Norse Cities & the Rise of Brian
Expelled from Dublin in 902, the Norse come back in force. Waterford is founded in 914 and Limerick soon after. The raiders are changing. They are becoming traders, town-builders and Christians. And in Munster an obscure dynasty called the Dál gCais smashes Norse Limerick, takes Cashel, and produces Brian Boru, who claims the high kingship of all Ireland by 1002.
Open this age on the atlas ↗Click any county to open its page.
When was Norse Cities & the Rise of Brian in Ireland?
Norse Cities & the Rise of Brian spans AD 902 to 1013 in this atlas. Expelled from Dublin in 902, the Norse come back in force.
Who ruled Ireland during Norse Cities & the Rise of Brian?
Power was divided: The Connachta (6 counties); Laigin (Leinster) (5 counties); Airgíalla (Oriel) (4 counties); Mide (Kingdom of Meath) (4 counties); Mumu (Munster) (4 counties), among others. County boundaries are modern approximations.
What is a lesser-known fact about Norse Cities & the Rise of Brian?
The Norse never conquered Ireland the way they conquered half of England — but they gave Ireland almost all of its oldest cities, and words like 'margadh' (market) and half the coastal place-names from Strangford to Smerwick.
↗ links go to the relevant Wikipedia article for each event and ruler (sources & further reading).
Spotted an error, or know a better story for this age? Suggest a correction.