A unique Joey Dunlop exhibition was officially launched by the Northern Ireland motorcycling legend’s wife Linda and the Dunlop family this week at Ballymoney Museum.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed the free Joey 25 Exhibition will open to the public from Tuesday, May 6 and will run daily from Monday to Saturday (9am-5pm) until August 30 (excluding bank holidays).

Five-time TT Formula 1 World Champion and 26-time Isle of Man TT winner Joey lost his life in a racing accident almost 25 years ago while competing in Estonia in July 2000.

To honour his memory, a special Joey 25 celebration event will be held in Ballymoney on Saturday, May 24, when many of his former rivals, team-mates and friends will ride 25 of his machines in a closed road parade through the Co Antrim town.

placeholder image — The Dunlop family including Joey's wife Linda, son Gary and daughter, Joanne McCammond pictured at the launch of the Joey 25 exhibition in Ballymoney Museum.

Among those confirmed to be taking part are multiple World Superbike champions Jonathan Rea and Carl Fogarty.

The museum exhibition is part of the events organised to remember Joey, who is regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sporting ambassadors.

The display in Ballymoney Museum showcases an exclusive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, many on loan from the Dunlop family archives and others loaned specifically for the special display.

Highlights include rare photographs, racing leathers, trophies, and personal items that chronicle Joey’s remarkable journey.

The racing leathers Joey wore during Honda’s infamous black protest at the 1981 Isle of Man TT are also included. Honda’s riders wore all black after Suzuki’s Graeme Crosby was controversially declared the winner of the Formula One racer over Ron Haslam following the removal of a time penalty for starting at the rear of the field.

The exhibition also features the gloves Joey wore when he lost the tip of his left-hand ring finger in a crash during the 1998 Tandragee 100 race meeting.

Joey’s wife Linda said: “Joey’s memory lives on through the love and support of his fans and our community.

“This Joey 25 exhibition is a beautiful way to honour his life, and we’re grateful to Ballymoney Museum staff and the Council for making it happen.”

Visitors will be able to explore restored and original racing bikes, alongside interactive displays and video tributes that capture Joey’s courage, humility, and passion for the sport.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, said: “We are deeply honoured to host this exhibition in Joey’s hometown.

“Joey Dunlop was not just a sporting legend but a beloved figure who put Ballymoney on the world stage. This exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to his achievements and the profound impact he continues to have on our community and beyond.”

Born in Ballymoney in 1952, Joey was revered as the ‘King of the Roads’ and alongside his famous TT and world championship success, he won 13 times at the North West 200 and sealed a record 24 victories at the Ulster Grand Prix.

Joey was honoured with an MBE in 1986 for Services to Motorcycling and an OBE in 1996, recognising his humanitarian work.