To channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and test your need for speed, check out these 5 amazing places to go go-karting in Ireland.
We would like to consider ourselves fairly decent drivers here in Ireland, but how good are we at racing? We’ve had some minor successes in various motorsports across the globe—namely Eddie Irvine, four-time Grand Prix winner in Formula 1 (F1), and Eddie Jordan, owner of the F1 race-winning team, Jordan.
Thankfully for us, Ireland has no shortage of amazing go-karting tracks—meaning that, with enough time spend racing at these places, there’s a chance you could be our first ever Irish world champion.
All great racing drivers make their start in go-karting. Today we’re bringing you the top 5 go-karting tracks in our little Emerald Isle. Enjoy!Â
5. Eddie Irvine Sports Centre – to learn from the most famous Irish racing driver
Whether you’re a fan of the man or not, you have to admit Eddie Irvine is one of the top racers Ireland has ever produced. Not only did he have a decade long career in the world’s fastest motorsport, but he also finished runner-up in the 1999 world championship!
The Eddie Irvine Sports Centre (EiC) is one of Northern Ireland’s largest indoor karting tracks, allowing you get up over speeds of 40 mph. The track is perfect for corporate team events, stag and hen dos, or just for some good old fashion racing with your friends.
Sure to get the heart beating faster, this tight and quick circuit is also perfect for beginner go-karters. You’ll also receive a printout at the end of your race, showing you who got the fastest lap time so you can brag till your heart’s content.
Address: 41 Balloo Rd, Bangor BT19 7PR
4. Nutts Corner Circuit – for some outdoor high-speed thrills
If you’ve already had a taste of go-karting and want to experience more, then Nutts Corner Circuit is the place to go. An outdoor track, this place boasts faster karts than the EiC and a longer circuit also. Don’t be surprised if you’ve got a few lightly bruised ribs by the end of your race!
The circuit tops in at over 2 kilometres and their go-karts are fitted with a Honda 270cc 8.5 Bhp engine, giving you a top speed of 55 mph.
Some of their race formats include Time Attack (racing the clock); Grand Prix (includes heats, semi-finals, finals); Sprints (practise laps and race); and Endurance (this one is really only for more experienced drivers).
Address: 11 Dundrod Rd, Dundrod, Crumlin BT29 4SR
3. Need4Speed Indoor Karting – for a close brush with the barriers
For more amazing go-karting in Ireland, be sure to check out Need4Speed’s indoor track. We’re sure at some point we have all played the Need4Speed racing game, for some it was perhaps your first taste of racing, and this place lives up to the fast cornering and close racing the video game produces.
Another indoor track, you can be sure you’ll get sideways and likely even clip the barrier of tyres at some point while racing here.
It’s another track that’s more geared towards beginners, but don’t let that put you off if you’re an experienced racer, this place has thrills for all!
Address: 11 Kilbride Rd, Doagh, Ballyclare BT39 0QA
2. WhiteRiver Karting – an excellent modern outdoor racetrack
We’ve raced on this circuit more times than we can count (and certainly more laps), and still we love coming back to it. This place provides thrills for both experienced and novice drivers in fast, high-spec karts.
The Birel Go-Karts used at this track draw upon world championship heritage and it’s the premier corporate entertainment kart on the market today. They are almost 30% lighter than traditional rental karts—go-karting in Ireland has never been so fast!
P.S. a WhiteRiver gift voucher makes an excellent birthday, Father’s/Mother’s Day, or Christmas gift for that petrolhead in your life.
Address: Exit 12 M1, Newtown Knockaleva, Dunleer, Co. Louth, A92 FW29, Ireland
1. Kiltorcan Raceway – for the best place to go go-karting in Ireland
Hoo boy, this place. Is. Incredible. If you’re wanting an amazingly high-speed track and somewhere that excels in close wheel-to-wheel racing, then Kiltorcan Raceway is the place to go.
It’s one of Ireland’s most loved karting tracks and is sure to be a day full of thrills for anyone who visits. It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it’s FUN. And it does all this while still maintaining an exceptionally high standard of safety.
Their 1000 metre, all-weather, floodlit go-karting track will offer the buzz of a lifetime; you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth out of a day’s racing here. The track always produces some close combat action, so you and your friends can get up close and personal and see who has the best world championship potential.
Address: Kiltorcan, Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny, R95 E060, Ireland
Next time you are in the Emerald Isle and you’re keen for a race, have a go at any one of these places for go-karting in Ireland.
