23rd April - The Battle of Clontarf

#OnThisDay, 23rd April 1014, The Battle of Clontarf

The Battle of Clontarf is one of the best known events in Irish history. In 2014, Raheny Heritage Society jointly with Clontarf Historical Society and the Clontarf 2014 Committee commemorated that event by building a Battle of Clontarf Heritage Trail.  The Heritage Trail runs along the Clontarf promenade between the Alfie Byrne Road and the Wooden Bridge and tells the story of the Battle of Clontarf through a series of illustrated display boards.

It begins with Ireland before the Vikings and describes the fearsome raiders from the Norse countries and how they stayed and founded Dublin and other cities.  It also tells of the life of Brian Boru and how he came to be High King of Ireland.  It relates the lead up to the Battle and of course, the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 and the death of Brian Boru and considers his legacy.

You can read more about the Battle of Clontarf on the Heritage Trail itself or else in our commemorative booklet ‘The Battle of Clontarf Heritage Trail’.

Look at our photo gallery to see some photos of the events.