Armagh - His Final Resting Place

Armagh - where he is buried

It was hours after the Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday 1014 that Brian Boru’s remains, it is said, were borne to the Cathedral of Armagh by his whole army where it lay in state in the Cathedral for twelve days before burial.

In 1004, Brian had visited Armagh and presented gifts to the alter of the great church. 10 years later, it is there where he was buried in a stone coffin on the north side of the high altar. It was on route to Armagh that Brian was brought to the former Swords Abbey where he was waked by the monks and his men. His body is said to have lain overnight in the Swords round tower.   His burial in the city of Armagh which was the Vatican City of Ireland instead of his native Killaloe was the church’s tribute to the greatest High King Ireland had ever seen.  

Brian Boru was also the last to unite all of Ireland, for since his death in 1014, no one person has unified the populations in all four provinces.

The Battle of Clontarf 23rd April 1014

The Battle of Clontarf 23rd April 1014

2014 will be the 1000th anniversary of the famous Battle of Clontarf that claimed the lives of over 10,000 men including Brian Boru who was regarded by many as the greatest high king of Ireland. Máel Mórda mac Murchada, the King of Leinster led an army composed of his own men combined with Viking mercenaries from the Orkney islands in Sotland and Dublin led by Mac Murchada’s cousin Sigtrygg as well as the one rebellious king from the province of Ulster. ...read more