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Since 2004, the community education programme
has generated a lot of interest in the community, particularly
in communities where there would be a lot of misunderstandings
of the Orange Order.
In response to these misgivings and in order
to erase the many myths and misconceptions of the Institution,
the organisation has responded positively by producing a range
of material in order to tell the accurate story of Orangeism
in Ireland.
The most recent addition to compliment a full range of publications
is the Williamite Trail, a tourist map and guide which identifies
a number of historical sites associated with the Williamite
Wars in Ireland.
The trail starts at Londonderry where the historic walls
of the old city tell the story of the siege which took place
1688 - 1689 and is recorded as being the longest siege in
British military history having lasted 105 days.
From there the tourist can choose where to visit and will
include Whitehouse where William landed a portion of his army
on the shores of Belfast Lough in June 1690, Carrickfergus
where William of Orange stepped ashore at Carrickfergus Castle
on 14th June 1690.
Other places of interest include Belfast, Hillsborough where
the king stayed overnight, Loughbickland which was the rendezvous
point for the Williamite Troops dispersed in winter quarters
where a large stone marks the Army's camp in the local District's
Orange field through the Boyne Valley and onto Aughrim and
Limerick where the Treaty of Limerick was signed, which ended
the Williamite War in Ireland.
David Scott, Community Education Officer for the Institution
said, "the map will be a superb tourist resource and
will for the first time provide visitors with an accurate
guide to the many historical sites associated with the Williamite
War in Ireland.
It will also be a very useful educational resource for pupils
and teachers and will be an ideal field study aid".
You can order your copy of the new map by calling the Grand
Orange lodge of Ireland's Headquarters, Schomberg House on
028 9170 1122.
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