About us
The history of Ireland is strewn with battles, armies, Kings and Kingdoms; a land that many countries fought in and for. The culture of the island, north and south, is rich in folklore and tradition; each century packed with battles, campaigns and important historical characters that changed the course of history in Ireland, Europe and on the odd occasion ultimately the world.
The North Irish Dragoons Society was established in 2005, when getting involved in the Carrickfergus pageant which re-enacted the landing of King William III.
This event is an annual event, along with a few others that we take part in every year. We started off with hiring our customs from a friendly business known as Irish Arms.
However over the past few years we have received funding to purchase uniforms and equipment from different periods of history.
Through the years we have taken part in many pageants & Parades including new educational displays, film/TV, game & country fairs and weddings.
We also have at least one historical display abroad, such as the Spanish succession wars i.e. Zaragoza and Almansa.
The group has been involved in a number of films and TV programmes such as
· ‘Brethren in Arms’ We were invited by Lynx Productions to lend the necessary authentic volunteer cavalry of the 1798 rebellion. The filming took several days and used locations in Comber, Saintfield and Downpatrick.
· “Gods Executioner” A film about Cromwell Ireland and is currently being shown on the History Channels.
· The educational film which is shown at the new Boyne interpretive centre.
· “A Pocket History of Ireland” a BBC production by John Daly.
The official launch was held in Castle Upton, Templepatrick and planned by the society. It was to unveil the recently commissioned period uniforms of the very first Inniskilling Dragoons. It also permitted the group with an opportunity to invite its several funders and other living history groups who had offered advice and support.
The day started with a talk about Williamites & Jacoites by Boyd Rankin of Irish Arm. Then a dramatic evocation of the forming of Wynnes Dragoons. “Gaustoav Hamilton” passed a commission to “James Wynnes” who soon returned with a Large Troop of mounted cavalry. This then was followed by the presentation of a cavalry flag to the regiment (a Gideon with an image of the Inniskilling Water Fort). After the groups display of the skill of Irish Cavalry to Baroque Music there was refreshments and a formal announcement from Lord Laird of Antiarvan who is the Patron of the Society.
