For most people, Mondello Park is somewhere they associate with motor racing. Whether it’s the excitement of four-wheeled competition, motorcycle racing or the occasional spectacular drifting event, the County Kildare circuit has been entertaining Irish motorsport enthusiasts for generations. However, there’s another side to Mondello Park that deserves considerably more attention, and this week we were invited along to experience it for ourselves. Located just outside Naas, Mondello is much more than somewhere to watch other people having fun behind the wheel. From corporate entertainment and team-building activities to professional driving instruction, supercar experiences and opportunities for younger drivers to get their first taste of motoring, there’s an impressive variety of activities available throughout the year. Our afternoon was designed to remind us of exactly that, and despite the rather uninviting weather conditions, it turned into one of the most enjoyable afternoons I’ve spent at the circuit in quite some time.
Our introduction was delivered by the ever-entertaining Leo Nulty, a familiar voice to anyone who has attended motorsport events at Mondello over the years. Leo’s knowledge of the circuit and its remarkable history is second to none, and his ability to combine fascinating stories with a healthy dose of humour set the tone perfectly for the afternoon ahead. With the formalities completed, it was time to get behind the wheel, and first on the agenda was the Volkswagen Golf GTI. These are the training cars used by Mondello’s instructors, and there’s a very good reason for that. The Golf GTI is an exceptionally capable machine, offering accessible performance, predictable handling and plenty of feedback. Conditions were damp, with grip levels constantly changing around the National Circuit, but the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen took everything in its stride. Even when pushing a little harder through the corners, the Golf remained composed and reassuringly predictable, making it an ideal starting point before moving into something considerably more powerful.
Next came a very different driving experience in the form of the Porsche Cayman S. Moving from front-wheel drive to a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car immediately changes the conversation, particularly when the circuit is still damp. Here, the emphasis was on understanding grip levels, managing the throttle and feeling how the car responds as you approach the limits of adhesion. The Porsche’s balance is exceptional, and with encouragement from the passenger seat, there was an opportunity to explore just how much grip those rear Bridgestone tyres could provide before beginning to surrender their hold on the tarmac. It’s an experience that teaches you considerably more about vehicle control than simply driving quickly in a straight line. My instructor throughout the afternoon was Fergus Brennan, another long-standing and wonderfully familiar face at Mondello Park. Fergus has an uncanny ability to assess a driver’s capabilities within a remarkably short space of time, knowing exactly when to offer encouragement, when to provide guidance and, perhaps most importantly, when to let you get on with enjoying the car.
The highlight of the afternoon, for me at least, came next with the recently acquired Audi R8 supercars. What an extraordinary machine. With its glorious naturally aspirated engine, quattro all-wheel-drive system, tremendous stopping power and seemingly endless reserves of performance, the R8 inspires confidence almost immediately. From the first corner, I felt comfortable pushing harder, and the combination of grip, acceleration and braking performance made it my favourite car of the day. There’s something wonderfully reassuring about a supercar that communicates so clearly what it’s doing beneath you, particularly when the weather isn’t entirely cooperating. Last on our driving programme was the Ferrari F430, another magnificent machine with an intoxicating soundtrack and the sort of character that reminds you why naturally aspirated performance cars are so special. One thing worth highlighting is that Mondello doesn’t approach these experiences by artificially limiting the enjoyment. At some venues, supercars are restricted in power or engine revs, leaving drivers feeling they’ve barely scratched the surface of what the car can do. That certainly wasn’t our experience here. Instead, the instructors actively encourage you to improve, carry more speed where appropriate and become progressively quicker with every lap, always within the limits of safety.
With our driving completed, the afternoon concluded with a guided tour of the Martin Birrane Collection, a remarkable museum celebrating the history of motorsport through an extraordinary selection of racing machinery. Once again, Leo Nulty was our guide, bringing the stories behind the cars to life with his customary wit and charm. From Formula 1 and IndyCar to Le Mans and NASCAR, the collection offers a fascinating insight into some of motorsport’s most memorable eras. Among the highlights are the Jordan 194 driven by Eddie Irvine and historic IndyCars associated with Nigel Mansell and Sir Jackie Stewart. It’s a wonderful addition to the Mondello experience and well worth exploring.
Perhaps the most important message from our visit is that you don’t need to be a motorsport enthusiast to enjoy Mondello Park. The circuit offers Formula Sheane single-seater experiences, drifting in a purpose-built Nissan 350Z, simulator racing and the Early-Drive programme, Electrified by Opel, which introduces 13 to 17-year-olds to driving and road safety without requiring a licence. Corporate groups can enjoy tailored activities, while those looking for something special can choose from individual supercar experiences or packages combining several cars. With Christmas approaching, gift vouchers ranging from €50 to €500 are also available, alongside individual experiences generally priced between €279 and €399. The vouchers remain valid for five years, giving recipients plenty of flexibility when deciding when to visit. Our afternoon was a timely reminder of just how much this wonderful facility has to offer. If you’ve never been to Mondello Park, or have only ever visited as a spectator, perhaps it’s time to change that. There’s an experience waiting for almost everyone, and I can think of few better Christmas presents than the opportunity to create a genuinely memorable day behind the wheel. Please visit www.mondellopark.ie to make a booking!
