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It had been many years since I had been to Ireland. When I was last there the “troubles” were at their height and I guess that had left me with a less than favourable impression. However a couple of friends from Yarm M/C, (step forward Glyn Jones and Eddie Fox), persuaded me to go with them to see the Northwest 200 motorcycle road races at Portrush in Northern Ireland and I have to say it was absolutely brilliant. The attendance estimates for the races were between 100,00 and 120,000 spectators and the atmosphere throughout the time we were there was brilliant.

As well as the racing there is an awful lot to see. The general tourist sites such as the Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmill’s Disterillery etc, and the whole of the coast around the Portrush area is absolutely beautiful with great biking roads especially the coast road between Portrush and Ballycastle, but for bikers a visit to the Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden and Joey’s Bar are a must and both were very busy when we were there. The memorial is situated in Joey’s hometown of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim and is a fitting tribute with a lifesize sculpture of Joey on a Honda SP-1 and marble wall plaques listing all of Joey’s many victories, championships and awards. Anyone with even a slight knowkedge of motorcycle racing and Joey Dunlop can’t fail to be moved. Joey’s Bar is just down the road from the memorial within the Ballymoney railway station buildings and again is a must visit for any biker whilst in the area.

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