1014 Battle of Clontarf

Tales of Clontarf, literary and pseudo-historical, have resonated throughout the centuries and later Irish leaders, such as O’Connell, were often likened to Brian Boru. Yet, there is very little reliable historical evidence for the events at Clontarf ─ one of the most cited sources, Cogadh Gáedhel re Gallaibh dates from the twelfth century and bears the hallmarks of political propaganda.

Who was Brian Boru? Who were the Dál Cais? What led to the Battle of Clontarf? Is there any archaeological evidence from the site of the battle, and can we know exactly where it took place? What were the outcomes? What are the historical sources? Are they reliable? Why were the 18th and 19th century literary accounts so prolific? How has Clontarf impacted on Irish history? Why has Clontarf gained such a place in the public consciousness?

In an effort to address some of these questions, the Academy Library organised an exhibition ‘1014: the Battle of Clontarf’ (March-June 2014) and an accompanying lecture series.

Location: Academy House
Date: February – April 2014