Dublin in County Dublin, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)

First Pneumatic Tyre Factory

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 18, 2026

1. First Pneumatic Tyre Factory Marker

Inscription. The first pneumatic tyre factory in the world was started here in 1889, to make tyres under John Boyd Dunlop’s patent of the 7th December, 1888.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1888.

Location. 53° 20.49′ N, 6° 15.981′ W. Marker is in Dublin, Leinster, in County Dublin. It is on Stephen Street Upper east of Ship Street Great, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67/68 Stephen Street Upper, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Ancient East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

on the Island of Ireland,

on the Celtic Fringe,

in the European Union,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Space in Time (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Clontarf (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Entrance to S. Michael's le Pole Church Yard (about 120 meters away); Dubhlinn & The Poddle (about 120 meters away); Veronica Guerin (about 120 meters away); St. Michael Le Pole (about 150 meters away); Le Pole Square (about 150 meters away); Le Pole

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Sq. (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dublin.

Also see . . . Our Brand (Dunlop Tires).

In 1888, in Belfast, Ireland, Dunlop’s founder, John Boyd Dunlop, observed his young son riding his tricycle on solid rubber tires over cobbled ground. To provide his son with a smoother ride and better handling, Dunlop took the tricycle, wrapped its wheels in thin rubber sheets, glued them together, and inflated them using a football pump. This innovation led to the development of the first air cushioning system in history, laying the foundation for the world’s first practical pneumatic tire.

Dunlop immediately patented his innovation and started turning it into a commercial venture, founding what quickly became known as the Dunlop Pneumatic Tire Co. Ltd. The first Dunlop plant opened in Dublin, Ireland, in 1890. Dunlop rendered solid tires obsolete within twenty years and evolved from a pioneer to the first global multinational tire company.

(Submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 18, 2026

2. First Pneumatic Tyre Factory Marker

The marker is located near the door of the former tire factory.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.