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Start / Finish: There are very limited spectating
areas at the Start / Finish line. The area between
the Start / Finish line and the area adjacent
to the Schoolhouse road junction provides some
great views of the Start / Finish straight and
the very fast run into Dublin corner, many an
overtaking manoeuvre is attempted here. Dublin
Corner: The busiest section of the circuit with
ample good viewing spots on the entry and exit
to the corner. Always a favourite with regulars
to the event.
Dublin corner is a slow tight 90 degree left
hander at the end of one of the fastest stretches
on the circuit. Stand here and you’ll see some
fantastic action. Riders jostling for position
will leave braking as late as they can, sometimes
running off and down towards the paddock.
Local hero Martin Finnegan enjoys braking late
and hard here before backing his bike into this
corner. You’ll see some brave overtaking attempts
here. The run from Dublin corner down to Dukes
bends is a popular spot and gets very busy very
early. You will have to be early to the circuit
to get a good spot here, the crowds can be 3 or
4 people deep here. Your reward will be a fantastic
view of the riders accelerating hard out of Dublin
and disappearing down hill towards Dukes bends.
As they exit Dublin corner there is a tricky left
hand down hill corner which has a hidden dip waiting
quietly to unseat the unsuspecting rider, bikes
always bottom out here and many try hard to part
company with their rider!
Dukes Bends named after the famous Geoff Duke:
I feel the need, the need for speed! Flat out
and spectacular. Spectators need to keep their
feet up here on the grassy banks as riders and
their machines flash by at unbelievable speeds
only inches away. This is a very popular spot
and spaces on the banks go quickly. Paula & Francis
Everards house on the exit often has refreshments
available during the day, keep an eye out for
past winners in the garden as they enjoy a bit
of hospitality and a great view.
Baldungan: This fast lefthander takes its name
from the Castle on the top of the hill above.
Lots of space here to watch some incredible action.
One of the least visited corners on the circuit
it’s a real gem. Find a spot on the bank or Farmyard
on the entry into this corner and you’ll see riders
hard on the brakes as they set up for this fast
sweeping lefthander. Another good spot here is
on the inside of the corner where you get so close
to the riders you can see the determination on
their faces as they concentrate on getting this
corner perfect for the run into Glasshouses.
Glasshouses: A challenging part of the circuit
which requires a bit of moving around and gear
shifting for the riders, a slight right hand entry
is followed by an immediate left. Not many good
spots to view here but if you can find a pitch
then you’ll see riders working hard to achieve
a couple of very fast directional changes. Try
the inside of the corner for viewing. Gillies
Leap named after the great
Gillie Iverson: You want ‘heart in the mouth’
action then this is the place to be! Without a
doubt one of the most spectacular airborne displays
on any open road circuit. Riders gain their wings
here and become jet fighter pilots for a few seconds.
A very popular viewing spot, again you need to
get here early if you want to lay claim to a good
view but be warned those of a nervous disposition
should stay away from Gillies Leap! Christies
Farmhouse provides limited bike parking and refreshments
throughout the day. The run down from Gillies
Leap to the Hairpin doesn’t offer much in the
way of viewing points, there are a few but they
are not the best on the circuit. It is however
one of the quietest areas in terms of spectators
so if you pitch down there you won’t be disturbed
too often, other than by the circuit Marshals
if you’re found in one of the many prohibited
areas.
The Hairpin: Not a great deal of viewing space
here. The Marshals at the Hairpin have a job keeping
the run off areas clear of spectators who never
seem to realise just how dangerous it can be to
stand in the wrong place at a racing event. If
you get one of the few safe places here you’ll
have a great view of the riders trying to out
brake each other into the tightest and slowest
corner on the circuit. You’ll witness some of
the biggest wheelies here as the riders grab a
big handful of throttle on the way out.
Shady Lane and Sam’s Tunnel: You want fast? Shady
Lane leading into Sam’s Tunnel is where the riders
engage warp drive and become a blur as they reach
top speeds on the circuit. Races have been won
and lost on this section so get here early if
you want to lay claim to a good viewing spot.
There are many prohibited areas on this section
of the circuit because it’s very fast. Viewing
areas are limited and the Marshals in this area
are the toughest you’ll meet anywhere!
There is lots of space around the Shady Lane
– Ardla road junction and even a mini grandstand
just on the exit of Sam’s tunnel which gives an
excellent view of most of this section of the
circuit. Sam’s Leap named after multiple Skerries
100 Winner Sam McClements: A great place to watch
as riders grapple to maintain control of their
machines over the leap before braking for the
temporary chicane half way round the long sweeping
left hander which leads into the Start / Finish
straight. The sprint to the finish line starts
just outside the gates to the Hills Cricket Club.
The Paddock: The Paddock at the Skerries 100
is always great craic! Here you’ll find all the
riders, their machines and their support crews.
Many of the riders are happy to chat with spectators
and sign autographs whilst they are in the Paddock
but please remember the riders are here to race
and they do need some time to themselves between
races! You can take the opportunity to snap of
few good photographs at the podium which you’ll
find at the entrance to the Paddock. You’ll also
find a host of traders in the Paddock selling
everything from Paddock stands to T-shirts and
caps. Look out for race day bargains. Food and
Beverages will also be available in the Paddock
area. Facilities here include Toilets and washing
cubicles.
Section 1: TT Main Page
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