July in Irish history, day by day
45 entries across 31 days of July, picked by hand: the turning points, the culture, the sport and the people Ireland remembers, each linked to the full story.
1st July
- 1937Voters approved Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Constitution of Ireland, in a plebiscite held on the same day as a general election. Wikipedia
- 1690William III defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne near Drogheda; the date later moved to 12th July with the calendar change. Wikipedia
- 1916The 36th (Ulster) Division and thousands of other Irish soldiers went over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Wikipedia
- 1681Died: Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop of Armagh, executed in London and made a saint in 1975 Wikipedia
2nd July
- 2000Died: Joey Dunlop, motorcycle racer from Ballymoney who won a record 26 Isle of Man TT races Wikipedia
3rd July
- 1970The British Army imposed the Falls Curfew in west Belfast, sealing off the Lower Falls for a weapons search that lasted until 5th July. Wikipedia
4th July
- 1994Ireland's run at the World Cup in the United States ended with a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the round of 16 in Orlando. Wikipedia
5th July
- 1958Born: Veronica Guerin, Dublin journalist who reported on organised crime Wikipedia
6th July
- 1936Born: Dave Allen, Firhouse-born comedian whose television shows ran for three decades Wikipedia
7th July
8th July
- 1980Born: Robbie Keane, Dublin footballer and Ireland's record goalscorer Wikipedia
9th July
- 1797Died: Edmund Burke, Dublin-born statesman and philosopher whose statue stands outside Trinity College Wikipedia
10th July
- 1927Kevin O'Higgins, Minister for Justice and Vice-President of the Executive Council, was shot dead by the IRA in Booterstown, Dublin. Wikipedia
11th July
- 1921The truce between the IRA and British forces came into effect at noon, ending the War of Independence and opening talks on a treaty. Wikipedia
12th July
13th July
- 1985Live Aid, the concerts organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure for famine relief in Ethiopia, played in London and Philadelphia. Wikipedia
14th July
- 1774Died: James O'Hara, Lord Tyrawley, Irish soldier and diplomat who rose to field marshal Wikipedia
15th July
- 1899Born: Seán Lemass, Taoiseach who opened up the Irish economy in the 1960s Wikipedia
16th July
- 1958Born: Michael Flatley, dancer who led Riverdance and created Lord of the Dance Wikipedia
17th July
18th July
- 1966The new Abbey Theatre opened on Abbey Street in Dublin, fifteen years after a fire destroyed the original building in 1951. Wikipedia
19th July
- 1997The IRA renewed its ceasefire, opening the way for Sinn Féin to join the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement. Wikipedia
20th July
21st July
22nd July
- 2007Pádraig Harrington won the Open Championship at Carnoustie, the first Irish winner of a golf major in 60 years. Wikipedia
23rd July
24th July
- 2010Died: Alex Higgins, Belfast snooker player and two-time world champion Wikipedia
25th July
- 2022Died: David Trimble, First Minister of Northern Ireland who shared the Nobel Peace Prize for the Good Friday Agreement Wikipedia
26th July
27th July
28th July
- 2005The IRA formally ordered an end to its armed campaign and told its members to pursue their aims by peaceful means. Wikipedia
29th July
- 1848The Young Ireland rising was put down at Ballingarry in County Tipperary during the Famine. Wikipedia
30th July
- 2012Died: Maeve Binchy, Dublin novelist of Circle of Friends and Light a Penny Candle Wikipedia