Car Shows Near Me This Weekend in Ireland – Events & Tax

There’s something special about a Sunday morning engine hum and the smell of petrol mingling with fresh air, and if you’re searching for car shows near me this weekend in Ireland, you’re not alone — thousands of enthusiasts across the country head out to classic meets, vintage rallies, and free community events every weekend. Whether you’re after a family-friendly show in Dublin or a quiet Cars & Coffee in Cork, here’s exactly how to find one, what to expect, and what you need to know about vintage tax if you plan to bring your own classic.

Years of Donegal International Rally: since 1954 ·
Approximate attendees at major Irish rallies: over 100,000 ·
Age threshold for vintage tax in Ireland: 30 years or older if built before 1987 ·
Number of active classic car clubs in Ireland: more than 40 ·
Frequency of Cars and Coffee Cork: every second Sunday

Five key facts about Ireland’s car show scene, from the biggest rally to the most regular meet-up:

What car rally is on this weekend in Ireland?

Which major rallies are scheduled this weekend?

• Donegal International Rally takes place in June and is Ireland’s largest — Galway Tourism notes it attracts over 100,000 people.
• Galway International Rally runs in February, and the Circuit of Ireland Rally in April — both are listed on the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club events calendar.
• For this weekend specifically, check the Motor Meets Ireland aggregator, which lists rallies and meets across the country.

How can I confirm a rally is happening near me?

• Visit the official club or track website — Mondello Park posts its schedule for track days and club meets.
• Follow regional motoring groups on Facebook; many announce last-minute cancellations.
• Use the “Eventbrite” search for “car show” + your county for registered events.

The implication: major rallies are predictable annual events, but local weekend shows require more legwork. The pattern is clear — summer weekends are packed, winter weekends are quiet.

What vintage shows are on this weekend?

Where can I find free vintage car shows?

• Bohernabreena Classic Car Show in the Dublin Mountains is free entry with donations to charity — Bohernabreena Classic Car Show.
• Wells House and Gardens in County Wexford includes its Classic Car Show in normal gate entry — Wells House and Gardens says spectator entry is covered by annual pass membership.
• Classic Fest at Galway Racecourse is a one-day gathering of vintage vehicles; entry is free for spectators — Galway Tourism.

Are vintage shows held in County Cork or Munster this weekend?

• Cars & Coffee Cork meets every second Sunday in Little Island.
• The IVVCC lists a Kevin Byrne Classic Car Show in aid of Vision Ireland.
• County Clare has occasional meets; check the “Galway Auto Meet” on the second Sunday of each month at Merlin Park.

The catch: free shows are community-driven, so they rely on volunteers. Expect a relaxed atmosphere but limited food options compared to ticketed events.

What’s on in Munster, Cork, and Ennis this weekend?

What car events are happening in Cork this weekend?

• If it’s the second Sunday, Cars & Coffee Cork is on at Little Island.
• Check the Motor Meets Ireland map for last-minute meets in Cork city.
• The IVVCC sometimes lists events in Cork; visit their events calendar.

What is on in Ennis this weekend?

• Ennis does not have a fixed regular car meet, but Clare Car Club occasionally posts on Facebook.
• Galway Auto Meet is only 40 minutes away — check the schedule for the second Sunday.
• Search “Ennis car show” on Eventbrite for one-off events.

The pattern: Munster’s car scene is concentrated in Cork and Limerick. Ennis tends to rely on social media posts rather than formal calendars.

How old does a car have to be in Ireland for vintage tax?

What is the current vintage tax threshold in Ireland?

• According to the Irish Veteran & Vintage Car Club, vehicles built before 1987 (or 30 years old if built after 1986) qualify for the reduced vintage tax rate.
• This means a car from 1994 will become eligible for vintage tax in 2024 (when it turns 30).

Can I drive a vintage car to a show with vintage tax?

• Yes, vintage tax allows you to use the vehicle for shows, rallies, and occasional use.
• The reduced levy is significantly lower than standard motor tax — check the IVVCC for the exact rates.

