Battle of the Boyne Site

Battle of the Boyne Site
Drogheda, Co. Louth

 Background:

The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought on 1 July 1690. Both kings commanded their armies in person. William had 36,000 men and James had 25,000 - the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish battlefield. English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, Danish and Huguenots (French Protestants) made up Williams army (Williamites) while Jamess men (Jacobites) were mainly Irish Catholics, reinforced by 6,500 French troops sent by King Louis XIV. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and Religious power in Ireland.

Interpretive Centre at Oldbridge House is dedicated to informing tourists and other visitors about the battle is about 1 mile to the west of the main crossing point.

Oldbridge House

Built in the 1740’s by either John Coddington or his nephew Dixie Coddington. It is believed to have been designed by George Darley, a local mason architect who also designed the renovated Dunboyne Castle, Dowth House and The Tholsel in Drogheda, Co. Louth.

To the left of the house there is a cobble stone stable yard with fine cut stable block. This originally contained coach houses, stables, tack and feed rooms.  To the right of the house is a small enclosed courtyard which contains the former butler’s house which is not open to the public.

Facilities:

• Audio Visual Show, original and replica 17th Century weaponry displays, laser battlefield model, Tea Pavillion, Toilets, walled garden.
• Self guiding walks through parkland and battlesite.
• Partial access for people with disabilities.

Living History Programme for 2010

15 minute demonstration every alternate hour from 11 am to 5pm of black powder musket firing and cavalry manoeuvres:

• Every Sunday and Bank Holiday in May
• Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday in June, July & August.

On the following dates you can come along and find out about weaponry and cavalry as they developed through the ages:

 
Saturday August 21st

• 17th & 18th Century Living History Day
• Come along and witness tactics of the Napoleonic Infantryman.
• The Light Cavalry Officer will showcase a different system of riding and training that produced 'the galloping cavalry' of the late 18th and 19th centuries, complete with curved sabre and lance.
• From 11am to 5pm, every hour a 20 minute demonstration on the front lawn.
• Upstairs Downstairs Tour of Oldbridge House
• Come along and visit rooms of the house not normally open to the public.  See how the servants lived and worked in the 18th / 19th century.  Strictly limited to 20 people.  Booking is essential.  Limited accessibility for people with mobility issues.
• 5pm to 6pm.

Sunday 22nd August

• 17th  Century Living History Day
• Demonstrations of late 17th century musket and cannon fire.  Watch the gun team as they load, aim and fire the guns.
• The Cavalry Officer will demonstrate how the officers honed their attacking skills.
• Coin minting demonstrations all day long.  Meet the quartermaster and get your pay.
• From 11am to 5pm, every hour a 20 minute demonstration on the front lawn.
• Children's Garden Games
• Enjoy croquet on the lawn, quoits, skittles, badminton and boules.  Outwit your opponents with the giant chess set.  ( Parental supervision is required for children)
• 12pm to 4pm

Saturday August 28th

• 17th  Century Living History Day
• Demonstratations  of the use of the musket and pike.  The Cavalry Officer will demonstrate how the officers honed their attacking skills.
• From 11am to 5pm, every hour a 20 minute demonstration on the front lawn.
• Back to Front Tour of the Gardens of Oldbridge Estate
• Explore with a OPW guide the formal lawns and gardens of the estate.  Strictly limited to 20 people.  Booking is essential. Limited accessibility for people with mobility issues.
• 5pm to 6pm

Sunday 29th August

• 15th Century Living History Day
• Step back in time with the Armoured Knight, wielding his broadsword and the Mounted Armoured Knight demonstrating his might as an invincible force on the battle site before the age of gunpowder.
• From 11am to 5pm, every hour a 20 minute demonstration on the front lawn.
• Children's Garden Games
• Enjoy croquet on the lawn, quoits, skittles, badminton and boules.  Outwit your opponents with the giant chess set.  ( Parental supervision is required for children)
• 12pm to 4pm
• Children's Storytelling and Tour of Oldbridge Basement
• Come along and awaken the 300 year old storyteller and listen to his story about the Oldbridge House Cat & Mouse.  Great fun. Strictly limited to 20 children ( Parental supervision is required for children).  Booking is essential. Limited accessibility for people with mobility issues.
• 3pm to 4pm

Wild Flowers of Counties Meath & Louth Talk

• Issustrated talk in the Audio Visual Room by Dr. Maurice Eakin, District Conservation Officer with the Department of the Envirnoment.  Places limited to 50 people so booking is essential.
• 5pm to 6pm 

Opening Times:

• Daily from 1st May - 30th September (10.00 - 18.00)
• Last admission 45 mins. before closing
• Rest of year open to group bookings (of 10 or more). Advance bookings only.

 Admission Prices:

• Adult: €4.00
• Sen/Group: €3.00
• Child/Student: €2.00
• Family: €10.00
• Free admission to the grounds (battlesite walkways).

Guided Tours - access by Guided Tour only. Tours available on request. Groups of 20 or more must pre-book.

Location:

From Drogheda Fly over on Exit ( (M1 Motorway), follow signposts for Donore Village and Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Off N51 take the Slane / Drogheda road and turn over the Obelisk Bridge. From Bru na Boinne follow signs for Donore or Slane and find us close to Obelisk Bridge. Please note that coaches must access the centre from the Donore road, which can be found from junction 9 of the M1

Contact Details:

Telephone: +353 41 9809950
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.battleoftheboyne.ie