THE IRISH GORDON BENNETT RACE and Automobile Fortnight in Ireland

The Gordon Bennett Race of 1903 took place over a closed-circuit course at Athy, County Kildare. It was the first true international motor sport event and the cars carried national colours for the first time. Coming soon after the ill-fated Paris to Madrid Race, the Irish race re-established motor racing and set a pattern for international motorsport that continues today in the form of Grand Prix racing.
The race was part of Automobile Fortnight in Ireland that also included the important Phoenix Park Speed Trials, a Hillclimb and Sprint at Castlewellan, the Cork Speed Trials, a Motor Boat race in Cork Harbour, the Kerry Hillclimb and several touring events. All of these events played a significant part in helping to make the Irish populace 'car-conscious' for the first time.