The Army in Northern Ireland

13/05/2026

A 21-gun salute at Hillsborough Castle on 6th May 2026, marked the third anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty The King and The Queen.

Executed with precision and ceremonial excellence by 206 (Ulster) Battery, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, the salute paid tribute to His Majesty while continuing Northern Ireland’s long-standing tradition of royal celebration against a historic backdrop.

23/04/2026

The NI Blackthorns RFC played the 1st Bn Irish Guards (1IG) on 18 Apr 26 in a memorial fixture hosted by Regents House Grammar School (RHS).

This match commemorated the life and service of Lt Col Mayne DSO, who was a former pupil of RHS, and celebrated the centenary of the school. Simultaneously to the fixture, engagement stands were established at RHS showcasing the opportunities and capabilities of units in NI.
The Blackthorns were joined by 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery who opened the match with a gun salute. The teams were then led onto the pitch by 502 Squadron’s Pipes and Drums.

The match finished 22–19 to 1IG.

The NI Blackthorns RFC is a tri-service rugby team, formed in 2023 and is made up of reserve personnel serving in Northern Ireland.

17/03/2026

Members of The Royal Irish Regiment celebrated St Patrick’s Day with a parade and shamrock presentation in Hillsborough Castle on the 14th March 2026.

16/03/2026

On 16 March 1942.

Troops of the United States Army stationed across Northern Ireland enjoyed some well-earned downtime as they settled into their new surroundings.

Having arrived only weeks earlier, many American soldiers were still adjusting to life in Ulster—discovering local pastimes, meeting communities, and becoming familiar with British currency and their new military pay. With thousands of troops now based across the province, moments of rest offered a welcome break from the intense training that prepared them for the battles that lay ahead in Europe.

06/03/2026

210 MMR hosted Exercise Shamrock Cyclone in Magilligan Training Area, Northern Ireland.

They were joined by various mainland units and focussed on combat and readiness drills to allow them to operate effectively and protect themselves while administering aid in conflict.

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05/03/2026

02/02/2026

ON THIS DAY – 2 FEBRUARY 1942 | NORTHERN IRELAND
On 2 February 1942, British soldiers of the 1/5th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment formally handed over duties to U.S. Army personnel of the 63rd Signal Battalion (V Corps) at Sunnylands Camp, Carrickfergus, County Antrim.
During the handover, members of the recently arrived U.S. Army signals battalion met with cooks from the British Army. The American cooks noted the British soldiers’ ability to prepare coffee to American standards — a small but telling example of day-to-day cooperation as U.S. forces established themselves in Northern Ireland.
The transition reflected the rapid expansion of the U.S. military presence in Ulster and the growing Allied coordination that would shape the course of the Second World War.

26/01/2026

On this day, 26 January 1942, the first US troops arrived in Belfast, marking the beginning of America’s military presence in Europe during WWII. Their arrival became known as the “friendly invasion” and marked a key moment in Allied cooperation.

12/01/2026

On This Day – January 12



In 1943, the wartime documentary ‘A Letter From Ulster’ premiered at the Imperial Picture House in Belfast.



Produced for the U.S. Army during World War II, the film documented the experiences of American service members stationed in Northern Ireland and the close relationships formed with local communities during the war years. The premiere marked an important cultural moment in Belfast’s wartime history.



A lasting record of shared experience, cooperation, and daily life during the Second World War.

24/12/2025

As we look back on another incredible year for the Army in Northern Ireland, we are reminded of the strength, spirit and support that make our community so special. From training achievements and community events to moments of service, remembrance, and celebration — every step has been shaped by the people who stand with us.

Thank you to our families, friends, partners and all who have joined us along the way. Your encouragement and goodwill mean more than words can say.

From all of us here in Northern Ireland, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, hopeful, and happy New Year.

Here is to another year of service, teamwork, and shared pride.