Opening night of J. Barter Travel's exhibition celebrating 150 years in the travel industry at the Cork Vision Centre

18th May 2015

Thursday 7th May 2015 saw the opening of an exhibition of a selection of J. Barter Travel’s remarkable collection of memorabilia and documents from many travel companies now no longer in existence.

This unique collection outlines memorable dates in the history of the travel in Cork and worldwide. This collection was mounted to mark this well-known family business’s150th anniversary in business.

In 1865, Joseph Barter, George’s great-grandfather, operated a business in Castle Street Cork where he sold bicycles, sewing machines, bound books and as a side business sold passages on ships. This lead him over time to becoming an appointed agent for many of the world shipping companies such as the White Star, Cunard, and the Pacific & Orient Lines. Of course at that time sea and rail were the only modes of worldwide transport.

With the development of the railways he was further appointed as agent for the Great Southern & Western Railway which eventually became CIE now Irish Rail. In the middle of 1880’s Thomas Barter George’s grandfather, decided to be part of the modern transport and embraced a new way of travelling by formed an association with John Mason Cook - son of the world renowned Thomas Cook. This lead to the Company became the Authorised Representative of Thomas Cook & Son in the Munster Area.

The agency was devastated in both of the two World Wars as travel was majorly restricted. WW1 dramatically changed the world of travel and with the ending of WW2 in 1944 further changes came about with the ever improving technology and safety of aircraft. As a result, “The rise of the airline business was accompanied by the gradual demise of passenger shipping.” George said. Clement Barter (his father) often quoted that once WW2 was over “travel re-started overnight”

The Barter family have witnessed many global historical events over 4 generations but happily J. Barter Travel is still thriving 150 years later. To mark this event George and his team decided to share such significant information with its many clients, the people of Cork, as well as partners, suppliers and customers around the world.

The opening night was an enormous success where over 200 people came together to celebrate with George, his family and the staff of J. Barter’s on its 150th anniversary.

Those who couldn’t attend on the night still have the opportunity to view this unique history as well as giving an oversight of the evolution of travel and tourism. The exhibition is currently running from 8th to 26th May in the Cork Vision Centre @ St Peters North Main Street.

.J. Barter Travel proudly continues serving our customers in a manner that has brought it to this landmark and continues to provide miles of smiles for all.

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