Bitva u Boyne v moderní (severo)irské paměti
The Battle of the Boyne in Modern (Northern) Irish Memory

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study is to analyse the ways in which violence is mobilized through memorization practices associated with the Battle of the Boyne (1690), in which the Protestant William III of Orange defeated the Catholic King James II. Subsequently, the violent Protestantisation of Ireland and the consequent division of the island into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (belonging to the UK) occurred. Analyses of the actual events of 11 July (bonfires), 12 July (Orange Marches) and the painted murals in Belfast (and other Northern Ireland cities) have shown that under the current peaceful situation there is (and continues to be) a strong potential for violent conflict. These festivals are part of Ulster’s collective memory and serve not only to commemorate historical events, but also to perpetuate UK affiliation (unionism, loyalism) and reinforce militant sentiment. This happens as a result of strong visuality in public space. The study showed that even in a peaceful situation, war (armed conflict) lives on in the minds of Ulster residents.

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