Drogheda & Battle of The Boyne

Drogheda is a great base to explore an area which has the highest concentration of internationally important archaeology sites in Ireland. The Neolithic complex at Brú na Bóinne, the seat of the high kings at Tara, and the important Christian sites of Kells and Monasterboice are all just a short distance away. That doesn’t mean that Drogheda itself doesn’t have a lot to offer. The town’s buildings, museum, and gallery are great. Almost more importantly than these, however, are its atmospheric old pubs and great dining choices.

DROGHEDA MUSEUM MILLMOUNT and Martello Tower are located on the great fort that towers over the town of Drogheda, on an ancient hill overlooking the historic river Boyne. It is the gateway to the Boyne Valley, an area rich in heritage dating back over 9,000 years, while the town itself is over 800 years old.

It is the oldest surviving center of settlement in the town with a dramatic history and many stories to tell. The whole fort is now the Millmount Cultural Quarter, including craft shops, art galleries, a café, and artisan food center. Young or old – whatever your interests – you will enjoy a warm welcome and a great day out!

St. Peter’s R.C. Church in West Street is world famous for housing the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett. The first Church on the site was built in 1791 to a design by Francis Johnston and the present church incorporates part of that building was opened in 1884.  The facade is an imposing structure, built of local limestone. The church was one of the last of the gothic churches to have been built and as such incorporates many of the finer aspects of gothic architecture.

St. Oliver Plunkett, was born at Loughcrew near Oldcastle, Co Meath and trained for the priesthood abroad, being ordained in 1654 and becoming Archbishop Of Armagh in 1669. He spent a lot of time in Drogheda and is credited with bringing the Jesuits to town and opening a number of schools. Because of the Penal Laws, Catholics were not allowed to practice their religion openly but Plunkett managed to defy them for a period but later he had to go into hiding, traveling only in disguise. He was arrested in Dublin in 1679 and found guilty of high treason, and on 11th July 1681, having spent some time in Newgate Prison he was taken to Tyburn ( now Marble Arch London) and hanged, drawn and quartered. He was declared a saint by Pope Paul VI in 1973. His preserved head forms the centerpiece of the shrine in St Peters Church. Many schools, churches and other building in Ireland and overseas are dedicated to the Saint.

St Laurence Gate, the Barbican or outer defense gate is located at the junction of Laurence Street and Chord Road. Widely regarded as one of the finest of its type in Europe it dates back to the 14th century. The gate led to the Friary of St Laurence which was located to the East. Part of the old town wall is located to the south of the gate at Featherbed Lane and visitors can see the hight and width of the medieval walls.
Twice the walls and gates of Drogheda held face against invasion, firstly when Edward Bruce, brother of Scotland’s King Robert Bruce attacked the town in 1317 and again in 1642 when Sir Phelim O’Neill tried to take Drogheda from the garrison commander Tichbourne.

The Battle of the Boyne is one of the most significant events in Irish history. The Battle was fought between King William III and his father-in-law King James II on 1 July 1690. The kings were rival claimants to the English, Scottish and Irish thrones. Protestant King William (of Orange) had deposed Catholic King James in 1688.
William’s army (called Williamites), numbered some 36,000 men and was made up of English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, Danish and Huguenots (French Protestants). The opposing army (called Jacobites) were mainly Irish Catholics, reinforced by 6,500 French troops sent by King Louis XIV. The Jacobites chose the River Boyne as the best defense against the Williamites progress south towards Dublin. Drogheda was garrisoned and a force of 25,000 men was positioned at Oldbridge, the most likely crossing point. The armies camped on opposite sides of the river. William’s battle plan was to trap the Jacobite army in a pincer movement. He sent a force of 10,000 men towards Slane which drew the bulk of the Jacobites upstream in opposition. With 1,300 Jacobites posted in Drogheda, only 6,000 were left at Oldbridge to repel 26,000 Williamites. All the fighting took place on the south side of the river as the vastly outnumbered Jacobite forces defended their position against the advancing Williamites. William himself crossed at Drybridge with 3,500 mounted troops. The Jacobites retreated across the river Nanny at Duleek and regrouped west of the Shannon to carry on the war.