The Battle of Clontarf

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The Battle of Clontarf took place outside the town of Dublin on Good Friday, 1014. On one side Brian Boru led the Irish in the resistance against the Vikings of Dublin who were supported by Vikings from England, Scotland, the Isle of Man, France and Orkney Islands.

Born around 940, Brian Boru was an inhabitant of Co Clare, and belonged to the Royal house of Thomond. At this point in Ireland’s history, Viking invaders had dominated the island. From an early age Brian led his followers against the Vikings, who at that time ruled large coastal areas around Ireland. He vanquished them in several battles and ultimately succeeded in clearing the Vikings from Munster. After his older brother, Mahon, was murdered in 976, Brian Boru became King of Munster. In 1002 he became King of Ireland and his main goal from then on was to clear the Vikings from the whole country.

Finally in the Battle of Clontarf the Vikings of Ireland were defeated. The Irish losses were estimated to be 4,000 including their king and most of his sons, however of the 7,000 to 8,000 Vikings and allied forces, an estimated 6,000, including almost all the leaders, were killed.

At the end of the battle, the Viking forces withdrew to their ships. During this retreat the Irish combatants were negligent leaving Brian’s tent unprotected and a group of fleeing Danes and their leader Brodir slayed him with an axe whilst he was kneeling in prayer.

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Source by Colm B Brady