Tandragee 100 Circuit
Location
Tandragee, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Current Local Time
Track Info
Tandragee 100 Circuit - County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Fast and flowing motorcycle road-racing circuit between Tandragee and Markethill - famous for jumps, blind bends, elevation changes and high-speed country roads
When was the track built?
Tandragee is not a purpose-built race track. The circuit is formed from public roads running through the shallow hills of County Armagh, with barriers, marshals and safety equipment added when racing takes place.
One of the remarkable things about Tandragee is its continuity. The event has raced on essentially the same course between Tandragee and Markethill since 1958, even as motorcycles have become dramatically faster.
When was its first race?
The first Tandragee 100 took place on 19 April 1958. Unlike today's shorter races for individual classes, the original event was a 100-mile handicap race - which explains the "100" in the event's name.
It grew into one of Northern Ireland's most important national road races, attracting leading riders from Ireland, Britain, the Isle of Man and further abroad.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Tandragee links corners together naturally, allowing experienced riders to carry considerable speed from one section into the next.
- Constant elevation changes: The road rises and falls throughout the lap, creating blind crests, compressions and places where motorcycles become light or airborne.
- Cabra section: The long Cabra Straight and nearby jump are among the circuit's signature high-speed areas.
- Dips and blind bends: Sections including Moss Dip demand commitment because riders cannot always see the full road ahead when entering at speed.
Racing and benchmarks
- Outright lap record: 2:52.403 - Michael Dunlop, BMW, 2025, averaging 111.584 mph.
- Previous record: Dan Kneen held the benchmark at 109.609 mph from 2018 before the record was broken during the 2025 return.
- Superbike and Open: The fastest large-capacity motorcycles provide the headline races and challenge the outright lap record.
- Supersport: Middleweight motorcycles produce extremely close racing while still averaging well over 100 mph.
- 2026: Michael Dunlop won four races and increased his career Tandragee victory total to 17.
Why go?
Tandragee gives spectators the classic Irish road-racing experience. The motorcycles race through real countryside rather than a purpose-built circuit, passing hedges, fields, houses and junctions at speeds that can be difficult to appreciate until you see them in person.
The course is also varied enough to show several sides of road racing. One section may be about outright speed, while the next demands hard braking, precise positioning or confidence over a blind crest.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Bell's Crossroads: Close to the paddock and start area, making it a convenient choice for newcomers who also want to explore the event facilities.
- Marlacoo Corner: An established spectator location where riders negotiate one of the circuit's more recognisable changes of direction.
- Castle Corner: A popular viewing area for seeing riders attack the rural road course at close range.
- Cooley Hill Crossroads: A good option for appreciating the circuit's speed and elevation away from the busier start area.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to the Tandragee 100 Circuit (County Armagh)
Plan your trip: driving or travelling by motorcycle is usually the easiest option. The Tandragee 100 uses closed public roads in rural County Armagh, so choose your viewing area and arrive before the roads close.
Getting there by car
- From Belfast: travel towards Portadown and continue towards Tandragee. Follow temporary event signs as you approach the race area.
- From Dublin: travel north towards Newry, then continue through County Armagh towards Tandragee.
- Navigation: use your chosen official parking or viewing area as the final destination rather than simply entering Tandragee town centre.
- Arrive early: once the road-closing order takes effect, you may not be able to drive across the circuit to another viewing area.
Train & bus
- Portadown: the most useful railway station for visitors travelling towards Tandragee.
- Portadown to Tandragee: Translink bus services operate between the two towns.
- Final journey: Tandragee town is not the same as arriving at a spectator area, so you may still need a taxi, lift or walk.
- Return travel: check the last available service before race day, as road closures and racing can continue into the evening.
For a first visit, driving or arranging a lift is normally simpler than relying entirely on public transport.
Parking & viewing
- Official parking: spectator parking areas are normally provided at several points around the course, including popular corners and crossroads.
- Choose before arriving: when booking an official parking package, you may need to select a specific car park and remain on that part of the circuit during road closures.
- Motorcycles: a secure bike parking option may also be provided during the event.
- Private land: never enter fields or other private property unless it is an approved spectator area.
Road closures
- The road becomes the race track: normal traffic is stopped on the roads forming the circuit during practice and racing.
- Check the year's timetable: closure times change between events and are published before race weekend.
