Remembering Brian Ború and the Battle of Clontarf

With the millennium anniversary of the 1014 Battle of Clontarf taking place this year, this could be your best history lesson yet!

Dublin City Council (in partnership with Irish cultural institutions and boards) will be playing host to numerous commemorative events in four locations across the country, each having its own link to the life of the famed king, Brian Ború: Killaloe in Clare, where he was born and sat as High King; Cashel in Tipperary, where he was crowned; Clontarf in Dublin, where he died; and Armagh, where he is buried.

In light of the anniversary of this historic battle – which broke the political force of the Dublin Vikings – Dublin City Council is hoping to stage the largest Viking village and battle re-enactment ever produced in Ireland.

On the weekend of the 19th and 20th of April, visitors can head to St. Anne’s Park in Clontarf for a two-day festival that will bring history, music, storytelling, game, and workshops together.

While the main event is the re-enactment of the battle (scheduled at 1pm and 4pm on both days), there is an incredible array of activities to take part in – from demonstrations of Viking skills and crafts such as leatherworking, storytelling, silversmithing, and archery displays; to longboat workshops, falconry, a willow labyrinth, and the Viking village itself, where visitors can experience the daily life of a medieval Dubliner.

There will be a Food Village, where you can refuel yourself, as well as some more modern entertainment for children in the form of face-painting and bouncy castles.

The festival is a family-friendly event, however parking is limited and attendees are encouraged to make use of the Dublin Bus route 130, which runs from Abbey Street in the city centre and stops right outside the park. A shuttle service will also be running from the Bull Island Causeway for those who wish to park there.