The Brian Boru Trail

Brian Boru Celebration Tours

These tours provide a great opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the great warriors and kings of ancient Ireland. Regardless of whether you are an O’Brien or one of the septs of the Dál gCais such as MacNamara , Kennedy ,O’Grady you will be able to find out more about your heritage and the role your clan played in Ireland’s history. The fact is that virtually every clan in Ireland was involved in this battle. Visit medieval castles, museums and monuments that will help you to feel connected to this ancient land.If you have areas that are of importance to your clan or family, we can personalise the tours to suit your requirements. Just let us know your family name and we will put together a tour individual to you. While you travel, enjoy the spectacular scenery and intriguing history Ireland has to offer.

While the millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf took place in April of 2014, the extensive series of self-guided and chauffeured tours developed by the O’Brien Clan board in conjunction with IrishTourism is available for all those who wish to travel to Ireland to trace this fascinating historical journey.  Following extensive research by IrishTourism in conjunction with the O’Brien Clan, local historian’s and the government department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, these tours follow the story of Brian Boru while including many of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions.

Brian Boru C.941 - 1014

Brian Boru, also known as Bryan Boru was born in c 941 in Killaloe, County Clare. He was son to Cennétig mac Lorcain and Bé Binn inion Urchadh and belonged to the Dal gCais Clan based in Munster. He had dealt with the chaos that the Vikings had brought to his country from a young age.  After the death of his brother Mahon in 978 at the hands of the Viking, Ivar of Limerick, Brian Boru became Head of the Dal gCais and King of Munster.

As Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) and the Dalcassians were growing in power in the South, his rival Mael Sechnaill mac Domnaill, High King of Ireland was growing in power in the North. In the year 1002, Mael Sechnaill submitted to the powerful Brian Boru, thus making Brian Boru High King of Ireland.

For a time after Brian became High King of Ireland, his enemies subjected to his rule, but this was not the last. Mael Morda, King of Leinster allied himself with Sigtrygg Silkbeard the Norse King of Dublin and grew an army to fight against Brian Boru and his allies. As both sides swelled, they collided on Good Friday morning in Clontarf in the year 1014. The Battle ground was ferocious and savage with over 10,000 men slayed on that day. Brian Boru and his side won the battle but Brian paid dearly with his life.

There was much unrest in Ireland for centuries after the death of the Greatest High King, Ireland has ever seen, Brian Boru.

Call Us Today

If you wish to call us in Ireland to discuss your visit to Ireland for this series of tours, please use our US and Canadian TollFree number at 1877 298 7205 or simply send an email to info@irishtourism.com or fill in the enquiry form for your chosen tours. It is important to note that all driving and chauffeured tours are customisable.