Brian Boru was the last high king of Ireland and the only high king to unite the entire Island. He is a very important character in Irish history and while he is credited with forcing the Vikings out of Ireland in the battle of Clontarf in 1014, this version is still debated by historians to this day. Viking mercenaries are believed to have fought on both sides of this battle and may have had their own agenda. 

Brian was a student of war and is believed to have been educated at  Inisfallen monastery in Killarney National Park. He is perhaps the greatest military leader the country has ever had. His brother Mahon was the king of Munster but was killed in battle by Vikings over the collection of taxes.

Brian then assumed the kingship of Munster and from here he extended his kingship to the entire Island. He is known for both his military and political tactics. He learned from a young age to attack his foes from both land and water and used this tactic to great success throughout his conquest. 

Most of what we know about the battle of Clontarf comes from the Annals of Loc Ce, a medieval manuscript, housed at Trinity College, Dublin. The Brian Boru harp is the official symbol of Ireland and Guinness today.