Orangemen's Day

Orangemen's Day Quick Facts

AKA NameThe Twelfth, The Glorious Twelfth and Orange Day
HashtagsCompiled on#Orangemansday, #UniversityOrangeism
2023 Date12 July 2023
2024 Date12 July 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

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Orangemen's Day (IRL)

The Battle of the Boyne, also known as Orange Day, commemorates the historic battle that took place in Ireland in 1690. The event celebrates the victory of the Protestant King William III of Orange over the Catholic King James II, a crucial moment in the history of Ireland, England, and Scotland. For the Protestant community, particularly in Northern Ireland, the Battle of the Boyne represents an essential part of their cultural heritage and identity, symbolizing the triumph of their faction in the religious and political struggles of the time.

The historical context of the Battle of the Boyne is closely linked to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, during which King James II was deposed and fled to Ireland, seeking support from his Catholic allies. King William III of Orange, the Dutch king who had seized the English throne, met James II at the River Boyne, near the town of Drogheda in eastern Ireland. The battle thus unfolded on July 1st, 1690 (July 12th in the Gregorian calendar), and ended in a decisive victory for the Protestant forces. Today, the Battle of the Boyne is considered an essential milestone in European history, as it paved the way for Protestant ascendency in Ireland, the Act of Union between England and Scotland (1707), and the formation of the United Kingdom.

Typical activities for Orange Day include parades, cultural events, and historical re-enactments highlighting the heritage and legacy of the battle. The Battle of the Boyne remains a significant symbol of religious and cultural identity for many, serving as a connection to a complex and often tumultuous shared history. Orange Day is observed annually on July 12th.

Top facts about Orangemen's Day

  • 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)

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

References

BBC: Battle of Boyne
www.bbc.com: Northern Ireland

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