Dolly's Brae conflict

The Dolly's Brae conflict occurred near Castlewellan in County Down, Ulster, on 12 July 1849. A large group of Orangemen had elected to march from Ballyward Church to Tollymore Park and back again. The outward journey proceeded without incident, but as the Orangemen were returning, they were confronted at Dolly's Brae by a group of Catholic Ribbonmen intent on blocking their progress. The Ribbonmen were ultimately dispersed with the help of the army and police.

At least five people died, one an Orangeman and the others Catholic civilians who were killed in retaliation for the attack. It has been claimed that as many as 30 Ribbonmen may have fallen, but this is unconfirmed. The violence led directly to the Party Processions Act of 1850, curtailing activities perceived to be sectarian in Ireland. Nevertheless, the conflict entered Ulster Protestant folk memory as the Battle of Dolly's Brae.

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