Bob Price
21 Jun 2025
The largest Classic Car Show held in Northern Ireland
Kilbroney Classic Car Show 2025: A Glorious Celebration of Heritage and Horsepower
The Kilbroney Classic Car Show 2025, held on Saturday 21st June in the breathtaking surroundings of Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, was nothing short of a triumph. Marking its 40th anniversary, the event drew record crowds, basked in glorious sunshine, and reaffirmed its status as one of Europe’s premier gatherings of vintage and classic vehicles.
From the moment the gates opened, the park was alive with the sound of engines, laughter, and shared nostalgia. Over 1,000 vehicles—ranging from pre-war rarities to 1990s icons—lined the verdant showgrounds beneath the Mourne Mountains. Attendees were treated to a dazzling array of marques, including a 1901 Boyer, a pristine Triumph Gloria, and a fleet of British Leyland favourites that stirred memories and sparked conversations across generations.
What truly set this year apart was the atmosphere of camaraderie. First-time visitors and seasoned regulars alike praised the event’s welcoming spirit. One attendee on the RMS Motoring Forum described it as “absolutely epic,” while another noted, “I couldn’t even pick a favourite—wouldn’t say no to owning 99% of the cars there.” Families camped overnight, children marvelled at DeLoreans and Minis, and enthusiasts swapped stories over ice cream and engine bays.
The weather, often a wildcard in Irish events, was “possibly too good,” joked one sunburnt visitor. But the sunshine only added to the show’s magic, illuminating polished chrome and drawing out the best in every exhibit. Even the humble Maestro had its moment in the sun, with more examples on display than many could recall seeing in one place.
Organised by the Newry Lions Club and a dedicated team of volunteers, the show also maintained its charitable mission, raising vital funds for local causes. The event’s success is a testament not only to the cars but to the community that surrounds them—a cross-border celebration of shared history, mechanical passion, and enduring friendships.
As one first-time visitor put it: “It will not be the last. We both had a brilliant day—and night of camping—at Kilbroney. The food was great, the cars were even better, and the weather… well, that was possibly too good!”
With its perfect blend of nostalgia, variety, and heart, Kilbroney 2025 wasn’t just a car show—it was a celebration of everything that makes classic motoring culture so beloved.
