The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is among a dozen OPW sites to have been awarded International Green Flag Awards by An Taisce it was announced today.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) welcomed the news that 12 OPW sites were among a group of 120 Irish public parks, gardens and voluntary run green community sites across the Republic of Ireland who received their 2024 Green Flags.
The OPW sites receiving Green Flags include Altamount House and Gardens in Co. Carlow, Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in Co. Meath, Derrynane Historic Park in Co. Kerry, Fota Arboretum & Gardens and Garinish Island in Co. Cork, Glebe House and Gallery in Co. Donegal, Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Irish National War Memorial Gardens, The Iveagh Gardens, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, St. Stephens Green and The Phoenix Park in Dublin.
In addition to the Green Flag award, the OPW received 6 Green Heritage Site Accreditation awards. These include Altamont House and Gardens, the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Derrynane Historical Park, Garinish Island, the Irish National War Memorial Gardens and Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The Chairman of the OPW, John Conlon said: “I am delighted that many of our OPW sites have been awarded these flags, which highlights the wonderfully diverse parks in our care … The OPW places great importance on the sustainable management and conservation of the State’s Heritage sites, and the Green Flag Awards scheme is a wonderful way of recognising and celebrating these high standards.”
The Green Flag Awards, administered by An Taisce Environmental Education in Ireland, recognise and encourage the provision of good quality parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways. The awards are marked on eight key criteria, including biodiversity standards, cleanliness, health and safety, sustainability and community involvement.
This International Scheme is in operation across Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Mexico, Mongolia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The Green Heritage Site Accreditation is awarded to public green spaces of historical importance that actively understand, manage, and promote their heritage which makes them unique. The judging criteria also takes into account the different facilities offered, management strategies, and community engagement.
About the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
On 1 July 1690, King William III clashed with his father-in-law, King James II, on the River Boyne at Oldbridge, County Meath.
Both kings commanded their armies in person. There were 36,000 men on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite side. It was the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish battlefield. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and religious power in Ireland. William was victorious – and the continent was changed forever.
On the battleground itself, in a recently restored eighteenth-century house, now stands the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre. The centre contains original weapons and a laser model of the battlefield. It is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to find out more about this pivotal episode in Irish and European history. For more information see: Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
