Mondello Park CW
Mondello Park is Ireland's only international motorsport venue, located in Caragh, County Kildare off the R409 regional road, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Dublin city center. The circuit was designed by Stuart Cosgrave on farmland near Naas following the demise of the dangerous Dunboyne road races in County Meath. The circuit opened on May 12, 1968, with an estimated crowd of 10,000-15,000 spectators. The facility was named after Mondello, a suburb in Palermo, Sicily, home of the famous Targa Florio road race, with the name translating to "little world."
The original 1.28-kilometer layout was extended to 1.6 kilometers for the 1969 season. After financial difficulties in the early 1980s, the circuit was rescued from closure in 1986 by Irish businessman and motorsport enthusiast Martin Birrane, initially in partnership with the Royal Irish Automobile Club, before taking 100% control in 1987. The circuit was extended to its current 3.5-kilometer International Track configuration in 1998, officially opened with a round of the EuroBOSS series for contemporary Formula One cars. The facility was awarded FIA International status in 2001. Situated on 110 acres, the facility now incorporates 3.621 kilometers of race track, 24 race garages, 12 hospitality suites, 3 kilometers of extreme off-road driving trails, a 5-acre off-road activities center, and the Museum of Motorsport. The International Track features 13 turns and has hosted major championships including the British Touring Car Championship (2001-2006), British GT Championship (2004-2006), and British Superbike Championship (2003-2007). Following Martin Birrane's death in June 2018, the circuit is now owned by the Birrane family.
The clockwise configuration at Mondello Park represents Ireland's only international motorsport venue's standard direction, flowing through up to 3.621 kilometers of the International Circuit located in Caragh, County Kildare, approximately 30 miles from Dublin City Centre. Running clockwise from the original 1968 layout, the circuit evolved significantly with the 1969 Duckhams Loop addition bringing lap length to 1.860 kilometers before the 1998 International Circuit extension created the current 3.621-kilometer configuration. The clockwise direction earned FIA International status in 2001 following investment and development in 1999-2000, establishing Mondello as Ireland's premier racing venue for both national and international championships.
Operating clockwise at Mondello Park showcases the circuit's evolution from club racing venue to international-grade facility, with the direction serving as the standard flow for the International Track that hosts major European and national championships. The circuit offers two primary configurations including the National Track and International Track, with the clockwise International layout providing the most comprehensive challenge across Ireland's motorsport infrastructure. Ireland's maritime climate creates unpredictable weather conditions where rain can arrive suddenly during sessions, with the clockwise flow creating specific wet-weather challenges where standing water accumulates in predictable locations. Mondello's proximity to Dublin positions it as Ireland's accessible motorsport destination, serving the nation's racing community with club events, driving experiences, and international championships that showcase the clockwise International Circuit as the facility's flagship layout.
