The Battle of the Boyne is one of the most significant events in Irish history, with far-reaching consequences for both the country and the continent. On 1 July 1690, two kings faced off against each other on the banks of the River Boyne at Oldbridge, County Meath. William III, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and his father-in-law, James II, who had been deposed as king, commanded their armies in person. The battle was fought by 36,000 men on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite side, making it the largest deployment of troops on an Irish battlefield to date.

The stakes were high, with the British throne, French dominance in Europe, and religious power in Ireland all on the line. William was victorious in the end, and the battle changed the course of European history. In the wake of the battle, many Irish Catholics were disenfranchised, leading to further conflicts and tensions in the country.

Today, the battleground has been transformed into the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where visitors can learn about the events leading up to the battle and the battle itself. The centre is housed in a restored eighteenth-century house and contains original weapons and a laser model of the battlefield. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this pivotal episode in Irish and European history. The centre offers guided tours and interactive exhibits, including audio-visual displays that transport visitors back in time to the battlefield.