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The first motorcar was imported into Ireland in March 1896. An article in Newry Reporter -10th February 1899 states, ‘There is little doubt that the next society craze will be for motoring. The fever is not yet fierce yet here, but in France everyone who can afford a motor laughs at cycling. It is declared that you can get all the pleasures of cycling out of motoring without the work.’
‘Motor Car for Sale’ was advertised in Newry Reporter – 14th May 1907, ‘5 HP. “Oldsmobile,” in perfect order… Motor and Cycle Works, 29, Hill Street, Newry.’
A Newry Motor Club had formed in Newry in late 1929. In Frontier Sentinel – 2nd April 1949, the Notes from the Club were ‘The Main Road Outing, sponsored by the Newry & District Motor Club was run off on the Newry-Hilltown-Rostrevor-Warrenpoint roads and resulted – 1. Eric Rowland; 2. Dr. N. E. Williams; 3. H. Rowland; 4. J. Rowland; 5. Trevor Whitten. The competitors were entertained to supper by the President of the club, Mr. G. B. Rowland, at the Alexandra Hotel, Warrenpoint following the event.’
Motor car and motorcycle tours and races were very popular when planning excursions. Guidebooks were produced by tourist development boards or indeed companies themselves, such as, ‘Belfast and County Down Railway Company’. They mainly comprise of a brief history of each area, description of towns and villages, maps, places of interest, lodgings and advertisements of local businesses hoping to attract the tourist custom.
‘Motoring in Ulster’ was reprinted from the Belfast News Letter in 1935. It consisted of a guide to a series of tours with maps and illustrations. The routes were also described with historical notes. Tour No. 20 encapsulates ‘The Mourne Mountains – Spelga Pass and Silent Valley’. This tour begins in Belfast and the length of run is 100 miles.
‘Follow the Swallows to Ulster’ was issued by the Ulster Tourist Development Association Ltd. It affirms that the village of Camlough ‘furnished a bit of surprising semi-Alpine scenery, not to be equalled perhaps in the whole North of Ireland.’ This guidebook also details motor car and motorcycle races taking place in the summer of 1932.
The 1937 publication from the Ulster Tourist Development Association, ‘Ulster for your holiday’ describes Newry as ‘a centre for the famous Carlingford Lough and Mourne Mountains district. It is one of the most progressive and up-to-date towns in Ulster and stands at the head of the lough amid a wealth of beautiful scenery, equally attractive to the sportsman, health seeker and antiquary. The town is one of the most ancient in Ireland.’
The “Borough” Guides, No. 248, issued by Newry Urban District Council could be bought for twopence. It describes how a visitor arriving by rail or steamer could draw upon the readily available jaunting cars from the Square, to bring them and their luggage speedily and at a low charge, to anywhere in the town.
The interest in Motor Clubs and cars is still unwavering today. The Kilbroney vintage car show last month is a testament to the continued popularity in this popular mode of transport.
The Museum is currently offering free tours of the main exhibition galleries on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm. These must be booked in advance by calling our Education Officer at 0330 137 4422.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm. Please call 0330 137 4422 or email museums@nmandd.org for further information.
Visit their website at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
