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120 years on: the first Irish reliability trial revisited
This year, The Royal Irish Automobile Club celebrates the 125th anniversary of its foundation in 1901. Furthermore, as 13 June 2026 marked the 120th anniversary of the First Irish Reliability Trial, it was important to recognise the achievements of those intrepid early motorists.
The first Trial, held in 1906, ran over three days and followed a shamrock-shaped route of 130 miles. Competitors departed from Dublin each morning and returned to the Club in Dublin city centre at the end of each day.
Following a welcome reception at The St Stephen's Green Club on Friday evening, entrants regrouped at 6.30 the following morning at The Royal Irish Automobile Club to prepare to emulate the journey undertaken by their forebears. Vehicles competed in three classes: the Reliability Class, for cars that may have taken part in the 1906 event; the Pioneer Class, for veteran vehicles; and the Friends Class, which attracted five entrants who also assisted with marshalling duties along the route. A number of flat-tank motorcycles also participated.
Entrants were flagged away from the Club by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Gayle Ralph, a genuine motoring enthusiast who regaled us with tales of growing up in a motoring household. The Irish tricolour used to start the event was the very flag used at the Irish Grand Prix in the Phoenix Park in 1929.
The route took participants through the quiet Georgian streets of Dublin city centre in the early morning, through the northern suburbs and then onto quieter roads as the rally made its way north towards Dundalk. Thanks to the support of sponsors including Circle K, Bridgestone Tyres and Glen Dimplex, refreshments were provided at three locations along the route before a welcome lunch stop in Dundalk.
A special word of thanks goes to the Louth County Fire Service, which provided a delightful surprise for participants by displaying two historic fire engines at the entrance to the town.
We also received support from the Louth Tourism Office through Visit Louth, part of the Ireland's Ancient East initiative. County Louth is a wonderful place to visit, offering stunning scenery and a warm welcome.
The run concluded in the magnificent surroundings of the Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort. Sincere thanks are due to all our sponsors, to Irish Metal Recyclers, and in particular to our great friend and fellow motoring enthusiast, Rob Hubbard of Iconic Auctioneers.
Words by Don Larkin, photos by Issy Larkin, Martin Taylor & Michael Chester
Published:
Saturday June 20th, 2026
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Comments
MICHAEL LOUGHRAN
22 June, 16:04
Anselm
21 June, 11:22
Congratulations Don. Obviously a fabulous event. And a great scoop getting it into the Prewar Car site!
Anselm
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Anselm
Chris Thomas
21 June, 08:54
What a great weekend, thanks to all of Don's team . We drove over from Wales in Dads old Darracq , did the Gordon Bennett on the way and toured around covering nearly 800 miles by the time we got home. Not bad for a 1904 motor car !
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Many Thanks
Michael Loughran