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.
The Brian Boru harp was stolen for a short period in 1969.
The Orkneyinga Saga fortold that the raven banner would bring life to those who fought beneath it, but death to him who bore it.
According to legend, a Banshee is a female figure whose wail foretells death.
Thomas Leland was vicar of St Anne's Church on Dawson Street in Dublin in the late 1700s.
There is a secret passageway between the Dublin Castle's Chapel Royal and the State apartments.
When Máel Sechnaill first took over as king of Dublin he freed all of the slaves currently residing in the town.