- Moving between areas: spectators may sometimes walk between approved viewing areas when officials permit, but never enter the live course.
- Follow marshals: prohibited zones and safety areas must remain clear at all times.
Accessibility
- Accessible viewing: the organisers provide a dedicated parking and viewing area for spectators with disabilities or mobility difficulties.
- Contact the organisers in advance if you need to use this area or require specific access information.
- Expect rural terrain: many spectator areas are grassy fields with slopes or uneven ground rather than permanent grandstands.
What to know before you go
- Wear sturdy footwear: spectator areas can involve grass, fields and uneven ground.
- Dress for the weather: most viewing is outdoors with limited shelter.
- Bring hearing protection: road racing is extremely loud, particularly close to the course.
- Check before travelling: confirm the latest road closures, parking areas and spectator instructions for your event.
About the Tandragee 100
The Tandragee 100 is a historic motorcycle road race held on a 5.3-mile course between Tandragee and Markethill. The event was first held in 1958 and the circuit combines narrow country roads, fast bends, elevation changes and several well-known crossroads and corners.
Unlike a permanent racing circuit, everyday public roads are closed to create the track. For spectators, that makes choosing a viewing area, parking nearby and arriving before road closure the most important parts of planning the day.
Always check the official Tandragee 100 information before travelling for current parking locations, road-closing times and spectator access arrangements.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around the Tandragee 100 Circuit (County Armagh, Northern Ireland)
The Tandragee 100 sends racing motorcycles through fast, twisting country roads between Tandragee and Markethill. Away from the racing, visitors can explore forests, riverside walks, ancient Irish sites and family attractions around Armagh - ideal for extending a road-racing weekend.
Family-friendly highlights near the course
- Gosford Forest Park: Explore woodland trails, play areas and open parkland near Markethill. The park has around 16 km of multi-use routes and plenty of space for children after a noisy race day.
- Armagh Observatory & Planetarium: Discover space through hands-on exhibits and immersive dome shows, then explore the outdoor Astropark and its scale model of the Solar System.
- Clare Glen: This wooded valley beside the River Cusher is only a short distance from Tandragee and has an easy riverside trail suitable for a relaxed family walk.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Navan Centre & Fort: Learn about Emain Macha, Iron Age life and the legends of Cú Chulainn through archaeology, guided visits and living-history experiences.
- Armagh County Museum: Ireland's oldest county museum covers local archaeology, natural history, art, clothing and everyday life across County Armagh.
- Armagh Planetarium: A particularly useful wet-weather option, with indoor exhibitions and digital theatre shows designed to make astronomy approachable for beginners.
Eat & drink away from the racing
- Tandragee: Stay close to the course for cafés, takeaways and straightforward pub meals before or after racing.
- Markethill: A convenient stop if you are combining the event with Gosford Forest Park.
- Armagh: Head into the city for the widest choice of restaurants and cafés, plus local produce from an area famous for its orchards.
Get outdoors around Tandragee
- Clare Glen River Trail: Follow the River Cusher on an easy 1.1-mile route. Longer circular options add steeper woodland sections.
- Gosford Forest Park: Choose from walking, running and cycling routes through mature woodland and open countryside.
- Armagh Astropark: Combine a planetarium visit with a gentle walk through 14 acres of landscaped grounds filled with astronomy displays.
Northern Irish weather can change quickly, so waterproof layers and practical footwear are useful even during summer.
Easy trips if you have more time
- Armagh: Combine the Planetarium, County Museum and cathedral city centre for an easy full day.
- Navan Centre & Fort: Allow a few hours for the visitor centre, Iron Age experience and walk to the ancient ceremonial site.
- Gosford & Clare Glen: Pair a longer forest walk with the quieter riverside paths near Tandragee for a nature-focused day.
Good to know during Tandragee 100 weekend
- This is a public-road circuit: Outside official closures, the course is made up of normal rural roads carrying everyday traffic.
- Choose your viewing area early: Once roads close, moving between parts of the circuit can become difficult. Check spectator access before arriving.
- Follow marshal instructions: Stay only in permitted viewing areas and never enter or cross the course while racing is live.
- Bring hearing protection: Racing motorcycles at close range are extremely loud, particularly for children.
- Check the latest timetable: Weather and incidents can change practice, racing and road-opening times at short notice.
Race dates, road closures, spectator areas and attraction opening hours can change - check current official information before travelling.