Skerries 100 Circuit
Location
Skerries, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Skerries 100 Circuit - County Dublin, Ireland
Fast and compact motorcycle road-racing circuit outside Skerries - famous for Gillies Leap, Sam's Tunnel and high-speed racing on narrow country roads
When was the track built?
Skerries is not a purpose-built race track. Public roads through the countryside are temporarily closed, with barriers, marshals and other safety equipment installed for racing.
The circuit has changed several times. The original 1946 course measured 7.1 miles, followed by shorter layouts in 1964 and 1969. The present 2.92-mile circuit arrived in 1971, with another important change when a chicane was added near the cricket club in 2001.
When was its first race?
The first Skerries 100 was held on 6 July 1946. Belfast rider Harry Turner won the 100-mile handicap race on a 348cc Norton.
The event became one of the best-known races in Irish road racing. Joey Dunlop and Ray McCullough share the record for most Skerries victories with 17 each, while generations of leading road racers have competed on the course.
What's the circuit like?
- Very fast: Sections such as Shady Lane and Sam's Tunnel allow the quickest motorcycles to reach extremely high speeds on narrow public roads.
- Gillies Leap: One of Skerries' signature features, where the road rises sharply enough to send motorcycles airborne at racing speed.
- Tight hairpin: After the rapid run from Gillies Leap, riders brake heavily for the slowest corner on the circuit before accelerating hard away.
- Constant changes: Fast bends, narrow lanes, bumps and changes in road width mean riders rarely have time to relax during the short lap.
Racing and benchmarks
- Outright benchmark: Michael Dunlop recorded a 111.582 mph average lap during the 2016 Open 1000 race.
- First 100 mph lap: Steven Cull averaged 100.04 mph during the 1987 Grand Final.
- Most wins: Joey Dunlop and Ray McCullough share the all-time record with 17 victories each.
- Superbike and Open: The fastest large-capacity motorcycles provide the biggest speeds and traditionally headline the meeting.
- Supersport and Supertwin: Smaller machines often produce especially close racing because riders can carry so much speed through the narrow course.
Why go?
Skerries gives spectators a classic Irish road-racing experience. Motorcycles race along roads normally used by everyday traffic, passing farms, hedges and stone walls at speeds that can be difficult to appreciate until you see them close up.
The lap is also short enough that the leaders return quickly. The combination of jumps, hard braking and high-speed sections gives newcomers several very different types of racing to watch during one circuit.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Finnegan's Corner: A tight 90-degree left after a very fast approach, making it one of the best places for heavy braking and overtaking attempts.
- Gillies Leap: The circuit's most spectacular viewing area, with motorcycles becoming airborne before the run towards the hairpin.
- Hairpin: The slowest corner on the lap, where riders brake heavily and often lift the front wheel as they accelerate away.
- Sam's Tunnel and Sam's Leap: Ideal for appreciating outright speed before riders tackle another leap and the final section towards the finish.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to the Skerries 100 Circuit (County Dublin)
Plan your trip: train, bus and driving are all realistic options. The race takes place on closed public roads just outside Skerries, so choose where you want to watch and arrive before the roads close.
Getting there by car
- From Dublin: travel north towards Lusk and Skerries, then follow temporary Skerries 100 signs as you approach the event area.
- Main approach: the R127 from Lusk towards Skerries provides access towards the circuit and has been used as an event admission route.
- Do not arrive late: once the roads close, normal traffic cannot enter or cross the live circuit.
- Follow event signs: temporary traffic arrangements are more useful than your navigation app close to the course.
Train & bus
- Train: Skerries station is served by Dublin commuter trains and is the easiest public-transport option for many visitors travelling from Dublin.
- From the station: the railway station is in Skerries rather than at the circuit, so allow time to walk onward or arrange a taxi.
- Route 33: connects Dublin city with Skerries and is another option if you are travelling without a car.
- Route 33A: connects the Skerries area with Swords and Dublin Airport.
Check live public-transport information on race day because road closures may require buses to divert or use different stops.
Parking & road closures
- Use designated parking: spectator parking is normally organised around the circuit for race weekend.
- Park before closure: arrive early enough to leave your vehicle and reach your viewing position before the roads become the race track.
- Expect restrictions: roads around Milverton, the R127 and surrounding lanes may be closed or controlled during practice and racing.
- Leaving: depending on where you park, you may need to wait until roads reopen before driving away.
Watching the race
- Pick one area: it is usually easier to choose a good viewing position and remain there for the session rather than trying to move around the entire circuit.
