Brian Boru

Brian Boru c941-1014, The Last Great High King of Ireland

Brian Boru, also known as Bryan Boru was born in Killaloe, County Clare. Taking over the reign of power from his brother, Mahon and his father before him, Cennétig mac Lorcain, he became King of Munster. He was the Greatest High King of Ireland who ended the control of the High Kingship of Ireland by the Uí Néill.

Brian Boru was a Great Leader and a fearless warrior which was proven from his many battle achievements thoughout his life. He was crowned High King of Ireland at the Rock of Cashel. Once High King of the Irish, Brian worked to unite all of the provinces of Ireland under his rule.

Brian Boru Last High King to Unite all of Ireland

By 1011, he had succeeded in achieving his goal, though several regional rulers submitted with great reluctance. But Brian Boru's relationship with the Vikings and other Gaelic Chieftains grew worse so the truce was short lived. On Good Friday morning in 1014, Brian's armies challenged the armies of Leinster and Dublin at Clontarf near Dublin.

The Battle started at Dawn on that Good Friday mornig and lasted all day. Thousands lost their lives in the fierce and ruthless fighting. The Battle of Clontarf resulted in Victory for Brian and his allies but it suffered the greatest loss with Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) being slayed on that bloody day.

Together with his army at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, Brian Boru ended the Viking era of control in Ireland. 

He is the founder of the O'Brien dynasty where his legacy lives on today.

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 since this time.

The Rise to Power of Brian Boru

The Rise to Power of Brian Boru

Brian Boru was born Brian Mac Cennétig at Kincora, Killaloe, County Clare c. 941. He was one of 12 sons of Cennétig mac Lorcáin, ing of the Dalcassian (Dál gCais) Tribe and ruler of the Kingdom of Thomond. His family was members of the Dál gCais tribe which had an ancient royal ancestry and vied with the Eóganachta for the rule of Munster. Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) was a great harp musician and the harp was to become a symbol of unity and peace in Ireland in his memory. He felt very strongly about his faith and was a strong Christian. Brian Boru had a happy childhood; living with his large united family in a time where he wanted for nothing....read more

Brian Boru - High King of Ireland

Brian Boru - High King of Ireland

After Brian’s brother Mahon was killed by Ivar of Limerick in 978, in a treachorous plot involving sevaral Gaelic Chieftains, he succeeded in establishing himself as King of Munster and wasted no time taking to the field to seek revenge for his brother’s death. In 978 on Scattery Island he faced the Viking King of Limerick Ivar in single combat and was victorious. He went on to defeat the Vikings in the Battle of Bealach Leachta, This was his first major defeat of the Vikings and put him in contention for the position of High King of Ireland. ...read more

The Battle of Clontarf, 23rd April 1014

The Battle of Clontarf, 23rd April 1014

As the Vikings converged on Dublin, Brian’s army grew in strength in the winter of 1013 for the 1014 campaign. Brian had sent word to his allies, the great Irish Clans and his Viking allies. Among those who responded and marched to Clontarf were the Chieftain, Tadhg Mór O'Kelly of the O'Kelly’s of Uí Maine. Ready for battle, Brian’s army neared Dublin in 2014, Brian was dealt a shocking blow, due to some disagreement the former High King Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill and the men of Meath withdrew from his army. But they pressed on arriving outside Dublin to set up camp near Kilmainham for the night....read more

Armagh - His Final Resting Place

Armagh - His Final Resting Place

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....read more

Enemies of Brian Boru

Enemies of Brian Boru

Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) was in conflict with the Vikings from an early age. Throughout Brian’s life there had been a constant struggle, fighting and dealing with the Norse from a youth in Killaloe, to his rise to kingship of Munster and all of Ireland and the path to the Battle of Clontarf, where he finally drove the Vikings out of Ireland....read more

Famous Descendants of Brian Boru

Famous Descendants of Brian Boru

Queen Elizabeth II: Apparently Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) is related to the Queen of England; Her majesty is a direct descent of Brian Boru, who is a 35th great-grandfather. This is the most direct line of descent from Brian Boru to the Queen of England Elizabeth II: ...read more