Overview
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Scotstown, County Monaghan, Rally School Ireland has grown over the past 25 years into Ireland’s premier motorsport facility. The purpose‑built tarmac track winds through lush fields, offering a safe yet exhilarating environment where visitors can get behind the wheel of classic rally legends and modern supercars. Whether you’re a first‑time driver, a seasoned enthusiast, a teenager looking for a birthday thrill, or a corporate group seeking a unique team‑building day, the school tailors experiences to every skill level and age group.
The school’s reputation extends beyond Ireland – drivers from across the globe, including a handful of celebrities, have visited to fulfil their rally‑driving dreams. All sessions are overseen by professional instructors who provide step‑by‑step guidance, ensuring safety while letting the adrenaline flow.
History
Rally School Ireland was founded in the early 1990s by a group of Irish rally enthusiasts who wanted a dedicated venue for driver training and public experiences. Over more than two decades the purpose‑built 1.1 km tarmac circuit has been expanded and modernised, and the school is now recognised by Motorsport Ireland as a national coaching and training centre. Its longevity and reputation have attracted notable visitors such as rally champion Jack McGrath, broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, TV presenter Christine Bleakley, World Rally Champion Petter Solberg, and former WRC driver Kris Meeke.
Vehicle Fleet
The school boasts one of the most diverse rally and super‑car fleets in the country:
- Mark II Ford Escort – classic rear‑wheel‑drive rally legend, 150 bhp.
- BMW 325i – rear‑wheel‑drive, 180 bhp, smooth handling.
- Toyota GT86 – lightweight, rear‑wheel‑drive, ideal for learning car control.
- Toyota GR Yaris – modern 4‑wheel‑drive rally car, 210 bhp.
- Subaru Impreza Turbo – 4‑wheel‑drive, 325 bhp, turbocharged excitement.
- Mini Cooper S Works – 210 bhp, nimble front‑wheel‑drive fun.
- Porsche 911 Carrera – iconic 380 bhp rear‑wheel‑drive supercar.
- Nissan 350Z – flagship drift car with a powerful V6.
- Additional specials – occasional WRC‑spec rally cars for advanced sessions.
All vehicles are maintained to a high standard and come with helmets, balaclavas and safety briefings.
Experiences
Rally School Ireland offers a menu of driving packages that differ in vehicle mix, lap count, and duration. Below is a quick reference:
| Experience | Price (per person) | Duration | Laps | Vehicles Included | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rally Driving Experience – Half Day | €295 | 2‑3 hrs | 18 (6 laps each in Mark II Ford Escort, BMW 325i, Toyota GT86) | Classic & modern rally cars | 13 |
| Toyota GR Yaris Rally – Half Day | €385 | 2‑4 hrs | 24 (6 × Mark II Escort, 12 × GT86, 6 × GR Yaris) | GR Yaris, GT86, Escort | 16 |
| Toyota GR Yaris Rally – Full Day | €550 | 3‑5 hrs | 42 (12 × Escort, 6 × BMW 325i, 12 × GT86, 12 × GR Yaris) | Full supercar line‑up | 16 |
| Subaru Rally – Half Day Voucher | €385 | 2‑3 hrs | 24 (6 × Ford Escort, 6 × Toyota GT86, 6 × BMW 325i, 6 × Subaru Impreza) | Subaru Impreza plus classics | 16 |
| Rally + Drift Driving Experience – Half Day | €295 | 2‑3 hrs | 18 | Includes Nissan 350Z drift car plus rally fleet | 16 |
| Stage Rally Licence Course | €475 | 6 hrs | – | Full rally kit, timed stages, licence‑grade instruction | 18 |
All experiences share a few common features:
- No driving licence required – participants only need a basic level of driving confidence.
- Professional instruction – a qualified instructor sits beside you for the entire session, offering tips and ensuring safety.
- Age‑friendly options – the half‑day rally experience welcomes drivers from 13 years, while the supercar packages start at 16 years.
- Spectator facilities – an elevated viewing tower lets friends and family watch the action.
- All‑weather operation – the track is open year‑round; the team can advise on conditions if needed.
- Gift vouchers – available for all experiences and ideal for birthdays or corporate gifts.
Corporate & Group Facilities
The school has dedicated pages for Corporate Groups and Stag & Hen parties, highlighting the venue’s flexibility for larger parties. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, a birthday, or a corporate milestone, the track can accommodate 1‑30 drivers per session. Group bookings can be customised to include multiple vehicle types, extended track time, and catering options.
- Conference space – a small on‑site meeting room with Wi‑Fi and projection facilities.
- Catering – hot and cold menus can be arranged, plus a café serving snacks and drinks for spectators.
- Team‑building formats – timed stages, relay races and drift challenges foster friendly competition and communication.
- Photography & video – optional professional footage of the day can be purchased as a keepsake.
Practical Information
Booking – Sessions are booked online via the school’s website. Mid‑week and weekend dates are available, but the venue advises booking at least a week in advance, especially for weekend slots which fill quickly. The “Book Now” buttons on each experience page lead directly to a ticketing platform.
Location & Access – The school sits at Gola English, Co. Monaghan (postcode H18 Y638). It is a roughly two‑hour drive from Dublin City and also easily reachable from Belfast. The venue is sign‑posted from the N2 and the R185. On‑site parking is free and wheelchair‑accessible.
Opening Hours – Monday‑Friday 09:00‑17:00, Saturday 09:00‑17:00, Sunday 10:00‑16:00 (subject to weather conditions).
Nearby Accommodation – For visitors wanting to stay overnight, several options lie within a 10‑20 minute drive:
- Hillgrove Hotel & Spa – 4‑star, 10 min away.
- Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club Monaghan – 4‑star, 10 min away.
- Sliabh Beagh Hotel & Tourism Centre – 5 min away, nestled at the foothills of the Sliabh Beagh Mountains.
- Castle Leslie Estate – 20 min away, offering luxury rooms and a range of on‑site activities.
Nearby Attractions – After a high‑speed session, you can explore:
- Hollywood Lake – a scenic lakeside retreat 3 km away, ideal for a walk or paddle.
- Lough Muckno Leisure Park – water sports, walking trails and a café.
- Carrickmacross Lace Gallery – cultural detour showcasing the town’s famous lacework.
- The broader Ireland’s Ancient East route also passes nearby, providing opportunities to combine motorsport with heritage tourism.
Participant Guidelines – Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended; helmets and balaclavas are supplied. Some vehicles have height and weight limits, so it’s worth checking the specific car you’ll drive when you book. Spectators are welcome at the viewing tower, and the venue is fully wheelchair‑accessible in its public areas.
Contact & Support – For any accessibility queries, the school’s email is info@rallyschoolireland.com and the phone line is +353 47 89098. Responses are typically provided within two working days.
Visit Duration – Most guests spend between 1.5 and 5 hours on site, depending on the chosen package and whether they stay for a post‑drive debrief or a quick meal at the on‑site café.
Why It Belongs on Your Irish Itinerary
Rally School Ireland delivers a rare blend of high‑octane sport and Irish hospitality. The combination of world‑class rally cars, expert instruction, and a stunning rural backdrop makes it a standout attraction for thrill‑seekers and families alike. Whether you’re ticking off a bucket‑list experience or simply looking for a memorable day out in Monaghan, the school offers a safe, professionally run adventure that leaves participants with stories – and a few extra seconds on the lap timer – to brag about for years to come.