Struggle for Power in Ireland After 1014

Ireland in the Aftermath of the Battle of Clontarf

Mael Sechnaill regained his position, reaffirming himself as High King of Ireland once again until he died eight years later in 1022. The Dal gCais remained powerful in Munster after the death of their leader Brian Boru (Bryan Boru). The Viking presence continued in Ireland after Brian’s death but their military control and influence was no longer a threat. They remained in the country, intermarried amonst the native irish and ruled from their coastal settlements of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. Still great warriors as well as traders and farners, they hired out their armies as mercenaries to other clans both.

Brian’s goal of a unified Ireland was never realised and the victorious factions continued to row amongst themselves. Although Brian’s victory put an end to the threat of Vikings becoming more powerful in Ireland, it wasnt long before the struggles and warring tribes fell once again into chaos.

For a time after Turlough O’Connor was the most commanding High King of Ireland. Turlough became King of Connacht in 1106; he was a skilful soldier who reinforced his kingdom by building strongholds and bridges over the River Shannon, assisting him to launch attacks using his naval fleet to attack on other provinces.

In the next 150 years disorder continued within Ireland and resulted in the rather easy invasion of the Normans one generation after they had conquered Britain.

The arrival of the Normans in 1171 signalled further upheaval on the island and though perhaps less bloody than the Viking Age, a new chapter in Ireland's history would begin that would challenge once and for all the turbulent system of rule in Ireland.