Mondello Park Track Days – Even in Your Mam’s Micra!

While we’re all for exploring the countryside, there’s something exhilarating about swapping views for the roar of an engine at one of Ireland’s most iconic race tracks. Enter Mondello Park, a must-visit stop for any adrenaline junkie looking to add a dash of speed to their Irish adventure.

Does cruising around a professional racetrack at full throttle sound good? Now, what if we told you that you can do this in any car - from a Porsche to your mam’s Nissan Micra? It’s true!

Mondello Park’s track days aren’t just for fancy sports cars or race-trained drivers. This is your chance to take any car you have, even your everyday vehicle, and let loose on their world-class circuit. Mondello's track days allow you to safely experience the racetrack, no matter your car or skill level.

The Track

Located in County Kildare, just a short drive from Dublin, Mondello Park has a state-of-the-art racing circuit that hosts some of the most prestigious motorsport events in the country. But for visitors like you, it's a playground where you can feel the rush of speeding around in a controlled, professional environment.

No matter if you’re a newbie or an experienced racer, Mondello’s track days are designed with safety and fun in mind. There are instructors and experts on hand to guide you, ensuring you get the most out of your driving experience without the stress of going it alone. It’s all about pushing your limits in a safe, controlled environment where the only thing you need to worry about is your lap time.

What to Expect:

• Your Car, Your Track: As long as it’s roadworthy, you’re welcome to bring any car you like.

• Expert Guidance: Not sure how to navigate a racetrack? No worries! Mondello’s experienced instructors are there to provide you with all the advice and encouragement you need to take on the course with confidence.

• Fun for All Levels: If it’s your first time driving on a track or you’ve raced before, track days at Mondello cater to every level. So, if you’re looking to push your driving skills or simply enjoy racing around a world-class circuit, Mondello is the perfect place to do it all!

• A Safe Environment: We know it sounds tempting to channel your inner race car driver, but safety is always top priority. Mondello provides all the necessary gear, from helmets to expert supervision, ensuring you’re free to enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

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Now, it’s good to note that there are a few requirements your car needs to meet before being allowed. These are the most common failure points:

Brakes – Worn out brake pads are the number 1 reason people have to go home early from a track day! Ideally fit new ones if they're worn or bring a spare set of front pads or at minimum, make sure they have well over half of the friction material left. Also, check your brake fluid is topped up and check the colour of it. It should be a gold colour, like engine oil. If it's at all dirty looking or black, flush it out and change it for some new stuff. Old brake fluid is the number 1 source of brake fade on track and fresh fluid, even standard DOT4 stuff is way better than old fluid.

Wheel nuts/studs -  You would be amazed how many wheels fall off cars on track because owners have not tightened the nuts/studs correctly. If you've got a toque wrench, bring it along, if not, there will be no problem borrowing one off someone in the paddock. Wheels should ALWAYS be torqued before going on track and periodically throughout the day - they can and do come loose!

Engine oil - Top your oil up to just below the top mark on the dipstick (this will help prevent oil starvation under high cornering loads. Also make sure the oil is in good condition, if the car is overdue a service, get it done before you go out on track. Make sure you use good quality oil as your engine will be running at constantly high rpm, under extremely harsh conditions.

Check your coolant levels and have a good look around the engine bay and at all the hoses for signs of coolant /fluid leaks. The cooling system is going to be put to the test out on track & any small leaks should be dealt with.

Check all your wheel studs/nuts are tight and make sure you bring a wheel brace / torque wrench with you on the day to re-check them. They’ve seen quite a few wheels fall off in their time!

Fit your towing eye. If you don’t, and you spin off and end up in the gravel trap, the track team may have no option but to recover your car with a teleporter. Your car should have a towing eye in it’s tool kit but if not you can buy an aftermarket one. They stock FIA approved Motorsport tow straps in their store.

Pricing

For first-timers, a half-day track pass costs €275 - this includes a helpful introduction with an instructor who will go around the track with you before letting you go off on your own. Here’s what’s included in the price:

• Up to 3.5 hours track time! 

• 1 Hour driver coaching

• Helmet hire

• Open Pitlane

• Pit garages available, must be booked in advance

• Pro Photographer

• Tea, coffee & refreshments

• Free use of the Grand Prix Suite

Dates

Track days are on often throughout the year, with the next day being Monday the 4th of August. To book, visit trackdays.ie.

If you’ve had your fill of the usual tourist spots and you’re looking for something a bit different (and faster), Mondello is where you’ll want to make a pit stop. And let’s face it – how often do you get to tell your mates you’ve raced around a real-life track in your mam’s trusty hatchback?