The battle of Clontarf, over a thousand years ago, was the culmination of Brian Boru's long-fought campaign for political control of Ireland. His successes permanently broke the Uí Néill dominance of the high-kingship and catapulted his small dynasty, the Dál Cais, onto the national stage.
Begin the adventure: explore Brian's rise to power, life in Viking-Age Ireland and how both Brian and the battle have been transformed from historical figures into Irish legends.
This website was developed in 2014 for the millennial anniversary of the battle.
Explore the hidden history of Clontarf!
As an ophthalmological experiment, O'Halloran hung dogs upside down to see if increased blood flow to the eyes caused cataracts.
Archery was introduced to Ireland by the Vikings, but never really became popular outside the Hiberno-Norse towns
Brian Boru was one of the first medieval Irish kings to be represented in print.
The first name Brian is of Breton origin and was not common in Ireland before Brian Boru.
One of the earliest surviving coins from Dublin is engraved with Sitric's name and his title as 'King of Dublin'.
Brian Boru’s brother Mathgamain was treacherously slain by a rival for the kingship of Munster.