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seasonal · Monday 13 July 2026 · Various 
Orange Order Parades - Derry
At Various venues across Derry · Derry, Co. Derry
At Various venues across Derry · Derry, Co. Derry
The Twelfth of July is the largest annual event in the Orange Order calendar, and in 2026 County Londonderry hosts two of the eighteen demonstrations held across Northern Ireland. Because the 12th falls on a Sunday this year, all main parades take place on Monday, 13 July - in keeping with the long-standing custom of not marching on a Sunday. The county-level demonstrations are held in Kilrea and Limavady, drawing lodges, bands, and spectators from across the area. Whether you are a visitor curious about this tradition or someone who has watched the Twelfth since childhood, both towns offer a close-up view of one of Europe’s largest annual outdoor festivals.
In Kilrea, eight local Districts representing over fifty Private Lodges assemble from 12 noon at the Assembly Field on Drumagarner Road. The procession winds through the town centre - Maghera Street, Old Market Yard, Church Street, Bridge Street and Mill Road - arriving at the Demonstration Field behind the livestock market on the Garvagh Road at around 12.45pm. Leading the parade is Tamlaght O’Crilly Pipe Band, and among the marching bands is Eden Accordion Band, marking their 75th anniversary in 2026. Platform proceedings follow the arrival.
In Limavady, the outward parade also steps off at 12 noon from the Assembly Field on Church Street. The route takes in Catherine Street, Irish Green Street and Roemill Gardens before arriving at the Demonstration Field on Roemill Road at around 12.45pm. This year Limavady has changed the format: the religious service and reading of the resolutions will take place inside a marquee rather than on a traditional outdoor platform, with proceedings beginning at 2pm. There is also children’s entertainment, bouncy castles, and face painting at the field - making it a family-friendly afternoon as well as a formal occasion. The return parade follows a longer loop through Main Street and Ballyclose Street back to the assembly area.
Across both venues, lodges march in their regalia, bands play a mix of traditional tunes, and the atmosphere is community-focused rather than overtly political - the Order has confirmed there are no political speeches at the platforms.
Kilrea is a small market town in east Londonderry, roughly 10 miles south-east of Coleraine. By car, take the A54 from Coleraine or the B64 from Maghera. Limavady sits on the A2 coastal road between Derry city (about 18 miles west) and Coleraine (about 12 miles east). Translink operates bus services to both towns from Derry’s bus station on Foyle Street and from Coleraine. Parking in both towns will be busy on the day - arrive early and follow any council signage for temporary event parking. Parade routes pass through town centres, so some roads will be closed or restricted around midday.
The day is spread across the county, but Derry city itself is a short drive away and worth a visit before or after the parades. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.
Heading to Various venues across Derry in Derry? Derry has plenty more to see. Read the Derry area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.