Menu
07/05/2019
A Weekend At The North West 200 Races
Northern Ireland is the proud home of motorcycle racing on closed public roads and every May the picturesque setting of the Causeway Coast is showcased on the world stage as one of sport's most spectacular events- the International North West 200.
The beautiful Northern roads are set for a greater influx of spectators this year as the event celebrates its 90th anniversary. Many great racers have graced the closed roads circuit linking the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine since the inaugural race on April 20, 1929.
From the race schedule to road closures and supporting events, all the details for 11-18 May are detailed below.
The event attracts the finest line-up of road racers of any race on the planet, drawing thousands of visitors to cheer on the sidelines of the super fast 8.9 mile circuit. Hitting top speeds of over 200mph, racers like Michael Dunlop, Glen Irwin and Lee Johnston thrill over 80,000 fans who enjoy the festival of speed on roads that local people normally use to make their way to work each week.
A mecca for motorcycle fans, spectators can explore the history of road racing while enjoying the high speed thrills of a week of racing action on the Thursday evening and the Saturday.
Eight races will take place over four exciting classes: Supersport, Supertwin, Superstock and Superbike. Petrol heads can enjoy four hours of exciting practice sessions, as well as the following attractions:
• Riders meet & greet
• Vintage bike & car display
• Live music & entertainment
• Joey & Robert Dunlop Memorial Gardens
• The Vauxhall International North West 200 free app, bringing all the latest race news to your fingertips
• Family motor festival
• Family fun village
• Miss North West 200
Race and Practice Schedule
With the main race day on Saturday 18th May, the schedule for road closures leading up to the event will be as follows:
Practice Days:
Tuesday 14 May, 9.15am-3pm
Thursday 16 May, 9.15am-3pm
Evening Racing
Thursday 16 May, 5pm-9pm
Race Day
Saturday 18 May, 9.15am- 7pm
Roads comprising the Course:
• Route B185 (Station Road – Cromore Road), from its junction with Portrush Road, Portstewart, Route A2, to its junction with University Park, Coleraine Unclassified No.3522.
• Route A29, Ring Road Coleraine, from its junction with Cromore Road, Route B185, to its junction with Bushmills Road Roundabout, Route A29.
• Route A29 (Atlantic Road – Coleraine Road – Eglinton Street), from its junction with Burn Road, Coleraine, Unclassified No.3526, to its junction with Sandhill Drive, Portrush, Unclassified No.3543.
• Route A2 (Portstewart Road – Dhu Varren – Ballyreagh Road – Portrush Road – Portmore Road) from its junction with Coleraine Road, Portrush, Route A29, to its junction with Atlantic Circle, Portstewart, Unclassified No.3534.
• Unclassified No.3303 Glenmanus Road, Portrush, from its junction with Glenvale Crescent, Unclassified No.3545, for a distance of 100 metres in a southerly direction.
• Route A2 Crocknamack Road, Portrush, from its junction with Eglinton Street, Unclassified No.3543, to its junction with Hopefield Avenue, Unclassified No.3304.
Supporting Events
Fans can expect a warm welcome as they take in the theatre and drama of the North West 200 and fill their downtime by attending any number of the supporting events. These include vintage and classic bike and car runs, a fireworks display, paddock walkabouts, live music in the hospitality marquee and a free outdoor concert, all set against the stunning Causeway Coastline.
Local Attractions
Situated in the popular tourist destination of the Causeway Coast & Glens, there's an activity or piece of scenery to suit everyone. Whether its the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge or Dunluce Castle, there's plenty of places to pass a few hours and escape the sound of racing bikes. The North Coast also features many film locations from Game of Thrones and miles of stunning beaches to relax on.
Accommodation
Accommodation is as varied as the area itself, with quality hotels, guesthouses and B&B's in and around the famous NW200 triangle circuit. Enjoy the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, as well as the picturesque seaside resorts of Portballintrae, Downhill, Castlerock, Ballycastle and Bushmills. Many visitors also stop off in Ballymoney, the home to the Dunlop memorial gardens and museum. Close by are the towns of Limavady and Dungiven, famous for the Roe Valley and surrounded with fabulous scenery and great accommodation.
Parking
There are a number of official car parks around the circuit. All car parks are clearly marked with signage and are for the use of cars and bikes only- no motor homes or vans will be permitted!
Disabled parking is available at the area beside Inn on the Coast Hotel & on the Golf Course car park beside the Paddock Area. These are on a first come basis.
