The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

Few events have had such a lasting effect on Irish history as the battle that took place on the banks of the Boyne in July 1690. The recently opened visitor centre at Oldbridge provides a fascinating insight into the battle and the complex mix of political intrigue, religious rivalry, and struggle for power in Europe that led to it. On one side was James II, the deposed Catholic king of England, on the other his nephew and son in law, William of Orange who sat on the English throne as a Protestant monarch along with James’ daughter Mary. William’s decisive victory on the day cemented his hold on the English throne but the battle was not a purely Irish and English affair. Both armies were bolstered by soldiers drawn from right across Europe and both Louis XIV of France and the Pope had a deep vested interest in the outcome of the battle.

The visitor centre is located on the battle site in the restored 18 century Oldbridge House. Visitors can take tours of the house, garden and part of the battlefield, watch an audiovisual display and view replica weaponry and artefacts associated with the battle.