Battle of Clontarf
1014 CE · Ireland
The Battle of Clontarf was fought in 1014 CE in Ireland between Forces of Brian Boru vs Leinster and the Norse of Dublin; victory for Brian Boru's army, though Brian himself was killed in his tent.
Battle of Clontarf: quick facts
- Date
- 1014 CE
- Location
- Ireland
- Belligerents
- Forces of Brian Boru vs Leinster and the Norse of Dublin
- Commanders
- Brian Boru vs Máel Mórda and Sigtrygg Silkbeard
- Result
- victory for Brian Boru's army, though Brian himself was killed in his tent.
- Era
- 🏰 Medieval Europe
- Quiz difficulty
- hard
What happened at the Battle of Clontarf?
High King Brian Boru's Irish army defeated a coalition of Vikings from Dublin, Orkney, and the Isle of Man, along with the rebellious Kingdom of Leinster, in fierce fighting near Dublin. The battle broke Viking power in Ireland but came at a terrible cost: Brian Boru was killed in his tent by fleeing Norse warriors after the battle was won. His death left Ireland without a strong central ruler, but the Viking age in Ireland was effectively over.
Did you know?
Brian Boru was over 70 years old at Clontarf and too elderly to fight, so he prayed in his tent during the battle. He was killed by fleeing Viking Brodir of Man, who stumbled upon the tent.
Sources and further reading
- Battle of Clontarf on Wikipedia for the full account, historiography and primary sources.
- How BattleGuess compiles and checks battle facts: see the About page.
Entry last reviewed 26 September 2026.