The 1930s saw Limerick city centre filled with high speed cars from all over the world as it opened its streets to a series of Grand Prix races. The Limerick Grand Prix Races ran on the streets of Limerick, Ireland, between 1935–1938 (except 1937).
The first race, in 1935, was known as “Round the Houses” and the route ran 2.76 miles (4.44 km). The route was from William Street to Roxboro Road through Carey’s Road. It continued to Rosbrien Road through Punches Cross, O’Connell Avenue and back down O’Connell Street. In first place at the end of the race was Luis Fontes who was driving an Alfa Romeo.
The following pamphlet courtesy of the late Reg Morrow. It shows a map of the entire 1935 route, as well as the local sponsors and a leader board pull out.
The Round the Houses Grand Prix of 1935 was filmed by British Pathe.
Grand Prix 1936
The following pamphlet from the 1936 race is also courtesy of the late Reg Morrow.
John Fitzroy, the 9th Duke of Grafton, was killed in the 1936 Grand Prix race while driving a Bugatti. The winner of this race was Alan Hutchinson in an MG.
The 1936 Grand Prix race was filmed by British Pathe. This film also shows some familiar scenes around the city.
The last Grand Prix of this era in 1938 and the winner was J McClure driving an MG car.