Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day

Quick Facts - GB

AKA Name	The Twelfth, The Glorious Twelfth and Orange Day
Hashtags	#Orangemansday, #UniversityOrangeism
Related Hashtags
2023 Date	12 July 2023
2024 Date	12 July 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

		UK & Common Holidays
		Misc. & Int'l. Observancesℹ
		Christian Holidays
		Jewish Holidays
		Muslim Holidays

Orangemen's Day (IRL) in 2023

Wednesday, 12 Jul

Days to go:

Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day (Northern Ireland) History

The Battle of the Boyne, also know as the Twelfth and Orange Day, commemorates a historic event that took place in 1690. The titular battle was fought on the banks of the River Boyne to the north west of Dublin between King James II and his successor, William III, for the control of Ireland. During the day, many walks and marches take place, marching bands perform too. Marchers tend to belong to lodges, when they march banners displaying slogans and historical symbols are waved.

The day is only a holiday Ireland and Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK does not celebrate it. The Battle of the Boyne was fought on 1 July 1690, according to the old Julian calendar. This was reformed and replaced with the Gregorian calendar across the British Empire in 1752, repositioning the 'date' of the Battle of the Boyne to 11 July. In 2022, the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) takes place on July 12.

Top Tweets for Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day -

Updated 05:05

King William of Orange, the English king who won the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, the first Brexit from European control and domination! Today, 1 million loyalists in Northern Ireland celebrate this mighty British victory against an earlier version of the EU! No surrender! OCS https://t.co/1YrWCoPWxT
— Lorraine (@Lorrain94126276) July 12, 2022

The Twelfth is an Ulster Protestant celebration held on 12 July. It began in the late 18th century. It celebrates the Glorious Revolution (1688) & victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne (1690) #GloriousTwelfth https://t.co/S75O0ZWpDe
— BRITISH HISTORY (@BritishHistorym) July 12, 2022

Unionist fascists celebrate the Battle of the Boyne, the last battle before William of Orange became King of England, Scotland and Ireland, where Catholics were made second class citizens in their own country (Ireland). Bonfire has Irish and Palestinian flags https://t.co/elmRl532LD
— The Kavernacle (@TheKavernacle) July 12, 2022

Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day Facts & Quotes

The Pope backed the Protestant William, this was done as part of a Grand Alliance against Louis XIV’s warmongering in Europe.
William’s army was multi-national, consisting of Dutch, Danish, Germans and Huguenots (French Protestants). They were fearsome, professional and well-paid
James’ army was made up of woefully under-equipped Irish infantry. They had excellent morale and fine cavalry from Louis XVI.
The river Boyne is significant as it was the last natural barrier between William and Dublin- the stronghold of James. This would be the last time crowned kings of England, Scotland and Ireland would meet in battle.
For a tourist, the cultural, historical and religious aspects of the parade are what they should see - Harold Weir, Orangeman (about the Orange Day parades)

In the News and Trending for Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day

Updated 05:05 Battle of the Boyne is only a bank holiday in one part of the UK

mirror.co.uk

Hundreds of bonfires to light up Northern Ireland as loyalists remember Battle of the Boyne

dundalkdemocrat.ie

What was the Battle of the Boyne? Meaning behind Twelfth marches and why it's celebrated in Northern Ireland

inews.co.uk

Loyalist youth with effigy of Robert Lundy due to be burnt on the 11th July Bonfire celebrating victory at Battle of the Boyne Stock Photo

alamy.com

Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day Top Events and Things to Do

Visit the parade. There are many Orange Order parades throughout Northern Ireland.
For a less crowded couple of days, try Portrush on the north coast for stunning scenery and local ice cream. Irish culture and identity owes a lot to the dramatic scenery along the coast.
Visit the Boyne Valley. It is very scenic. Surrounding the Boyne River is a beautiful valley with lively towns- Drogheda and Navan. HAJ
Watch a film about Irish history, this small country has had a tumultuous past that is worth exploring. Our suggestions include:
1) Hunger (2008)
2) Bloody Sunday (2002)
3) Elephant (1989)
Read a book on the history of the Troubles in Ireland. Have you tried:
1) The Making of Modern Ireland 1603-1923 by JC Beckett
2) Modern Ireland 1600-1972 by RF Foster
3) Ireland: a Social and Cultural History 1922-1985 by Terence Brown