Battle of the Boyne
12 July each year — Northern Ireland only
The Battle of the Boyne bank holiday is observed on 12 July in Northern Ireland (or the following Monday if 12 July falls on a weekend). It commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, fought on 1 July 1690 (Old Style calendar — 11 July New Style), where William III (William of Orange) defeated the deposed King James II. The battle had profound consequences for the Protestant succession, the constitutional relationship between Britain and Ireland, and the establishment of Protestant political dominance in Ireland. The 12th of July is the centrepiece of the Orange marching season, with parades by the Orange Order throughout Northern Ireland. It is one of Northern Ireland's most distinctive cultural and political traditions.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 12 July 2026 |
Monday, 13 July 2026
Mondayised 12 July (Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day) — Northern Ireland only |
| 2027 | Monday, 12 July 2027 |
Monday, 12 July 2027
12 July (Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day) — Northern Ireland only |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 12 July 2028 |
Wednesday, 12 July 2028
12 July (Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day) — Northern Ireland only |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
12 July each year — Northern Ireland only