This coming April 23,
2014 is the millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf. The battle is
significant in the history of Ireland for the scourge of the Norsemen who had
been terrorizing Ireland for over two hundred years came to a halt on a green field
outside of Viking Dublin when the Irish men of the province of Leinster
rebelled and were supported by a large force of Norse warriors clashed against
the brigade of High-King Brian Boru. After a day long struggle High-King
Brian’s Irish soldiers obtained the upper hand and pushed Ireland’s enemies
back into the sea, never to terrorize the Emerald Isle again. Sadly, King Brian
was slain in his tent while giving thanks to God by a fleeing Viking. For
fourteen years Ireland had been unified under one man. It is said that a noble
woman could walk the length of Ireland in her finest unmolested and monasteries
were rebuilt; all came to an end on the death of the High-King.
Next April a
celebration is being held to commemorate King Brian Boru’s achievements. For
those who can’t make the April celebration an alternate trip titled “King Brian
Boru Gathering” has been planned in June tracing the steps of Brian from his
birth at Killaloe in County Clare, to the Rock of Cashel where he was
inaugurated as the provincial king of Munster. Then on to the battlefield of
Clontarf, with a final visit at his burial site at Armagh. Along the way will
be visits to various sites of interests such as the Burren and the Cliffs of
Moher, partaking in a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, and the Hill of
Tara.
Perhaps your patrons
may have an interest in traveling to Ireland in 2014, and take part in the
millennium celebration in the “King Brian Boru Gathering.” A more detailed
flier is attached to this letter about the trip which can be printed and
posted.
Sláinte Mhath,
Kevin
J. O’Brien Garaidh E. Ó Briain
No comments:
Post a Comment