Of all the invasions Ireland has endured over its history, the arrival of the Vikings is one of the
most significant. After the first recorded raid in 795, the Vikings became an integral part of the political, economic and cultural landscape of Ireland.
In this series, we will be looking at the history of the Vikings in Ireland from their arrival in 795 to the victory of Brian Boru over the Viking leader of Dublin in 1014.
A Timeline of the Viking Age in Ireland from 795 CE
795-840’s: Vikings begin raiding in Ireland.
840/41: Naval camp founded at Dubh Linn.
853: Ivar the Boneless arrives in Ireland.
873: The death of Ivar. Viking leadership begins to collapse.
902: Flann Sinna drives the Vikings from Ireland.
914: The Vikings return founding Waterford & Wexford.
917: Vikings retake Dublin.
918: Niall Glundub attempts to drive the Vikings from Dublin but dies at Kilmashogue.
920: Limerick is founded.
920’s: Donnchad Donn begins to support the Dál Cais to prevent the Eoghanacht from reemerging as a major threat.
940’s: Deaths of Donnachad Donn and Muirchertach Mac Neill triggers the Uí Neill civil war
which would last into the 970’s.
944: Dublin is destroyed by Congaloch Cnogba, challenger for the Uí Neill high kingship.
950’s: Dublin is rebuilt and begins to develop as an economic power..
970’s: Uí Neill civil wars draw to a close, Domhnall Ua Neill strengthens his position as high king. Amlaib Cuaran is in control Dublin.
978: Brian Boru becomes king of Munster following the death of Mathgamain.
979: Mael Sechnaill Mac Domhnall becomes high king.
980: Battle of Tara. Amlaib is sent into exile. Mael Sechnaill takes the submission of Dublin.
980’s: Brian and Mael Sechnaill engage in an indecisive war lasting into the 990s.
989: Dublin rebels against Mael Sechnaill - the siege of Dublin sees huge levies imposed on the Dublin Vikings.
997: The Agreement of Clonfert - Mael Sechnaill concedes the southern half of Ireland to Brian Boru.
999/1000: Máel Mórda of Leinster and Sitric of Dublin rebel against Brian but are defeated at the Battle of Glenn Mama.
1002: Brian takes submission from Mael Sechnaill becoming High King of Ireland.
1005/06: Brian takes submission from the northern kingdoms.
1008: Brian subdues Flaithbertach Ua Neill
1011: Brian at the height of his power after defeating the Cenel Conaill.
1013: Mael Morda and Sitric rebel against Brian.
1014: The Battle of Clontarf, the death of Brian Boru and major defeat of Viking forces in Ireland.
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If you want to learn more about the Vikings in Ireland - Book a walking tour of Medieval Dublin with Dublin School Tours. These walking tours are catered to school and University groups of all ages and abilities. We run a variety of tours from the Medieval Tour of Dublin, General History of Dublin City and the National Museum Tour that will cover a history of the Vikings in Ireland.
These tours are ideal for Junior Cert, Leaving Cert, Transition Year and international student groups.
For more information on Dublin School Tours and our tours visit www.dublinschooltours.ie