Donore, County Meath 2.08

Donore, historically Dunower, is a small village near Drogheda in County Meath, Ireland. It lies on the Meath–Louth border in the Boyne Valley on the road between Drogheda and the Brú na Bóinne heritage site. Donore is only 2 km from the visitors' centre at Brú na Bóinne. During the late 17th century, the village was used as a defensive position by the Jacobite army of King James II against King William III during the Battle of the Boyne (1690). The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought on 1 July 1690 (11 July according to our modern calendar). Both kings commanded their armies in person, 36,000 on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite side - the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish battlefield. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and power in Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House, which is on the battlesite. Free access to the battlesite, parklands and the formal gardens.The village has undergone much growth in recent years as a result of its location near the recent extension of the M1 motorway, and now has a pub and restaurant, shops, a pharmacy, a take-away and a hairdresser.The local gaelic football team is called St Mary's.