All you need to know about Rossnowlagh Twelfth

The rolling hills and stunning coastline of County Donegal provide what must surely be the most scenic setting for any Twelfth parade.

The annual Rossnowlagh procession will be held on Saturday, July 6, just a matter of 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 which begins close to St. John’s Parish Church at 12.30pm.

This year will see numerous international Orange visitors visit Rossnowlagh as they are in Northern Ireland to attend the meeting of the Imperial Grand Lodge.

This will include visiting Brethren from Australia, America and Canada.

The parade then makes its way down a narrow country road, thronged with onlookers, to the demonstration field on the edge of the shoreline.

The annual gathering is known to have a family-friendly atmosphere and minimal security presence.

A religious service, only yards from the rolling breakers of the Atlantic, will be held at 3pm. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Brian Russell, Rector of Drumholm Parish.

Recommended reading:

Pictures from Rossnowlagh as thousands attend Donegal Twelfth

Unique Potter's Bench unveiled in Fermanagh village

AbbeyAutoline completes acquisition of Martin Carey Insurance

A collection will be held on the day in aid of Orange charities.

The return parade will leave the demonstration field at 4.45pm.

Orangeism remains vibrant in the border counties with Brethren regularly taking part in parades and events right across the jurisdiction of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Rossnowlagh's Twelfth demonstration last year

Upwards of 50 lodges from Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan, as well as visiting Orangemen from Northern Ireland and further afield, took part in 2023's parade.

The Twelfth demonstration in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, was accompanied by pleasant weather, with participants and onlookers enjoying frequent spells of sunshine in the lovely coastal setting.

With any luck, the weather will hold for 2024.