Battle of the Boyne

The Battle of the Boyne, also known as The Twelfth or Orangemen's Day, is a public holiday observed exclusively in Northern Ireland on 12 July. It commemorates the 1690 military victory of the Protestant King William III over the ousted Catholic King James II.

In July 1690, forces led by the Dutch-born Protestant Prince William of Orange met the army of his father-in-law, the deposed Catholic King James II, at the River Boyne near Drogheda. James sought to reclaim the crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland with backing from French allies and local Irish Catholics, whereas William commanded a European coalition intent on securing his throne and maintaining Protestant political dominance.

William's decisive victory forced James to flee to France, effectively securing the Protestant succession in Great Britain and Ireland. Following Great Britain's adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752, the anniversary moved from 1 July to 12 July. Over the following centuries, the date became a cornerstone of Ulster loyalist tradition and Protestant cultural identity, eventually becoming an official bank holiday in Northern Ireland.

Celebrations begin on the eve of the holiday, known as the Eleventh Night, when large community bonfires are lit in Protestant neighbourhoods. On 12 July, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland organises extensive parades featuring marching bands, lodge members wearing traditional collarettes, and intricate banners depicting historical scenes. Towns across Northern Ireland host eighteen regional demonstrations, drawing thousands of marchers and spectators, while streets along the routes are decorated with bunting and archways.