Fairy Castle Circuit – Dublin

When was the track built?

Rumors of Dublin becoming a venue for a street circuit came and went across the 90s and early 2000, but no actual proposal has ever been even drafted.
With Mondello Park not being immediately suitable for F1 racing, Dublin and Ireland wanted to create a new state-of-the-art circuit to finally host the top motorsport series, avoiding however the overused street course formula, making something more unique.
The hill facing the historic Fairy Castle was selected and a roller-coasting track, designed by me, has been designed and built exploiting the continuous change of slope.
Another particular feature are the stands located on top of the highest point, overlooking the whole south part of the circuit, from Turn 6 to Turn 14.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It will be the first ever GP in this country.
It will rotate with Mondello Park circuit in the European Continental Series.

What’s the circuit like?

There is no section that is perfectly flat, although the main straight up to Turn 4 is the highest point and benefits from a little bit of level ground for the pits and main stands and entertainment facilities.
From there each of the long sweeping corners has a double incline, half downhill while driving away from the pit building and half uphill while driving towards it.
Particularly impressive is Turn 9, which is also slightly banked on the way up; the high-speed Turn 6 and the heavy braking Turn 8, both blind and downhill will put to the test even the greatest drivers.
Being located on a hillside, winds could be a factor as well in the constant changes of directions.
Delivering a lap with perfect lines in every corner is extremely difficult.

Where is it located?

On the hill facing the Fairy Castle monument, just few kilometres south of the nation capital, around 45 minutes from the airport. (53°13’15.7″N, 6°16’55.6″W)