As you may or may not know, 2014 is the Millennial Anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and the fabled death of Brian Boru.
The battle sits in the imagination of many, somewhere between clear history and dazzling legend, but after this year there’ll be little ambiguity left in anyone’s mind.
A full programme of commemorative events and festivals are planned to take place up and down the nation. The full retinue of information can be found at www.brianborumillenium.ie.
The mysterious programme was developed by a steerage committee, composed of community and voluntary organisations from around the country, the County councils from Dublin, Tipperary North, Clare and Armagh, all co-operating with the support of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and the North South Ministerial Council.
Speaking in advance of the launch announcement on Wednesday 22nd, Minister for the Arts, Heriatge and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan said: “I am delighted to be able to join in the announcement of this programme which includes events of both national and local impact. The enthusiasm of local communities, combined with the input of our National Cultural Institutions, particularly the year long exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland in Kildare Street will no doubt attract many visitors from overseas who wish to experience Ireland’s cultural heritage.”
The Battle of Clontarf, and the tragic twist of Boru’s assassination shortly after his force’s victory, was one of the pivotal moments in Irish history: one of the great military victories in our recorded history but also, due to his death, the prelude to internal political division and rivalry.
Image: Brian Boru sculpture outside Dublin Castle
By Rúairí Conneely
