Battle of Clontarf
Clontarf, Dublin
What happened
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and his son Murchad led an Irish army against Máel Mórda, King of Leinster, and Sigtrygg Silkbeard, the Norse king of Dublin, who were joined by Viking fighters under Sigurd of Orkney and Brodir of Man. The king of Leinster and the Norse king of Dublin resented Brian Boru's growing power, and Dublin asked Vikings from overseas for help. On Good Friday 1014 the two sides fought at Clontarf, near Dublin, from sunrise to sunset. The Dublin and Leinster side broke and Brian's army won, but Brian, his son Murchad and his grandson were all killed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Viking power around Dublin was largely broken, and the battle later became a symbol of Irish freedom from foreign rule. According to many modern historians, it was also partly an Irish civil war, with Irish and Vikings fighting on both sides.
What came next
Máel Sechnaill became High King again, and Brian's family struggled for power. Sigtrygg Silkbeard stayed king of Dublin until 1036.
Did you know?
Brian Boru, who was over 70, was reportedly buried in the north wall of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh.
Timeline
- 978Brian Boru becomes King of Munster.
- 1002Brian becomes High King of Ireland.
- 1013Brian camps outside Dublin, and Dublin seeks Viking allies overseas.
- 23 April 1014Brian's army wins at Clontarf, but Brian falls.
- 1036Sigtrygg Silkbeard's long rule of Dublin ends.