Brian Boru's Fort facts for kids

Brian Boru's Fort, also known as Béal Ború, is an ancient circular fort called a ringfort. It's a special National Monument in County Clare, Ireland. This historic site is believed to be connected to the famous High King, Brian Boru.

Where is Brian Boru's Fort?

You can find Brian Boru's Fort just north of Killaloe in County Clare. It sits on the west side of the River Shannon. This spot was important because it watched over the southern entrance to Lough Derg, a large lake.

What is the History of Brian Boru's Fort?

Was Brian Boru Born Here?

Some historians, like Dáithí Ó hÓgáin, believe this site might have been the birthplace or childhood home of Brian Boru. Brian Boru (who lived from about 941 to 1014) became a very powerful High King from 1002 to 1014. As an adult, he lived further south at Kincora, which is now part of Killaloe.

Ancient Discoveries at the Fort

Archaeologists have found over 800 stone tools nearby. These include stone axes, hammerstones, and stone fishing sinkers for lines and nets. This suggests that people lived in this area a very long time ago, possibly during the Stone Age.

In 1961, Michael J. O'Kelly led excavations at the fort. They found evidence of a ringfort that was once lived in, then left empty, and later built over. The larger structure that was built on top was never finished or used.

What Does "Béal Bóruma" Mean?

The name Béal Bóruma means "mouth of cattle tribute". It might have been a place where the Dál gCais (Brian Boru's family group) either paid or received tributes of cattle.

When Was the Fort Built?

Brian Boru's Fort was built in the 11th century. It may have stood until 1116. That's when the men of Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair defeated the Ua Briain family and destroyed Kincora.

Later discoveries at the site include Hiberno-Norse pennies from around 1035–1070. They also found decorated slate, five bronze pins, a tangled stud, 25 nails, small pieces of pottery, and animal and bird bones.

Norman Attempts to Build a Castle

In 1207, the Normans tried to build a motte and bailey castle here. A motte and bailey was a type of castle with a mound (motte) and a walled courtyard (bailey). However, they were driven away. Instead, Geoffrey de Marisco built a castle in Killaloe in 1216.

What Does Brian Boru's Fort Look Like?

The fort is a large mound of earth, about 70 meters (80 yards) across.

During the 1961 excavation, archaeologists found holes where wooden posts once stood. These posts were part of a rectangular wooden building. It had a central fireplace near the western side of the enclosed area. This building was about 4 meters by 2.5 meters (13 feet by 8 feet) and had a paved entrance.

In Fiction

Béal Ború is mentioned in Morgan Llywelyn's 1990 novel Brian Boru: Emperor of the Irish. This book won a Bisto Award.