Early years
Féile Brian Boru, Killaloe, Co. Clare
Féile Brian Boru is a 5 day festival held every year in Killaloe in July. The aim of the festival is to keep alive the name of Ireland's Greatest High King in his native place (Killaloe, Co. Clare). The highlight of the festival is a pageant where an episode in Brian Boru's life is re-enacted.
Courtesy of www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ieFéile Brian Boru, Killaloe, Co. Clare
Courtesy of www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie
Courtesy of www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ie
Féile Brian Boru, Killaloe, Co. Clare
Féile Brian Boru is a 5 day festival held every year in Killaloe in July. The aim of the festival is to keep alive the name of Ireland's Greatest High King in his native place (Killaloe, Co. Clare). The highlight of the festival is a pageant where an episode in Brian Boru's life is re-enacted.
Courtesy of www.feilebrianboru.killaloe.ieBrian Boru was born c.941 in the place now known as Killaloe, Co. Clare. His father was head of the Dalcassian tribe which had been driven to the present day county of Clare by Viking invaders. Brian's older brother, Mahon, succeeded their father as head of the tribe. Mahon was prepared to surrender to the Vikings but Brian was unwilling to enter into a truce with the invaders who had brutally murdered his mother and many members of his tribe.
Brian deserted Mahon, taking with him a small group of soldiers. They lived in the hills of Munster and attacked Norse settlements. As word of Brian's successful army spread, many young men volunteered to join him. The feud between Brian and Mahon ended. Mahon declared his truce with the Norsemen to be over and the two brothers rejoined forces. Between them, they took back control of Munster from the Norsemen. After the death of Mahon, Brian became head of the Dalcassian tribe. He continued to fight battles and eventually established himself as the King of Munster.
The High King of Ireland
Sculpture of King Brian Boru, Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle
Brian Boru was High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014. This sculpture can be seen at the entrance to the Crypt of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle.
Sculpture of King Brian Boru, Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle
Sculpture of King Brian Boru, Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle
Brian Boru was High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014. This sculpture can be seen at the entrance to the Crypt of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle.
Another powerful leader was emerging in the north of the country. Malachy was the King of Tara. He controlled Meath and overthrew the Norsemen to take control of Dublin. The two great leaders, Brian and Malachy, agreed in 998 to divide control of the country between them - Brian to take the South and Malachy the North. However, this arrangement lasted only four years before Brian took control over the whole land in 1004. He was now the 'Ard Rí' or the 'High King' of Ireland.
Battle of Clontarf and Aftermath
In 1013, the Norsemen who still lived in Dublin and the Leinstermen, revolted against Brian. They gathered support from abroad. In 1014, the two sides met at the Battle of Clontarf. Brian's side won the battle but as the Norsemen were retreating, one of their leaders killed Brian, the High King of Ireland.
Malachy took the title of High King of Ireland. The Vikings' military power in Ireland was broken, and although many remained in the country as traders they became integrated into Irish society.