Car & Bike Parks can be found in the following locations:
• Opposite Portrush Police Station (bike parking)
• West Bay car park at Metropole, Portrush (car and bike parking)
• Grass area beside Inn on the Coast Hotel (car parking)
• Ballyreagh Golf Course, opposite Inn on the Coast Hotel (bike parking)
• Quarry Hill (car parking)
• Golf Course, beside the competitors paddock, (bike & car parking)
(JG)
Latest Northern Ireland Features
12 November 2024
Belfast Entrepreneurs To Be Celebrated With New Conference
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey. Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.
Belfast Entrepreneurs To Be Celebrated With New Conference
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey. Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.
19 September 2024
Carlingford's Adventure Lights to Illuminate Winter
Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the 'Land of Legends'.
Carlingford's Adventure Lights to Illuminate Winter
Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the 'Land of Legends'.
13 August 2024
The Reporter Named Belfast's 'Friendliest Pub'
The Reporter is the friendliest pub in Belfast, a new study has found. The experts at Belfast Bus Tour analysed TripAdvisor data on 69 pubs or bars across Belfast. Each pub was rated out of 100 based on its TripAdvisor rating and mentions of positive terms like "friendly", "helpful", "lovely", and "kind" per review.
The Reporter Named Belfast's 'Friendliest Pub'
The Reporter is the friendliest pub in Belfast, a new study has found. The experts at Belfast Bus Tour analysed TripAdvisor data on 69 pubs or bars across Belfast. Each pub was rated out of 100 based on its TripAdvisor rating and mentions of positive terms like "friendly", "helpful", "lovely", and "kind" per review.
07 August 2024
Online Gambling Trends & Regulations
A Comparison Of Northern Ireland And New Zealand The gambling sector is booming worldwide, so more and more countries are accepting appropriate legislation to control it. Some completely ban this risky entertainment, but this is not the case with Northern Ireland and New Zealand, where the industry is fully regulated.
Online Gambling Trends & Regulations
A Comparison Of Northern Ireland And New Zealand The gambling sector is booming worldwide, so more and more countries are accepting appropriate legislation to control it. Some completely ban this risky entertainment, but this is not the case with Northern Ireland and New Zealand, where the industry is fully regulated.
31 July 2024
SPARK Brings Free Neurodivergent Family Fun Day
A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend. Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.
SPARK Brings Free Neurodivergent Family Fun Day
A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend. Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.
09 July 2024
Have You Thought About A UK Staycation?
A staycation, a blend of 'stay' and 'vacation', is a holiday spent in your home country rather than traveling abroad. In recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, staycations have surged in popularity across the UK.
Have You Thought About A UK Staycation?
A staycation, a blend of 'stay' and 'vacation', is a holiday spent in your home country rather than traveling abroad. In recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, staycations have surged in popularity across the UK.
05 July 2024
Orangefest Celebrations Set For July 12 At Belfast City Hall
A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast's City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth. Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.
Orangefest Celebrations Set For July 12 At Belfast City Hall
A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast's City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth. Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.
28 June 2024
NI Candidates Standing In UK General Election
With the UK General Election set to take place on Thursday, 04 July, we look at the parties vying to represent Northern Ireland at Westminster. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have held their position as the party with the most MP's, 8 between 2019-2024, with their main rival, Sinn Féin, a close second with 7.
NI Candidates Standing In UK General Election
With the UK General Election set to take place on Thursday, 04 July, we look at the parties vying to represent Northern Ireland at Westminster. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have held their position as the party with the most MP's, 8 between 2019-2024, with their main rival, Sinn Féin, a close second with 7.
17 June 2024
How To Move Stress-Free In Northern Ireland
Moving to Northern Ireland, the land of myth and mystery, should be an adventure, not a trial.
How To Move Stress-Free In Northern Ireland
Moving to Northern Ireland, the land of myth and mystery, should be an adventure, not a trial.
11 June 2024
Northern Ireland's Biggest Stars in Sports
If there is one thing that Northern Ireland is famed for, it's their cultural values, and in this region, awesome athletes have been brought forth in the world. These sports-related celebrities have impacted their fields as well as the world at large, hence becoming important athletic symbols for the coming generations.
Northern Ireland's Biggest Stars in Sports
If there is one thing that Northern Ireland is famed for, it's their cultural values, and in this region, awesome athletes have been brought forth in the world. These sports-related celebrities have impacted their fields as well as the world at large, hence becoming important athletic symbols for the coming generations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