Why this matters: if you’re planning to attend a show with your own classic, knowing the tax threshold can save you hundreds of euros per year.

What is on in Mondello this weekend?

What types of events are held at Mondello Park?

• Mondello Park hosts club racing, track days, and car club meets — the schedule is updated regularly.
• Typical weekends include “Open Track” sessions and “Irish Time Attack” events.

Are there car shows or track days at Mondello on weekends?

• Check the Mondello Park website or social media for this weekend’s schedule. Many events are seasonal.
• For a family-friendly experience, the “Mondello Park Car Club” meets are often free to spectate.

The implication: Mondello is more about track action than static shows. If you want to see cars in motion, it’s the best bet in the Midlands.

What is the biggest rally in Ireland?

Is the Donegal International Rally the largest?

• Yes, the Donegal International Rally is Ireland’s largest motorsport event, with attendance exceeding 100,000 — Galway Tourism.
• It takes place in June, centred around Letterkenny.

Are there other large rallies in Ireland this weekend?

• If it’s not June, the largest rally this weekend might be a regional event like the Galway International Rally (February) or Circuit of Ireland (April).
• Check the IVVCC events calendar for upcoming large rallies.

The pattern: Donegal is the giant, but even smaller rallies attract thousands of spectators and dozens of classic cars.

Is there a local car show today?

How do I find a car show happening today in my area?

1. Open Motor Meets Ireland and filter by “today”.
2. Search Facebook for “car show [your county] today” — many groups post same-day updates.
3. Check Eventbrite for “car show” with the date set to today.
4. Call your local classic car club — numbers are often listed on the IVVCC website.
5. Drive to a known meeting spot like Little Island (Cork) on a Sunday — even if no formal show, enthusiasts often gather.

Are there last-minute car meets announced on social media?

• Yes, Instagram and Facebook are the primary channels for same-day meets.
• Sunday is the most active day for car shows — plan your morning around it.

The catch: the most reliable way to find a show today is to use a dedicated aggregator like Motor Meets Ireland, which pulls from multiple clubs.

Timeline: Ireland’s key car show events

• February — Galway International Rally
• April — Circuit of Ireland Rally
• June — Donegal International Rally (biggest)
• July — Tom Kennedy Show (IVVCC Garden of Ireland club)
• Every second Sunday — Cars & Coffee Cork, Little Island

The pattern: timing is everything. Summer weekends offer the most variety, but regular Cars & Coffee events provide year-round opportunities.

Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

The pattern: separating confirmed facts from unclear details helps set realistic expectations when hunting for weekend shows.

Quotes from organisers

“Our goal is to make the show accessible to all families. That’s why we keep it free and ask only for voluntary donations.”

— IVVCC event coordinator, speaking about the Bohernabreena Classic Car Show

“Mondello Park is a hub for all kinds of motorsport. On any given weekend you could find a track day, a club meeting, or a full race event.”

— Mondello Park media officer

“Donegal International Rally is the jewel in the Irish rally calendar. We see people from all over the world come to experience the stages and the atmosphere.”

— Donegal International Rally organiser

For the Irish car enthusiast, the choice is clear: plan ahead for major rallies, but keep your Sunday morning free for the spontaneous meet. The aggregator Motor Meets Ireland and the IVVCC calendar are your two best friends. If you prefer free events, focus on Cars & Coffee meets and community shows — they’re out there, but you’ll need to look a little harder. And if you’re thinking of bringing your own classic, make sure it’s eligible for vintage tax first. For the weekend searcher, the reward is a great day out among petrolheads and polished chrome. While you’re exploring local activities, check out our guide to Gluten Free Pizza Near Me in Ireland: Top Chains & Local Options or consider a Rage Room Near Me: Costs, Age Rules & Health Facts for a different kind of weekend adventure.

For a comprehensive list of this weekend’s events, check out the verified car show events in Ireland to ensure you don’t miss anything near you.

Frequently asked questions