- Stay behind barriers: only use recognised spectator areas and always follow marshal instructions.
- Private property: do not enter fields, gardens or farmland unless the area has been opened for spectators.
- Never cross a live circuit: wait for officials to confirm that crossing is permitted.
Accessibility
- Contact the organisers in advance if you have limited mobility and need advice about suitable parking or viewing areas.
- Expect uneven ground: this is a rural road race, so some spectator areas may involve grass, fields, slopes or roadside verges.
- Consider your return route: road closures can make some areas difficult to leave until racing has finished.
Airports
- Dublin Airport: the main airport for the event and the most convenient choice for visitors flying into Ireland.
- By bus: Route 33A provides a public-transport connection between Dublin Airport, Swords and the Skerries area.
- By car: a hire car gives you more flexibility, but make sure you know your parking area before approaching the circuit on race day.
What to know before you go
- Wear sturdy footwear: viewing areas can include fields and uneven ground.
- Dress for the weather: most spectators spend the day outdoors with limited shelter.
- Bring hearing protection: motorcycle road racing is extremely loud, especially close to the course.
- Check the latest information: road-closing times, parking and spectator access can change each year.
About the Skerries 100
The Skerries 100 is one of Ireland's long-running motorcycle road races. Racing in the Skerries area dates back to the 1930s, while the first event carrying the Skerries 100 name was held in 1946.
The modern Milverton Circuit is much shorter than the original course but still uses fast, narrow country roads with hedges, walls and challenging corners.
Always check Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club's latest information before travelling for current tickets, road closures, parking and spectator instructions.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around the Skerries 100 Circuit (County Dublin, Ireland)
The Skerries 100 brings high-speed motorcycle road racing to the country roads outside one of County Dublin’s most attractive seaside towns. Away from the racing, visitors can explore beaches, working windmills, coastal walks and historic estates - with Dublin itself close enough for an easy extra day.
Family-friendly highlights near the circuit
- Skerries Mills: Tour two historic windmills and a watermill while learning how grain was turned into flour. The site also has a café and is easy to understand even if you know nothing about milling.
- North Beach: The more sheltered of Skerries’ main beaches is a good choice for families, with sand and calmer surroundings beside the town.
- Ardgillan Castle & Gardens: Explore large coastal parklands, gardens and a playground, or book a tour inside the historic country house.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Skerries Mills: Guided tours explain the machinery, workers and centuries of milling history, making this the strongest local indoor attraction.
- Ardgillan Castle: A castle tour provides an easy wet-weather option while the gardens are better saved for clearer conditions.
- Skerries harbour: The compact town centre and harbour area have cafés and shops close together, useful when the weather changes quickly.
Eat & drink around Skerries
- Skerries Harbour: This is the natural place to look for seafood, cafés and relaxed meals with views of fishing boats and the coastline.
- Town centre: Bakeries, cafés and casual restaurants make it easy to find something quick before or after racing.
- Try Irish favourites: Fish and chips, seafood chowder or a traditional Irish breakfast are simple introductions to local food.
Explore the coast on foot
- Skerries Coastal Walk: Follow the roughly 1.5 km route around Red Island linking South and North beaches, with harbour and sea views along the way.
- South Beach: Take a longer stroll along this approximately 2.5 km stretch of coastline beside the Irish Sea.
- Ardgillan Demesne: Walk through woodland, open grassland and gardens while enjoying elevated views along the coast.
Irish coastal weather can change quickly, so waterproof layers and shoes suitable for damp grass are useful even in summer.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Ardgillan & Balbriggan: Combine the castle grounds with the coastline north of Skerries for an easy half-day.
- Malahide: Head south for a historic castle, gardens, marina and another attractive coastal town.
- Dublin: Skerries is around 30 km north of the city centre, making Dublin’s museums, historic sights and shopping an easy addition to a longer stay.
Good to know during Skerries 100 weekend
- This is a public-road circuit: The course only becomes a race track during official road closures. At other times these are normal roads carrying local traffic.
- Choose your viewing area early: Once roads close, moving around the circuit becomes much more difficult. Check spectator and access information before arriving.
- Follow marshal instructions: Stay inside approved spectator areas and never enter or cross the course while it is live.
- Bring hearing protection: Racing motorcycles at close range are extremely loud, particularly for children.
- Check the current schedule: Road-racing dates, road closures and event arrangements can change from year to year.
Race dates, road closures, spectator areas and attraction opening hours can change - check current official information before travelling.