Clontarf History Corner: The Viking King Who Watched the Battle?

When we think about the famous Battle of Clontarf, the legendary clash right on our doorstep, names like Brian Boru usually come to mind. But what about the Viking King ruling Dublin at the time, Sitric Silkenbeard?

An insightful article over on RTÉ Brainstorm recently explored his role on that fateful day, and it might surprise you! Far from leading warriors across Clontarf's shores, historical accounts suggest Sitric actually watched the legendary battle unfold from the walls of Dublin.

Why sit it out? The piece suggests Sitric was playing a longer, shrewder game – primarily concerned with protecting his own power base in Dublin rather than the outcome of the fighting nearby. Adding another layer of intrigue, his wife, Sláine, was actually Brian Boru's daughter! It certainly paints a picture of the complex politics and tangled loyalties of the time.

It's a fascinating perspective that adds depth to the story of the Battle and its connection to the wider region. The RTÉ Brainstorm article delves much deeper into Sitric's calculated decision, his motivations and his lasting legacy (like founding Christ Church Cathedral).

Want to know more? You can read the full original article on RTÉ Brainstorm.

It just goes to show, there are always more layers to uncover in our rich local history.