Battle of Clontarf
1014 · Clontarf (outskirts of Dublin, modern Ireland) · World · Medieval
The Irish coalition routed the Viking-Leinster coalition, but Brian Boru was attacked and killed in his tent.
Belligerents
Munster and Irish coalition
- Commanders
- Brian Boru
- Strength
- Irish coalition
Dublin Vikings and Leinster coalition
- Commanders
- Sitric
- Strength
- Viking-Leinster coalition
Background
After Brian Boru had unified most of Ireland, the Viking stronghold of Dublin joined with the king of Leinster in revolt.
Course of the battle
- Forming upThe two armies formed up on the beach at Clontarf outside Dublin.
- Fierce fightingThe two sides fought fiercely all day, and the Viking-Leinster coalition gradually gave ground.
- Retreat in disarrayThe coalition fell back in disarray, and Boru was killed by a surprise attack from fleeing stragglers just as victory was being celebrated.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1014 |
|---|---|
| Place | Clontarf (on the outskirts of present-day Dublin, Ireland) |
| Result | The Irish coalition routed the Viking-Leinster coalition, but Brian Boru was attacked and killed in his tent. |
| Winner | Munster and Irish coalition |
| Casualties | Both sides suffered heavy casualties, and Brian Boru himself was killed. |
| Territorial change | The power of the Viking stronghold of Dublin was broken, but with Boru's death Ireland's unity fell apart again. |
Impact
The power of the Dublin Vikings was dealt a severe blow, and the battle is often seen as a turning point in the momentum of Viking expansion in Ireland.
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