Irish Enterprise Awards 2026 Best Irish Vintage & Heritage Preservation Organisation 2026 The Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association (I.V.E.T.A.) was formed in 1979 by a small group of vintage enthusiasts whose aim was to promote the restoration and preservation of tractors and oil engines. Thanks to the hard work of that committee, the Association has grown in the last 47 years to over 12,500 members, encompassing a wide variety of vintage disciplines including cars, trucks and agriculture equipment. Some of the founding members still go to shows and exhibit their engines and tractors. We take a closer look at the association as it is named in our Irish Enterprise Awards 2026. Over the years, as the I.V.E.T.A. Association grew, it became essential that they had their own premises. In 2012 it was decided to purchase an old mill complex known as The Swallows' Quarter. This site is rich in history itself, containing a three-storey mill and kiln building and various outbuildings / workshops and dwellings, with a river which originally drove the mill running through the site. The Swallows' Quarter is located in the village of Donaghmore just outside the town of Rathdowney, Co. Laois. Since their purchase of the mill, they have been restoring the buildings and surrounding grounds, which includes rebuilding traditional stone walls where needed. Some buildings are complete, with others ongoing. Anyone wishing to visit can do so on their open days or by contacting the I.V.E.T.A. to arrange a visit. Throughout the year I.V.E.T.A. holds a number of events at the Swallows' Quarter - a vintage rally during the summer, auto jumbles, a vintage road run and community BBQs. This is where they run the Association from in their meeting rooms. They are also proud to support a range of charities throughout the year. The Association has expanded over the years, with members from every county in Ireland as well as overseas members. Local vintage clubs around the country are affiliated to the I.V.E.T.A. This allows clubs to benefit from their insurance policy for field days and vintage runs; safety talks for event managing; and advertising on their print and online media. Since the I.V.E.T.A. was formed they publish a magazine every six months, which each member receives. Along with the magazine you can keep up-to-date on the website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. I.V.E.T.A. currently has 25 members who serve on the Board of Directors, who meet regularly for the running and organising of the Association. This is a voluntary working group of members who each have a role to fulfil (membership, insurance coordinator, safety, media, etc.). Away from the rally field, every year I.V.E.T.A. holds a children's party before Christmas and a Dinner Dance in January before the vintage season starts again. They also have a youth’s tractor-build where, under supervision, the young vintage enthusiasts can restore tractors for educational purposes. In the future, they hope to open the Swallows' Quarter to the public on weekends or school tours. The directors of the I.V.E.T.A. are available to help clubs and members throughout the year with shows and vintage runs around the country. This year they even have over 65 vintage runs and 50 field days so I.V.E.T.A. hopes to see you all out enjoying the best of vintage. Contact: Niamh Harty Company: I.V.E.T.A. Website: https://iveta.ie/
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