Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Museums Services is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Joey 25 Exhibition, a tribute to motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop, at Ballymoney Museum.
This free exhibition opens to the public from Tuesday 6th May 2025 and commemorates 25 years since the passing of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting icons, and forms part of the Joey 25 celebration taking place in his home town this May.
Joey Dunlop, born in Ballymoney in 1952, was revered as the “King of the Roads” and his extraordinary career boasted 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 13 North West 200 victories, and 24 Ulster Grand Prix triumphs.
Beyond his racing prowess, Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe. The Joey 25 Exhibition celebrates his enduring legacy as a local hero and global ambassador for motorcycling.
The exhibition showcases a unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for this display.
Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.
Of particular note is the racing leathers Joey wore during the 1981 Isle of Man TT, where riders wore all black as a protest. The exhibition also features the very gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.
Visitors will be able to explore restored and original motorcycles from his illustrious career, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture his courage, humility, and passion for the sport.
The official launch was attended by Joey’s wife, Linda Dunlop, and many of the Dunlop family, who joined Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, to open the exhibition which will run daily Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm from Tuesday 6th May – Saturday 30th August 2025 (excluding bank holidays).
