RIAC Roganstown May 2017
The Royal Irish Automobile Club held its 15th Annual Pioneer Run on Sunday 28th May 2017 at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club.
Based at Roganstown Golf and Country Club near Swords, Co Dublin the event welcomes cars of an early vintage and this year 30 entrants took part, from 1900 to 1918. It was a splendid sight to see all these beautiful cars, all immaculately presented, ready for the off on Sunday morning.
The entry consisted of 5 Brighton and 25 Centenary cars of which 10 were the ubiquitous Model T Ford. Of interest to our members, we decided to publish on this website an account of our gathering with others which was an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
The weather was glorious and an ideal forum to meet with like minded colleagues and an opportunity to meet new friends. We began our run at 10.00am sharp and headed to the nearby village of Swords and onwards through Roscal ,Ballyboghil and Naul to our coffee stop at Ardgillen Castle.
Our route took in a spiral route that dissected a rural part of Dublin that many believed was well gone by now. On either side of the boreens were freshly tilled and emerging fields of potatoes, barley and spring onions. We drove through some delightful countryside on lovely quiet roads in this fertile area of north Dublin. Indeed, many remarked how it was hard to believe we were so near the busy city given the rural location of the run.
Ardgillen Castle is a truly beautiful place, with views of the sea and a very popular place for dog owners to exercise their pets on the huge grassy areas around the grounds. There is even a dog friendly cafe and tea room available. A rare amenity in Ireland.
With all of the veteran cars parked up we were entertained to morning coffee & tea complimented with delicious confectionery where we all sat out in the glorious sunshine taking in the magnificent gardens and buildings.
We rejoined our cars after an enjoyable break and resumed our drive which took us back to Roganstown Hotel in time for lunch at 3.00pm. The return journey was equally pleasant on similar roads which suited our cars perfectly.
On arrival we were ready for lunch where we all assembled in the dining hall for a delicious meal served by the staff of Roganstown. Afterwards, back out in the garden area of the resort to refresh our acquaintances and mingle among the delightful showing of beautiful cars.
The run in total was approximately 55 miles but felt like much less and before we knew it we were back at base. All the cars behaved beautifully and a great time was had by all.
With grateful thanks to the organisers, marshals and colleagues for making this a safe and enjoyable event. We surely will return next year.
Scribe: Valerie Cuddy
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