On Good Friday, 23 April 1014, the army of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, defeated a coalition of the Vikings of Dublin, the men of Leinster and Norsemen from overseas, at Clontarf near Dublin. The victory is traditionally seen as breaking Viking power in Ireland, but Brian was killed in his tent after the fighting.
Two sides, one day
Brian's army faced Sigtrygg Silkbeard, King of Dublin, Máel Mórda, King of Leinster, and a Viking force from overseas led by Sigurd of Orkney and Brodir of Man. The fighting lasted from first light to dusk.1
The tide and the dead
When the coalition broke, many fleeing men were cut off by the rising tide near the shore and were killed or drowned. Sigurd of Orkney and Brian's son Murchad were among the dead.
Our article on the Battle of Clontarf covers the battle and the legend that grew up around it. › Battle of Clontarf, 1014
Also on this day
1918: Zeebrugge Raid. In World War I, the Royal Navy raided the German-held Belgian ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend, trying to sink blockships in the channels used by U-boats.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Clontarf?
It was fought on Good Friday, 23 April 1014, at Clontarf on the coast just north of Dublin, Ireland.
Who won the Battle of Clontarf?
Brian Boru's Irish army won, breaking the coalition of Dublin Vikings, the men of Leinster and overseas Norsemen, at heavy cost to both sides.
How did Brian Boru die?
According to later accounts he was killed in his tent by Norsemen fleeing the field, traditionally Brodir.
Notes
A number in the text points to a note; each note names the works that paragraph draws on, listed in full under Sources.
Based on your country, which we do not store · why? ·
Relive the great battles
Echoes of Battle brings the great battles of history to life, scene by scene on the real map. Enlist below and we will send word to your inbox the day it launches.
