Who We Are
Modern Tyres began in 1965 and has grown to become Ireland’s largest independent tyre retailer, now operating 80 depots nationwide. What started as a small family business has developed into a trusted network supporting drivers across the country, offering tyres, servicing, and everyday vehicle care.
80 Depots Nation Wide
Over 10 Million Tyres Sold in Ireland.
Family Run for Over 60 Years
Started by 1 Man
1965 COMPANY HISTORY 2026
New BeginningsModern Tyres started as a small operation in 1965, focused on service, trust, and supporting local drivers. The company's origins trace back to 1962 when founder Jimmy Byrne started a remould manufacturing factory in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. In 1965, he opened the first retail/wholesale depot in the old Railway Yard in Enniskillen, forming Modern Tyre Service. Early expansion included a second depot in Bridge Street, Newry (1975), and the formation of D26 Tyres in 1978, which secured exclusive distribution rights for Vredestein tyres in Ireland.
New BeginningsModern Tyres started as a small operation in 1965, focused on service, trust, and supporting local drivers. The company's origins trace back to 1962 when founder Jimmy Byrne started a remould manufacturing factory in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. In 1965, he opened the first retail/wholesale depot in the old Railway Yard in Enniskillen, forming Modern Tyre Service. Early expansion included a second depot in Bridge Street, Newry (1975), and the formation of D26 Tyres in 1978, which secured exclusive distribution rights for Vredestein tyres in Ireland.
Small Steps, Big Moves
Over the years, steady expansion shaped the company into a wider network, always keeping customer service at the centre. By 1987, two new depots were added, including one in Ballyclare and a second on the Queen Elizabeth Road in Enniskillen. Growth continued in the 1990s with new locations in Omagh and the acquisition of Norman Campbell Tyres in Ballynahinch. Further branches opened in Banbridge (1994), and acquisitions included Ards Tyre Service in Newtownards, Lislea Tyres in Belfast, and Swift Tyres in Holywood (1996-1997).
Small Steps, Big Moves
Over the years, steady expansion shaped the company into a wider network, always keeping customer service at the centre. By 1987, two new depots were added, including one in Ballyclare and a second on the Queen Elizabeth Road in Enniskillen. Growth continued in the 1990s with new locations in Omagh and the acquisition of Norman Campbell Tyres in Ballynahinch. Further branches opened in Banbridge (1994), and acquisitions included Ards Tyre Service in Newtownards, Lislea Tyres in Belfast, and Swift Tyres in Holywood (1996-1997).
Ireland's Local
Modern Tyres continued to grow into new towns and cities, creating a national presence while staying firmly connected to local communities. A rapid expansion period saw five acquisitions in 1998 alone, adding locations in Ballymena, Belfast (Boucher Crescent), Lisburn, and Larne. This was followed by the opening of a depot in Magherafelt (1999) and the establishment of a new Head Office and warehouses in Enniskillen (2000) and Newry (2001). The biggest acquisition came in 2002 with the purchase of the Northern Ireland arm of Motorway Tyre and Exhaust centres, significantly increasing the company's presence across the region with locations in Ballymoney, Dungannon, Lurgan, and Antrim. Acquisitions continued, including Ward Tyres in West Belfast, Breico Tyres in L'Derry, and Cauldwell Tyre and Battery in Strabane.
Ireland's Local
Modern Tyres continued to grow into new towns and cities, creating a national presence while staying firmly connected to local communities. A rapid expansion period saw five acquisitions in 1998 alone, adding locations in Ballymena, Belfast (Boucher Crescent), Lisburn, and Larne. This was followed by the opening of a depot in Magherafelt (1999) and the establishment of a new Head Office and warehouses in Enniskillen (2000) and Newry (2001). The biggest acquisition came in 2002 with the purchase of the Northern Ireland arm of Motorway Tyre and Exhaust centres, significantly increasing the company's presence across the region with locations in Ballymoney, Dungannon, Lurgan, and Antrim. Acquisitions continued, including Ward Tyres in West Belfast, Breico Tyres in L'Derry, and Cauldwell Tyre and Battery in Strabane.
Continental Shift
Further development strengthened the business, adding new services and improved facilities to meet the needs of drivers across Ireland. Following refurbishments (such as the Ballymena branch, re-opened by Jenny Bristow), the company acquired the last three remaining ATS branches in Northern Ireland in 2012, adding locations on the Boucher Road, Belfast, Castlereagh Road Belfast, and the Moira Road Lisburn. The pivotal moment came in 2013 when Modern Tyres expanded into the Republic of Ireland by taking over Hanover Tyres, adding 10 new branches and establishing Modern Tyres as the largest Independent Tyre Retailer in Ireland with 40 branches nationwide.
A major expansion was announced on June 30, 2025, when Modern Tyres signed an agreement to acquire BestDrive Ireland from Continental Tyres. BestDrive Ireland, with its Dublin head office and over 30 depots across the Republic of Ireland, significantly expanded Modern Tyres' reach. Notably, it gave Modern Tyres access to Dublin City, with eight depots within the M50, and new outlets in major towns such as Athlone, Cavan, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Naas, Letterkenny, Roscommon, Tralee, and Wexford.
Continental Shift
Further development strengthened the business, adding new services and improved facilities to meet the needs of drivers across Ireland. Following refurbishments (such as the Ballymena branch, re-opened by Jenny Bristow), the company acquired the last three remaining ATS branches in Northern Ireland in 2012, adding locations on the Boucher Road, Belfast, Castlereagh Road Belfast, and the Moira Road Lisburn. The pivotal moment came in 2013 when Modern Tyres expanded into the Republic of Ireland by taking over Hanover Tyres, adding 10 new branches and establishing Modern Tyres as the largest Independent Tyre Retailer in Ireland with 40 branches nationwide.
A major expansion was announced on June 30, 2025, when Modern Tyres signed an agreement to acquire BestDrive Ireland from Continental Tyres. BestDrive Ireland, with its Dublin head office and over 30 depots across the Republic of Ireland, significantly expanded Modern Tyres' reach. Notably, it gave Modern Tyres access to Dublin City, with eight depots within the M50, and new outlets in major towns such as Athlone, Cavan, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Naas, Letterkenny, Roscommon, Tralee, and Wexford.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Modern Tyres is proud to support local communities across Ireland. Our teams take part in local events, partnerships, and initiatives that help strengthen the areas we work in.
OUR MISSION & VALUES
Our mission is to keep drivers safe through honest advice, proven expertise and forward-looking service. With 60 years of technical experience and access to the world’s leading tyre brands, we ensure every vehicle leaving our depots is road-ready and safe. We make tyre care straightforward, with no jargon, hidden costs or unnecessary upselling – only clear recommendations from people committed to doing the job properly. As Ireland’s largest independent tyre retailer, we are also investing in the future through EV-certified technicians, digital booking technology and more sustainable practices.
WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
We’re always interested in meeting people who care about good service and enjoy working with customers. If you’d like to be part of a friendly, growing network, we’d love to hear from you.
225/45YR17 IMPRERIAL E-SPT-2 94Y XL
ECOSPORT 2 (EXTRA LOAD)
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About Summer Tyres
Price
$83.44
In Stock