The dynamics of a cyclonic monopolar vortex on a topographic beta-plane are studied experimentally and theoretically. Detailed measurements of the vortex structure are conducted using high-resolution quantitative velocity measurements. The initial velocity profiles were described in terms of a radius Rvm, maximum azimuthal velocity vθm, and a dimensionless parameter α which characterizes the steepness of the velocity profile. The initial direction of motion of the monopolar vortex is critically dependent on α and weakly dependent of the initial strength and size of the vortex: isolated vortices (α ∼ 3) move north, whereas non-isolated vortices characterized by α ∼ 1 move northwest. When the azimuthal velocity decays slowly with radial distance (α < 1.4), Rossby wave generation dominates the vortex dynamics and the translational speed of the vortex correlates with the Rossby wave speed. When the azimuthal velocity decays rapidly with radial distance (α > 1.4) the vortex is isolated and the translational speed is much slower than the Rossby wave speed. To interpret the effect of the vortex structure on the direction of motion, a mechanistic model is developed which includes the Rossby force and a lift force arising from circulation around the vortex, but does not include the effect of Rossby waves. The Rossby force results from the integrated effect of the Coriolis force on the vortex and drives the vortex north; the lift force is determined from the circulation around the vortex and drives the vortex west. Comparison with the experimental data reveals two regimes: α < 1.4, where the vortex dynamics are dominated by Rossby waves whereas for α > 1.4 Rossby waves are weak and favourable agreement is found with the mechanistic model.