Ahern, Paisley to open Boyne site

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will officially open the Battle of the Boyne site near Drogheda in one of the final functions in the role…

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will officially open the Battle of the Boyne site near Drogheda in one of the final functions in the role next month.

Mr Ahern confirmed in a statement this evening that he will join with the North’s First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley in cutting the ribbon on new visitor facilities and exhibitions at the site on May 6th.

Work has been completed at the historic site of the 1690 battle by the Office of Public Works. They have carried out the work on the former Oldbridge Estate, which is situated inside the ancient battle site, on the banks of the River Boyne and on the border between Counties Meath and Louth.

The facilities include a visitor centre in Oldbridge House with exhibitions depicting the battle, audio visual facilities, restoration of the walled-gardens, a tearoom and full-scale replica 17th century artillery and military equipment in an outdoor setting.

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This event will take place almost one year after Mr Ahern first hosted Dr Paisley at the site.

Mr Ahern announced on April 2nd that he was stepping down as Fianna Fail leader and Taoiseach on May 6th.

In March, 81-year-old Dr Paisley announced he was stepping down as DUP leader and First Minister. He will remain as an MP and Northern Ireland Assembly member and will hand over his leadership to Peter Robinson after an investment conference in Belfast on May 7th.

Patrick  Logue

Patrick Logue

Patrick Logue is Digital Editor of The Irish Times