'There's no better place to be': Thousands set to enjoy Orange Order parade in Donegal
Thousands of Orangemen, bandsmen and supporters are expected to converge on the County Donegal seaside village of Rossnowlagh this Saturday as the annual demonstration marks the traditional beginning of the Twelfth weekend.
The rolling hills of the County Donegal village and the Atlantic coastline provide the backdrop to what many believe to be the most scenic setting for any Twelfth parade.
This year, the annual Rossnowlagh procession will be held on Saturday (July 11) – just two days before the demonstrations in Northern Ireland.
It is expected that upwards of 50 lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan, as well as visiting Orangemen from Northern Ireland and further afield, will take part in the parade.
Proceedings get under way at 12:30pm at St Johns Parish Church before making its way to the demonstration field at 1pm. Platform proceedings and a religious service will follow during the afternoon, with the return parade scheduled to commence at 4.45pm.
The service will be conducted by Canon Rev. Brian Russell, Rector of Drumholm Parish and a collection will be taken up in aid of Orange charities.
Various food and souvenir stalls will be located in the demonstration field, whilst refreshments will be available from 9:30am at Rossnowlagh Old School.
One of those who will be making his way to Rossnowlagh is the Deputy District Master of Bushmills District LOL No. 21, Allister Kyle.
Mr Kyle, who is a TUV councillor on the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, admits the Co Donegal demonstration is always a great occasion.
He explained: “I’m really looking to this Saturday at Rossnowlagh as it never disappoints.
"We usually run a bus from Bushmills in a show of solidarity for our brethren and sisters in the Irish Republic to show that we are all one family.
"It really is a beautiful place for a parade and when you attend the speeches at the beach front on a good day, there’s no better place to be.
“It will mark a great few days and I’ve been excited over the last number of weeks as it got closer and closer.
"I attended the Scottish Twelfth in Glasgow last week and it was a great day, and now I’m preparing for the Twelfth parade in the Irish Republic, before the main event in Ballymoney on Monday.
“I’m sure I’ll get plenty of steps. I had over 10000 steps at the halfway stage in Glasgow last week, so I’m sure between Rossnowlagh and Ballymoney, I’ll get even more. I’m for Scarva on Tuesday to watch, so at least that’ll give me a bit of break.”
Northern Ireland has basked in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures in recent days – just like County Donegal.
According to the forecast provided by the Met Office, the weather in Rossnowlagh is set to be nice and sunny for those watching or taking part.
"Last Saturday in Glasgow was a bit damp, so it wasn’t nice putting the brolly up and down,” Mr Kyle added.
"I prefer the heat as it’s nice to throw off the suit jacket, but I know for sure I’ll need the factor 50 sun cream for my head.”