Brian Boru army versus The Dublin Vikings
In the year 1000, Brian Boru became high-king of Ireland and remained thus for over ten years, presiding over an uneasy peace and occasional raids and revolts for the subject provinces. As he grew older however, his grip on the subject people weakened and by 1013 the Lords of Leinster and their allies, the Dublin Vikings, broke away from Brian’s rule.

After an abortive siege of Dublin, the rebel stronghold, Brian returned the next year (1014) to try his strength against his enemies. Brian’s main strength lay in his own close followers, the Dal Cais and the men of Munster. He also had warriors from Connacht and Meath though these were of dubious loyalty and some recently Christianised Manx Vikings. His enemies comprised The Dublin Vikings under their King Sigtrigg Silkybeard, Scandinavian elements from England and other parts of Europe, together with the Leinstermen who formed the bulk of the army. The opposing armies faced each other north of Dublin in the area of Clontarf. Boru and his son lost their lives in the Battle.

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