This film is part of Free

County Antrim

Enjoy the early signs of spring from the lambs gambolling in the fields to the rally cars tearing round the Circuit of Ireland.

Amateur film 1971 3 mins Silent

From the collection of:

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Overview

Expectant crowds in colourful flares wait to see who will make it to the finish line on the final day of Ireland’s gruelling road race. Meanwhile lambs frolic in the vibrant green fields surrounded by fresh buds. The sparkling sea glitter signals that it’s time for the international drivers to head home. As we wave goodbye we share a final view of the Chaine Memorial Round Tower lighthouse. A 27m turret of Annalong granite that has greeted visitors to these shores since 1888.

Archie Reid was a History teacher and prolific film maker. You can find some more of his gems on the Britain on Film map ranging from the delightfully absurd to intimate portraits of his home county. The Circuit of Ireland is an exhilarating 1,500 mile dash around Ireland over five days. Starting in 1931 it is the third oldest international rally in the world. In a year dominated by ford escorts the 1971 winners were Adrian Boyd and Beatty Crawford, delighted to be victorious again after an 11 year wait. If you glimpse an unmarked orange car in this film, it is a camera car driven by former champion Paddy Hopkirk, making a film about the rally called ‘A Dash of the Irish’.

Director
Archie Reid
Genres
Amateur film
Released
1971
Country
Northern Ireland
Location
Larne
Language
English

Subjects

Sheep Trees Spring Motor sports Rallying Motor cars Spectators 1970s