THIS MONTH IN HISTORY CLONTARF

23RD APRIL 1014

Taking place near Dublin, an army led by High King Brian Boru against a Norse-Irish alliance under Sigtrygg Silkbeard, King of Dublin; Máel Mórda mac Murchada, King of Leinster; and a Viking army led by Sigurd of Orkney and Brodir of Mann. It lasted from sunrise to sunset, and ended in a Viking rout. Up to 10,000 men were killed in the battle, including most of the leaders. Although Brian’s forces were victorious, Brian himself – along with his son and grandson – were all killed along with the Viking leaders Sigurd and Brodir. After the battle, the power of the Vikings and the Kingdom of Dublin was largely broken.