The Garage

The Birthplace of Motoring in Ireland.

Two cars outside Peare’s garage, Catherine Street, Waterford – the birthplace of motoring in Ireland.

© David McCarthy – gave permission to use.

The Birthplace of Motoring in Ireland.
© David McCarthy – gave permission to use.

The Birthplace of Motoring in Ireland.

Two cars outside Peare’s garage, Catherine Street, Waterford – the birthplace of motoring in Ireland.

© David McCarthy – gave permission to use.

Enlarge image

Merdith's partnership with Peare ended in 1900 and Sir William Goff became his partner in the new "Motor Works" W. F. Peare Ltd. New premises were needed for the expanding business and the old coach-building works in Catherine Street was purchased. The old building was demolished and a new state of the art garage constructed. It was and still is a two storey building.

W.F. Peare used the ground floor as a car show-room with adjoining offices at the back. There were also workshops, which contained the most modern equipment of the time. Garage employees were involved in the repairs and assembly of vehicles.

The upstairs contained living quarters and a club-room with a roof garden over the work-shops. A caretaker resided in the building, allowing customers to leave in their cars for repair late at night and early in the morning. W.F. Peare also became involved in the provision of electric light and electric power installation. He installed the engines and dynamos required for this.