Ireland in the 10th century was made up of many little kingdoms and with different ruling dynasties spread throughout the island life varied greatly from region to region. The arrival of the Vikings was to have a profound impact on the political and economic fortunes of the country, which can still be felt today.
This documentary will explore Ireland from the arrival of the first Vikings, through the rise of Brian Ború as Rí Éireann or High King, it will contextualise the build up to the Battle of Clontarf, exploring the varied forces which made up both sides in the battle, it will deal with the difficulties in interpreting the events of the battle itself, and will uncover the lasting legacy that Vikings left on Ireland.
This documentary is presented by Tristan Rosenstock.
This programme was funded by the BAI, as part of the S&V Scheme.
This aired on Monday 5th May at 3.30pm. You can now listen to the documentary below.
Contributors include:
- Prof Sean Duffy of Trinity College Dublin
- Dr. Edel Bhreathnach, CEO of the Discovery Programme
- Dr. Muireann Ní Bhrollacháin, a leading authority on Tara and folklore expert
- Dr. Andy Halpin, Assistant Keeper at the NationalMuseum of Ireland
- Dr. Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, Reader in Celtic & Fellow, St John'sCollege, Cambridge
- Morgan Llywelyn, Historian and author of Brian Boru & The Battle for Ireland (O’Brien Press)
- Darren McGettigan, author of The Battle of Clontarf – Good Friday 1014 (Four Courts Press)
