It’s hard to believe that the summer holidays are drawing to an end already, but while the school kids mightn’t be too happy, thankfully there are still a good number of events for us vintage and classic fans to look forward to. Undoubtedly topping the bill for the coming weekend is the Kilkenny Motor Club Show at St James’ Park on the outskirts of the Marble City. This event is a season favourite for many, as the spacious venue usually sees a massive turnout of around 800 classic, vintage and retro cars of all kinds as well as fantastic club line-ups, a large autojumble section, music and plenty more besides. Well run and always a great day out, we are looking forward to this Sunday the 27th, when hopefully the weather will be kind to this fantastic event.
During the week we received news from the organising Wicklow Vintage Club that one of the main events taking place this weekend in the east of the country, their annual Liam Kelly Memorial Vintage Show & Run scheduled for Sunday the 27th, has been cancelled and will not be taking place this year. This much-loved local event always showcases a great variety of exhibits, from working machinery to gleaming chrome – the Wicklow Vintage Club have apologised for any inconvenience caused, and we wish them well and hope to see their event return next year.
Another interesting day out for car fans will take place farther north in the country, as the ALMC Motor Club host their Rally & Performance Car Show. This now-regular event takes place on the incomparable grounds of Slane Castle in Co. Meath, which on its own makes this a unique car show on the summer calendar. Add in displays of all manner of exotic and fast classics and you’ve something really different, and one that’s well worth checking out if you’re in the area.
The centre of the island will see the Midland Vintage & Classic Car Club hold their 36th Athlone Vintage & Classic Car Rally from the 25th to 26th of August, while in the northwest the ever-active Donegal Vintage & Classic Car Club will hold their annual Clanree Show at the Clanree Court Hotel in Letterkenny this Sunday the 27th, a great venue in which to showcase some of the many fantastic classic cars in the region. The above are in addition to several other road runs and club runs taking place around the island, so wherever you are, please do try to get along to one in support if you can, as it makes all the difference to the organisers and the hobby as a whole. Wherever you head this weekend, we hope you enjoy it, and stay safe on the roads out there.
25th & 26th August: Midland Vintage & Classic Car Club’s 36th Athlone Vintage & Classic Car Rally; for details, email ballycumberhouse@ gmail.com or phone Connie on 087 2560876 or Roy on 087 8213134.
25th to 27th August: Imp Club in Ireland’s Imp Weekend, based at the Horse & Hound Hotel, Ballynabola, Co. Wexford; for more info, call John Sheppard on 087 9883450.
27th August: West Cork Vintage Club run, leaving Model Railway Village, Clonakilty at 11.30am; for more info, see the club’s Facebook page.
27th August: ALMC Motor Club’s Rally & Performance Car Show at Slane Castle, Co. Meath, C15 XP83; for info, call John Carroll on 087 2654241 or email johncarroll1001@gmail.com.
27th August: Kilkenny Motor Club Show at St James’ Park, Kilkenny; for info, call Eamonn on 087 9441900.
27th August: Donegal Vintage & Classic Car Club’s Clanree Show at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny; for details, call Dessie Dolan on 087 6754062.
27th August: Wicklow Vintage Club’s Annual Liam ‘Tiny’ Kenny Memorial Show & Run at Ballinacor Community Park, Carriglineen, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow, A67 WY83, with registration from 11am. All classic/vintage vehicles welcome; for details, call James on 086 1030761.