The Dublin Port Rally supported by Dublin Port Company returns for a second year running following the roaring success of last year’s inaugural event which attracted over 220 vintage vehicles and 3,000 spectators in a single day.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, TD, will officially open the vintage vehicle extravaganza on Saturday, 26th September at 1pm, kick-starting this growing fixture on Ireland’s event calendar which will appeal to motor enthusiasts, families and anyone with an interest in Ireland’s transport history.
This year’s rally has expanded to take place over two days, 26th and 27th September 2015, from 12pm to 6pm each day at Dublin Port. On show will be an impressive array of beautifully maintained and rarely seen classic buses, vintage trucks, vintage and classic cars, as well as veteran fire and military vehicles.
The event is also a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of CIE in 1945. Stars of the show include vintage buses and trucks which chart the history and development of CIE down through the years, and are sure to bring back memories for former bus drivers and conductors, mechanics and passengers alike. Highlights include a recently restored 50 year old CIE double deck bus which will be officially unveiled by the Minister.
Visitors can also hop on vintage guided bus tours of Dublin Port itself, pick up transport memorabilia from a host of vendors, and stop for a chat and cuppa at the vintage bus café and other food outlets on site, while the kids enjoy the play bus and model exhibitions.
Access to the event is recommended via the LUAS Red Line to The Point, just 200 metres from the event venue on Alexandra Road, Dublin 1. For admission prices and further details: www.dublinportrally.com
Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said, “We are delighted to host the Dublin Port Rally for a second year running. This year’s event has something for everyone, including vehicle enthusiasts, local historians, visitors and families. Wherever your interest lies, this is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Ireland’s best kept vintage vehicles up close and I would encourage everyone to come along and show their support. It promises to be a great event, and we look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to Dublin Port for the weekend.”
Commenting, Ed O’Neill, organiser of the Dublin Port Rally said that the focus on celebrating CIE’s 70th anniversary pays tribute to the company’s craftspeople who designed and built uniquely Irish buses over the years, many of which will be on show at the two-day event.