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The first pneumatic tyre was manufactured in Dublin - the site is close to the city centre and marked by a plaque [picture here]. It was invented in 1888 by a Scotsman, John Boyd Dunlop who was a vet and wanted his son to ride his bicycle in a more comfortable fashion. Some Dublin businessmen saw its potential and the commercial version was made in Upper Stephen's Street (off Wexford St/Aungier Street junction) in 1889. While Dunlop's name still exists in the world of tyre making [see Dunlop site], he didn't make the fortune to which he should have been entitled. Unfortunately, this historic site was demolished in 2005 for a retail development. My personal opinion is that it was a scandal that this building was not listed for preservation; I only hope there are more photographs besides my own. | ||||||
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