specified by the event
- Standard policy: Spectator camping is not permitted for most events. Some weekends offer event-run glamping or limited campervan arrangements but usually no overnighting on site. Always check your event page.
Taxis and set downs
- Set destination: Mondello Park, W91 T957. On event days staff direct drop off - pick up to the active gates.
- From Sallins & Naas Station: About 9 km - typically 9 - 10 minutes by taxi outside peak times.
- From Naas town: Roughly 8 km - around 8 - 10 minutes by taxi.
Walking from stations - car parks
- From Sallins & Naas rail: The walk is approximately 9 km on rural roads. A taxi is strongly recommended.
- From on site parking: Expect 5 - 15 minute stewarded walks depending on your P zone and chosen viewing area.
Airports and longer trips
- Dublin Airport DUB → Naas: Dublin Coach runs direct services to Naas (Roseville) most of the day. Then take a taxi to Mondello Park.
- From Dublin City: Fastest route without a car is train to Sallins & Naas + taxi.
About the venue - quick context
- International circuit up to 3.5 km: Ireland’s only permanent international-spec circuit, located 40 km from Dublin.
Quick guide - what is nearest
- Drivers: M7 - N7 → Naas, then follow Mondello Park signs to W91 T957.
- Rail users: Sallins & Naas then taxi for the 9 km final hop.
- Airport arrivals: Dublin Coach to Naas then taxi.
- Accessibility: disability parking at Gate 2 when advertised on event pages.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Mondello Park - Naas - County Kildare (Ireland)
Whether you are here for Irish Championship racing, Masters Superbike rounds, Drift Masters, rallycross, classic festivals, car shows or a trackday, this friendly national circuit sits in horse country close to Dublin with gardens, stately homes, lakes and mountains to fill your non race time.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Irish National Stud & Gardens - Kildare Town: Thoroughbred tours, Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Garden. Great half day for all ages.
- Kildare Village: Open air outlet shopping with cafés and play spots - easy rainy or windy day fallback.
- Newbridge Silverware - Museum of Style Icons: Compact galleries and a good café - handy between showers.
- Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park: Train, playgrounds and peatland trails - perfect for younger kids.
- AquaZone - National Aquatic Centre (Blanchardstown): Indoor slides and wave pool if you add a city detour.
- Mondello experiences - karting: Public sessions and experiences run on select non event days. Check schedule if you want a slot between qualifying and racing.
Family venues often use dated tickets on weekends and school holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Russborough House - Blessington: Palladian mansion with art, maze and lakeside walks - mix of indoor - outdoor.
- Castletown House - Celbridge: Ireland’s largest Palladian house with parklands for a leisurely stroll.
- Curragh Racecourse - Horse Museum area: When racing is on, it is a classic Irish day out - otherwise visit the plains and nearby heritage spots.
- Dublin city core: Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Trinity College - Book of Kells and covered arcades on Grafton Street.
- Kilkenny Castle or Trim Castle: Strong castle days if you add time - both pair well with cafés and riverside walks.
Eat and drink like a local
- Naas - Newbridge town centers: Gastropubs, bakeries and coffee bars perfect for paddock picnic supplies and post session dinners.
- Kildare food stops: Farm shops and cafés around the Stud and on the road to the Curragh for hearty breakfasts and scones.
- Classic Irish plates: Roast beef and Yorkshire, fish and chips, chowder with brown bread, and stews on cooler days.
- Sweet treats: Pastel de natas, tray bakes and ice cream at Kildare Village or Naas canalside cafés.
- Race week tip: Book Friday - Saturday tables in Naas, Newbridge and Kildare Town on big drift - superbike weekends and during Curragh race meetings.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Blessington Greenway & Lakes: Flat lakeside paths - rent bikes or stroll to viewpoints. Great at golden hour.
- Wicklow Mountains - Glendalough: Short loops around the Upper Lake or tackle the Spinc boardwalk for bigger views.
- The Curragh Plains: Wide open grassland for an easy jog or kite with the kids - parking laybys along the R413.
- Royal Canal Greenway - Maynooth area: Family friendly cycling on towpaths with frequent coffee stops.
- Grand Canal - Sallins: Lock gates, barges and a flat promenade for a quick fresh air break.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Dublin - 35 to 60 minutes. Storehouse, Book of Kells, EPIC and Phoenix Park - an easy full day.
- Glendalough - Wicklow Mountains - 45 to 80 minutes. Monastic settlement and lake loops with café stops.
- Kilkenny - 60 to 90 minutes. Castle, Medieval Mile Museum and riverside walks.
- Trim - 50 to 70 minutes. Massive Norman castle on the Boyne - photogenic at sunset.
- Brú na Bóinne - Newgrange - 70 to 100 minutes. Prehistoric passage tombs - timed tickets required.
- Howth coastal loop - 60 to 90 minutes. Clifftop paths and seafood if you add a seaside evening after the chequered flag.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Popular houses, tombs and museums often require dated tickets or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Late spring through early autumn carries the busiest calendars - drift festivals, superbikes, national car meetings and club events. Local hotels around Naas - Newbridge fill Thursday - Sunday.
- Weather - Classic Irish mix. Expect bright spells, quick showers and breezy banks. Pack layers, a light rain shell, waterproof footwear and sunscreen for clear breaks.
- Bank holidays - May - June and August bank holidays add traffic at Wicklow and Kildare attractions - prebook where possible.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Public experiences, museum access and karting may pause or run special hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Open spectator banks with long, exposed walks between International and National sections. A compact seat pad or folding chair and refillable bottles help on warm days.
- Cash - cards: Cards widely accepted, but small market stalls and rural cafés may prefer contactless or cash.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, rain layers, spare socks for wet grass and a warm layer for evening prize givings.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, house - museum ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.