2. Unrest in Brian’s Kingdom
Brian’
Maelmurra joined
forces with Sitric,
Viking King of
Dublin.
In 1013, Brian
marched north to
attack Dublin.
However, Brian ran
out of supplies and
had to retreat to
Munster for the
winter.
Sitirc, Viking King of Dublin
3. The Battle of Clontarf
In the spring of
1014, Brian’s
Brian’
army attempted to
besiege Dublin
again.
The largest Viking
army Ireland had
ever seen were
ready to fight.
Irish
independence
was under threat.
A Viking Army
4. The Eve of Battle
Brian’s army set
Brian’
up camp in
Clontarf.
The night before
the battle, Mael
Sechnaill and
Brian had a row.
Mael declared
that he would not
now help the High
King.
Disagreement in the
Camp
5. The Battle of Clontarf
The Battle of
Clontarf was
fought on Good
Friday, 1014.
Brian was now 72
years old, did not
fight in the battle.
Instead Murcadh,
his son, led
Brian’s forces.
6. The Battle of Clontarf
The battle began
at dawn and
lasted the entire
day.
At the beginning,
it seemed that the
Vikings were
leading.
As the day grew
longer however, it
seemed that the
Irish could win.
7. The Battle of Clontarf
Mael Sechnaill
then decided to
enter the battle.
The Vikings
caught out.
They had arrived
in over 300 ships,
but fled home in
less than 24
boats.
8. The death of Brian Boru
Throughout the
battle, Brian
prayed in his tent.
As he was
fleeing, Brodir,
the Viking king of
the Isle of Man,
came across his
tent.
He killed the old
king as he was
bowed in prayer.
9. Brian’s greatest victory
Brian’
Brian died alongside
his son, M urcadh,
and his grandson.
Yet he had broken
the military power of
the Vikings in
Ireland.
“Brian fell, but saved
his kingdom.
This Brian was the
best of Kings”
Kings ”
10. Brian’s greatest victory
Brian’
Brian died alongside
his son, M urcadh,
and his grandson.
Yet he had broken
the military power of
the Vikings in
Ireland.
“Brian fell, but saved
his kingdom.
This Brian was the
best of Kings”
Kings ”
