King Brian Ború (c.941 – 1014) - Part I

Written by Ben Kesp

Brian Ború - Dublin Castle 

1014 AD a mighty and bloody battle took place at Clontarf, north of Dublin City where many nobles lost their lives including Irish Kings, Scotsmen, Norse Gaels, Scandinavians and the last of Ireland’s greatest High Kings. 

What has history said of Brian Ború? Anyone who knows of Irish history will certainly have heard of this Irish King who was a great military leader, strategist and a king with a vision for a united Ireland. He was the first Irish King to take the title of Ireland’s High Kingship and make it what it was and not just that of a ceremonial position which it had been. King Brian Ború had instigated a plan to form a united Ireland under one rule, aligning himself as King with the church, similar to the system used in France and England. 

Ireland at this period was split into five provinces, Munster, Leinster, Connaught, Meath (Tara) and Ulster. Each of these were ruled by a King/Queen and within these provinces were further smaller kingdoms, some large and small ruled by a lesser King/Queen. The overall title of King for the country was elected as the High King whose royal seat of power was at Tara in the province of Meath. The High King may not have been chosen directly from any of the royal families which ruled a province, but the person was possibly chosen based on respect and personal power. The role was as an overseer and not as a leader of a unitary state. During the period when Brian Ború ruled there were also independent kingdoms ruled by the Norse (Vikings) who had arrived in Ireland in 795. The Norse had built settlements which formed the earliest cities in Ireland at Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Cork and Limerick. Each of these were valuable trading ports. 

Norse Settlements 

Born in Killaloe, Co. Clare c.941 or earlier, Brian was one of twelve sons of Cennétig mac Lorcái, King of Dál Cais and Thomand (Co. Clare). His mother Bé Binninion Urchadh was the daughter Urchadh mac Murchadh King of West Connaught. Brian’s brother replaced his father as King and when his brother was killed in 976 Brian inherited the title of King of the entire Kingdom of Munster which included the main trading city of Limerick. 

Brian belonged to a group called the Dalcassians and ruled County Clare, Munster and along the River Shannon. Brian was able to use the Shannon as a route for his naval vessels to make surprise raids on neighbouring kingdoms. Having some interaction with the Norse it would have allowed Brian to build stronger and better design of ship. 

Brian proved himself to be an efficient and successful commander of his armies and he started to turn his attention outside of his Kingdom of Munster. He began by looking at the neighbouring provinces of Leinster and Connaught. By going against Leinster he was going against the current High King of Ireland Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill whose seat of power was in County Meath (Tara). For fifteen years from 982 to 997 the High King opposed and led armies against Brian. 

King Brian Ború

Being a skilled strategist and great military commander, Brian used the Shannon to navigate his naval fleet and was able to attack both Connaught and Leinster. Brian eventually took control over the province of Leinster in 996 which led Máel Sechnaill in the following year of 997 submitting to Brain’s authority as he now controlled the two provinces of Munster and Leinster. The King of Leinster Máel Sechnaill was overthrown in 998 and was replaced by Máel Morda mac Murchada. The city of Dublin was not under the King of Leinster’s rule but was ruled by Máel Morda’s cousin Sigtrygg Silkbeard. Fearful of a siege on Dublin Silkbeard along with Máel Morda wanted to meet Brian in Battle. A bloody battle followed where thousands were killed. Brian was victorious and succeeded in capturing Dublin. Following the capture of Dublin, Brian employed a smart strategy and he reached a compromise with Silkbeard and asked him to return to Dublin and continue as the city ruler. In addition Brian gave one of his daughters in marriage to Silkbeard, ensuring the peace was maintained. 

Now that he had successfully taken Leinster Brian’s next task was to look at creating a united Ireland. The biggest challenge facing him was the Kingdom of Ulster with its formidable kings who were not about to let Brian march to their doorstep and demand entry. Brian readied his armies for battle but he also had another card to play which would sway events to his side. 

Part II on King Brian Ború will look at his battle with the Ulster kings and how, for a brief moment in history he successfully created a united Ireland.

King Brian Ború - Part II