Brian Boru: The Last High King of Ireland

Irish school children learn all about his achievements, a pub named for him is mentioned in Ulysses, and he is honoured with his own festival in his hometown each year. But who was Brian Boru? And why is he such an iconic figure in Irish history?

The early life of Brian

Brian of Béal Bóraimhe, was born near Killaloe in Co Clare around 941, although the exact date is of some debate!

He was part of the Dál Cais dynasty that held a royal stronghold north of Limerick at Kincora, now known as Killaloe. Before Brian and his immediate family, the Dál Cais were not particularly powerful. An ambitious young Brian built on the successes of his father, Cennétig, and his older brother, Mathgamain, to make himself king of all Munster, amassing an impressive army and navy.

Brian Boru: The King of Campaigns

Before Brian’s meteoric rise, political power was largely dominated by another great family, the Uí Néill dynasty. But after winning the submission of kings Osraige and Leinster to the east, Brian increased pressure on the then high-king of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill, whose Uí Néill dynasty had ruled unopposed for centuries.

Brian Boru: Ard Ri of All Ireland

After Brian's capture of Viking Dublin in 999, he was acknowledged as the most powerful king in Ireland. But it took several more years of military campaigning and strategy, before the Uí Néill high king, Máel Sechnaill recognised him as the "Ard Ri", the High King in 1002.

Brian Boru: the rebuilder, protector and musician?

After finally achieving his ambition, the new high King didn’t rest on his laurels. He set about defending and rebuilding Ireland which had suffered under years of Viking raids. He oversaw the replanting of forests cut down for Viking long boats, the rebuilding churches, and establishment of new religious and artistic centers. He even sent people overseas to find replacements books and artefacts lost in raids. He was also reportedly a great patron of the arts, being a fine harper himself. And one of the oldest and greatest Irish Harps, the inspiration for the Irish national mark and the iconic Guinness logo, still bears his name.

The Battle of Clontarf

But he is perhaps best known for his glorious victory and death at the battle of Clontarf on Good Friday, April 1014. Facing down an alliance of Dublin Vikings, their Leinster allies, and Vikings from overseas, Brian Boru and his army, routed the rebellion and tilted the axis of power back to the Irish.

After his death, his brother Malachy briefly took power. But the Dal Cais dynasty’s strength remained only in Munster, and never again was there an “Ard Ri” of all Ireland. But Brian Boru’s legacy was cemented, with his reign romanticised by his descendants, the Uí Briains, in works such as the Cogadh Gáedhel re Gallaibh, 'The War of the Irish Against the Foreigners.'

Brian Boru: The O’Brien Legacy

Today his legacy lives on in his numerous descendants, and the O’Brien family name. With the name meaning 'exalted one' or 'noble' the O’Brien shield motif bears three lions stacked vertically, symbolizing the brave warrior roots of this family tree.

Descendants from the greatest Irish High King, O’Briens are found throughout Ireland and worldwide, but especially in the former Kingdom of Munster, in Counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.