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Thousands attending Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh

Keiron TourishNorth west reporter, BBC News NI
News imageBBC A flute band marching in a parade in County Donegal on a sunny day. They are wearing peaked black caps, white shirts and dark trousers with a red stripe.BBC
People travel from Northern Ireland and further afield to watch the parade

The annual Orange Order parade in Rossnowlagh is taking place in County Donegal.

Large crowds are in the seaside village for the demonstration which attracts visitors from across the island.

The Grand Master in Donegal David Mahon said there are stalls and food on offer and "a very relaxed atmosphere".

"It's always a carnival type of day with lots of families here enjoying a really good time," he added.

News imageTwo women enjoying the parade on a very sunny day in Rossknowlagh, County Donegal. The woman on the left has short blonde hair and glasses and the woman on the right has short, grey hair. They are both wearing short-sleeved white tops, orange collarettes and they are smiling broadly.
Participants and spectators alike were bathed in sunshine in the seaside village
News imageA woman smiles at the camera while enjoying an Orange Order parade on a sunny day in County Donegal. She is wearing a hat decorated with small union flags, a white sleeveless top and an orange collarette
The County Donegal parade is a staple in the Orange Order's marching calendar

The Rossnowlagh demonstration always takes place each year on the Saturday before the main Twelfth of July commemorations in Northern Ireland.

The Twelfth commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, when Protestant William of Orange defeated Catholic King James II in 1690.

Lodges from across Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan are taking part.

"It's very important because it's part of our culture and part of our faith.

"We welcome everyone here from across the community," Mahon said.

News imageDavid Mahon, a man with short, fair hair, looks to the camera during a BBC interview on a very sunny day in rural Donegal. He is wearing a white shirt, a red. white and blue striped tie and an orange sash with a gold fringe.
Donegal Grand Master David Mahon said there was a "a very relaxed atmosphere"

The grand master said the Orange Order in Donegal always had a good relationship with its Catholic neighbours.

"That's in terms of co-operation and some of them would be ringing us to see if we need the fields or land again for car parking or whatever."

Gardaí (Irish police) are visible, mainly for traffic duties during a busy parading day.

Mahon said the order was going from strength to strength in the county.

'The sun is shining'

News imageA woman with short light hair wearing a white and blue top looks at the camera on a sunny day. She is standing in front of a food stall. There are crowds of people in the background and row of flags which including the Union flag.
Lorna Walker said she attends the parade each year

Lorna Walker, from Randalstown in County Antrim, said:"I always love coming to this annual parade every year. I like supporting the lodges in County Donegal.

"Today the weather is going to make it as the sun is shining from early morning. Let's hope everyone has an enjoyable day."

Samantha Bates said: "We're from Lisnaskea in Fermanagh and we enjoy it and love it every year.

"This is the first year our boys Matthew (13) and Jacob (7) are on parade with Cornafanog flute band so they are very excited and we are very proud as a family."