The Battle of Clontarf (Irish: Cath Chluain Tarbh) was a battle that took place on 23 April 1014 at Clontarf, near Dublin, on the east coast of Ireland. It pitted the forces of Brian Boru, high king of Ireland, against a Viking-Irish alliance comprising the forces of Sigtrygg Silkbeard, king of Dublin, Máel Mórda mac Murchada, king of Leinster, and a Viking contingent led by Sigurd of Orkney and Brodir of Mann. It lasted from sunrise to sunset, and ended in a rout of the Viking and Leinster forces. It is estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 men were killed. Although Brian's forces were victorious, Brian himself was killed, as were his son Murchad and his grandson Toirdelbach. Leinster king Máel Mórda and Viking leaders Sigurd and Brodir were also slain. After the battle, the Vikings of Dublin were reduced to a secondary power. Brian's family was temporarily eclipsed, and there was no undisputed high king of Ireland until the late 12th century. The battle was an important event in Irish history and is recorded in both Irish and Norse chronicles. In Ireland, the battle came to be seen as an event that freed the Irish from foreign domination, and Brian was hailed as a national hero. This view was especially popular during English and British rule in Ireland. Although the battle is today viewed in a more critical light, it still has a hold on popular imagination.

O'Kelly connection:
Brian Boru was the High King of Ireland during the time of Teige O'Kelly who was the regional King of Hy-Many. Both Brian and Teige died in the Battle of Clontar f 1014 good Friday. To the right is an image of Brian, it is likely not a true image but one based upon how an Irish King would appear in that time. Brian is holding the Wand of Power which was just one of the symbols used to denote Kingship and one that appears in many cultures but with different designs. Brain is holding his Kingly Shield with his left hand and the shield displays three lions upon it which was said to have appeared upon Milesius from whom most of Ireland descend.