24/05/2026
This past weekend, members of the Billy Boys Band took part in a hugely successful cultural and historical good practice visit to Dublin, designed and facilitated by Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network (NACN).
The programme brought together learning, reflection, respect and shared history through a series of workshops in Rathcoole followed by an educational weekend across a number of significant historical sites in the Irish Republic.
Our first stop was the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in Drogheda, where participants explored one of the most defining moments in Irish and British history and reflected on its continuing historical significance.
At he Boyne we were very fortunate to see and walk behind an Orange Order Parade taken place over a Bridge at the Boyne River.
We then travelled to Glasnevin Cemetery for a private guided tour through Ireland’s rich and often complex past. Within the Republican Plot, members learned about key historical figures including Daniel O’Connell, known as “The Liberator”, who campaigned peacefully for Catholic emancipation and civil rights in Ireland. The tour also explored the lives and legacies of Éamon de Valera and Michael Collins, two central figures in Ireland’s revolutionary period whose differing visions have shaped Ireland as it is today.
Participants also heard about Charles Stewart Parnell, one of Ireland’s most influential political leaders, and visited the mass graves linked to the Great Famine and other periods of hardship in Irish history, powerful reminders of suffering, resilience and humanity.
Importantly, respect was shown to all traditions and histories represented within Glasnevin, including the British Victoria Cross recipients buried there, whose bravery and sacrifice were also acknowledged and remembered with dignity.
The group then visited Kilmainham Gaol, where many leaders of the 1916 Rising were imprisoned and executed, This was a very interesting part of the project as this history never gets told
We then moved on to Islandbridge Memorial Gardens of Remembrance. There, members met with our friend Dave O’Brien, and the Band laid a wreath in what was a deeply moving and respectful moment of remembrance.
The final historical stop took the group to Grangegorman Military Cemetery, where members reflected on the lives of so many young men buried there. The visit also included paying respects at the resting place of Margaret Naylor, whose story was previously documented by NACN through our film work.
Before beginning the journey home, the group enjoyed a final stop at Comisky’s, rounding off a memorable and meaningful weekend.
NACN would like to thank Clanmil Housing’s Good Relations Team for their valued support in making this programme possible. Their commitment to education, dialogue and positive community engagement continues to create opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and learning.
This weekend demonstrated clearly that the Billy Boys Band are forward-thinking, respectful and proud of who they are and where they come from.
Through engaging positively with history, heritage and remembrance, the Band continues to show leadership and a willingness to build understanding while honouring their own identity and traditions with dignity and respect.
We are also very much looking forward to the upcoming documentary currently being developed by NACN about the Billy Boys Flute Band, which will further explore the people, heritage, identity and positive community work behind the Band and its members.
