Battle of the Boyne 2022 in the United Kingdom

Battle of the Boyne 2022 is a day mentioned in the lost of holidays in Ireland to commemorate a battle of the same name which took place in the year 1960. Considered to be one of the most historically significant days in Northern Ireland, this day is observed on the 12th of July every year, in memoriam of the glorious Battle of the Boyne. This particular day also goes by the names of Orange Day and Orangemen’s Day, and the reasons for calling it so will be revealed in the upcoming sections of this write up.

When is Battle of the Boyne in 2022?

12

July, 2022

(Tuesday)

Battle of the Boyne	in United Kingdom

Is Battle of the Boyne a Public Holiday in Northern Ireland?

Battle of the Boyne is a public holiday in Northern Ireland according to Holidays 2022. A day off is granted to the general population on this day, and most of the public institutions and organisations remain closed on this day.

Battle of the Boyne Day in the Pages of History

Battle of the Boyne Day history holds relevant significance and commemorates the beginning of its observance. As it has been mentioned, the Battle of the Boyne Day occupies a special place in the pages of history. The battle actually took place on the banks of the river Boyne near the township of Dorgheda, belonging to the eastren coast of Ireland. The mighty battle took place between James II, the deposited King of England and Ireland, known as James VII Scotland and William III, who acquired the crowns of Scotland and England in 1689. The battle ultimately resulted in the victory of William III.

Consequently, King James failed to regain the British crown which led to the prevalence of a Protestant form ascendancy in Ireland. This war in which the forces of James II and William III collided had religious overtones as both of them belonged to the different sects of Church or Christianity. While James II was a Catholic and his followers were called Jacobites. However, there were many Jacobites who eventually became followers of Protestantism. Since King William is also known as William of Orange, this day also came to be known as Orangemen Day, after the Orange order to commemorate his victory over James II.

Even though the celebrations take place on the 12th of January every year, the battle actually took place on 1 July, 1690. However, the date was altered when the UK started to follow the Gregorian Calendar in 1752, as a result of which several dates were mapped to the new calendar without any proper corrections. Ever since then, the folks of Northern Ireland continue to celebrate Battle of the Boyne Day on the 12th of July every year. Hence, the day also came to be known as “The Twelfth”.

Battle of the Boyne Quick Facts

As this day is a public holiday in Northern Ireland, Battle of the Boyne celebrations are commemorated very holistically by the common folk of Northern Ireland. The lodges affiliated to the Orange order specifically take part in the organisation of the marches on this day. Banners are also carried by lodges, which display their name and number on one side. At the same time, the other side of the banner includes William of Orange’s images, local landmarks, the names of deceased members or the bible along with a crown.

In the parades or marches that take place, the Orange order members also carry banners and flags of Northern Ireland. Additionally, they are accompanied by bands who keep marching and playing drums and popes at the same time. The folks who come out to participate are often seen wearing dark suits. At the same time, Orangemen are seen donning an impressive look: orange collarettes, bowler hats, white and gloves. The celebrations do not remain limited to Northern Ireland only, as the festivities are also seen taking place in other parts of the UK like Wales and Scotland.

Battle of the Boyne Observances

Year Weekday Date Name Holiday Type
2019 Fri 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2020 Sun 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2021 Mon 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2022 Tue 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2023 Wed 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2024 Fri 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday
2025 Sat 12 July Battle of the Boyne Local Bank Holiday

FAQs

1. What happened on the 12th of July in Northern Ireland?

Citizens in Northern Ireland have a bank holiday on or after July 12 in commemoration of the Battle of Boyne which took place on the east coast of Ireland in 1690. It is also known as Orangemen’s Day.

2. Why do Protestants celebrate the 12th of July?

It honors Protestant King William of Orange’s Glorious Revolution (1688) and victory over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne (1690), which began the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland.

3. Who fought in the Battle of the Boyne?

In July 1690 the Boyne’s War was fought between William of Orange and James II in Ireland.

4. What is the point of the Orange Walk?

The march celebrates an important date for the Protestants in Northern Ireland as it commemorates the Boyne War when the Catholic King James II was defeated by William in Orange.

So these were all the necessary deets you need to know about the Battle of the Boyne Day 2022 in the UK. We hope that this write up proves to be insightful for you. Thank You so much for connecting with us!!

Quick Facts

This year: Tue, 12 July 2022
Next year: Wed, 12 July 2023
Last year: Mon, 12 July 2021
Type: Local Bank Holiday

Battle of the Boyne - Names in Other Languages

English: Battle of the Boyne, Orange Day, the Glorious Twelfth, Orangemen’s Day
Norwegian: Slaget ved Boyne