Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

From Belfast to the Hills of Halifax: The Story of Dunlop Tyres

When it comes to tyres with proper British heritage, few can match the story of Dunlop. It’s a brand born from pure invention, one that helped shape motoring itself — and it still holds a special place for drivers across the UK today.

A bright idea in Belfast

The Dunlop story starts back in 1888, when a Scottish-born vet living in Belfast, John Boyd Dunlop, came up with a clever idea to make his son’s tricycle ride smoother. He glued rubber sheets together around a wooden wheel and filled the space with air — creating the first practical pneumatic tyre.

That simple invention changed the world. Before that, all tyres were solid rubber or even metal, making for a rough, uncomfortable ride. Dunlop’s air-filled tyre gave cyclists (and soon motorists) a level of comfort and control they’d never experienced.

By 1889, the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company was formed, and it didn’t take long before the design spread far beyond Belfast. Within a few short years, car and bicycle manufacturers were knocking on Dunlop’s door for tyres.

Racing ahead in the early 1900s : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

By the turn of the 20th century, Dunlop was already involved in motorsport, proving its tyres could handle speed and stress. In fact, Dunlop tyres were fitted to race-winning cars as early as 1902, and the brand soon became a household name in motor racing circles.

Dunlop also opened factories across the UK and beyond — including a major plant in Birmingham. The company became known not just for tyres but also for sporting goods like tennis rackets, golf balls and footwear.

Through the decades, Dunlop continued to innovate — developing tubeless tyres, run-flats, and high-performance compounds that made motoring safer and faster.

Dunlop through the modern era

After a series of mergers and ownership changes, Dunlop became part of Goodyear in 1999, while still keeping its strong brand identity in Europe. Today, Dunlop is one of the world’s best-known names in high-performance and motorsport tyres, with Goodyear providing the technology and support behind the scenes.

They’ve stayed heavily involved in motorsport—from endurance races like Le Mans to touring cars and motorcycle racing. Dunlop tyres are still trusted where grip, heat resistance, and durability really matter.

Dunlop and British motoring life

Dunlop’s story has always been tied closely to the UK. In fact, for much of the 20th century, if you bought a British-built car, it probably rolled out of the factory on Dunlops. From Morris Minors to Jaguars, the brand became part of everyday life.

Even now, Dunlop remains a popular choice for UK drivers who value solid grip, comfort, and dependable handling. Models like the Dunlop Sport BluResponse, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT, and Dunlop All Season 2 are firm favourites among those who want performance without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Driving around Halifax on Dunlops : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

Here in Halifax, Dunlop tyres are a regular sight in our fitting bays at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre. We’ve fitted them to everything from small hatchbacks to sporty BMWs and family SUVs.

Customers who commute across the hilly Pennine roads — whether heading to Sowerby Bridge, Mixenden, or down towards Huddersfield — often mention how confident their cars feel on Dunlops in wet conditions. The tread design on the modern ranges helps clear water quickly, giving excellent braking performance even on greasy Yorkshire roads.

We’ve also seen good results from the Dunlop All Season 2 tyre — a solid option for local drivers who don’t fancy swapping tyres every winter but still want traction when the snow hits the tops above Halifax.

And for anyone with a sportier motor, Dunlop’s Sport Maxx range has always been one of my go-to recommendations. They give precise steering and loads of feedback on twisty country roads — ideal if you enjoy a spirited drive up towards Queensbury or Oxenhope.

Innovation and technology

Like other top-tier manufacturers, Dunlop continues to push forward with new materials and technologies. They use advanced silica tread compounds and innovative sidewall designs that improve both grip and fuel efficiency.

What’s also interesting is how Dunlop has adapted its tyre designs for electric and hybrid vehicles. The instant torque from EVs puts extra strain on tyres, and Dunlop has met that challenge with reinforced structures and low-noise tread patterns.

It’s proof that the brand that started with a tricycle in Belfast is still leading the way more than 130 years later.

The Dunlop difference : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

For me, what makes Dunlop stand out is its blend of British history, racing heritage, and real-world reliability. It’s a name that’s earned its stripes — and one that fits perfectly with how we drive here in Yorkshire.

Whether you’re heading down to town for the weekly shop, driving over the moors on a Sunday afternoon, or clocking up motorway miles to Leeds or Manchester, Dunlop tyres offer safety, grip, and comfort that you can count on.