Follow in the footsteps of...

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1 FREE footsteps map Ireland s Shannon Region Adventures in Time Follow in the footsteps of... The in Irish Take 11th history, was born in the Shannon Region. in Killaloe, Co. Clare. a step back in time and follow his illustrious path Brian Ború, one of the most influential and century High King of Ireland, colourful figures NIRELAND S GREAT HIGH KI G Explore BRIAN S METEORIC RISE HIS GLORIOUS REIGN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL HE CREATED HIS TRAGIC END IN 1014 GREAT MYTHS AND LEGENDS THE NAVAL EXPEDITIONS HIS GREAT LEGACY THE O BRIEN CLAN HIS ROYAL CONNECTIONS THE POETRY AND SONG... AND MUCH MORE! Shannon Region: Counties Clare, Limerick, North Kerry, North Tipperary and South Offaly

2 Brian Ború a giant of Irish history B orn into the Dalcassian tribe in 941 in an era of Viking invasion, Brian emerged as a great leader who assumed the High Kingship of Ireland in During his reign, Ireland enjoyed peace and prosperity. In 1014, his forces recorded an emphatic victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf but, tragically, Brian was killed after the battle was won. Brian Ború chose to rule over Ireland from his birthplace at Killaloe, on the banks of the River Shannon, where he presided at his great palace of Kincora.There are many links to this pivotal figure in Irish history at Killaloe, and at other locations in the Shannon Region and elsewhere in Ireland. Numerous historical connections also exist with Brian s great legacy to the Irish people the famed O Brien Clan. From the time he led a tiny band of dissident warriors against the might of the Vikings in the mountains of what is now east Clare, Brian Ború had a meteoric rise to power. At the age of 35, he became leader of the Dalcassian tribe, succeeding his brother Mahon who was assassinated by rival Irish chieftains. Continuing to wage war against the Vikings, Brian pacified the local warring tribes and was inaugurated King of Munster. Breaking from tradition, he ruled from Killaloe instead of Cashel. He then set out to attain the High Kingship of Ireland, which had been the preserve of the northern Uí Néill tribe for 500 years. After a struggle with Malachy, the High King of Ireland since 980, which ended with the latter s peaceful abdication, the Dalcassian leader became the first Munster man to become undisputed ruler of Ireland. As he ruled in an enlightened manner from his palace at Killaloe, Brian undid much of the ravages of the Vikings. Their threat still existed, however, leading to the final, fateful confrontation at Clontarf, on the outskirts of Dublin. How ironic that the great Irish leader should fall to a blow from a retreating Viking at the moment of his greatest triumph! Magh Adhair his first step to glory T he ancient inauguration site at Magh Adhair (pronounced Maw Ire ) near Quin, Co. Clare was the setting for Brian Ború s first important step to preeminence in Irish history. Here he was inaugurated as leader of the Dalcassians or King of Thomond. One of the best preserved places of inauguration in Ireland, it is thought that the mound s origins date back to the Fir Bolg (an ancient Irish tribe) in the 1st century who may have held sacred the grave of some chief there. The Kings of Thomond were inaugurated under an ancient tree at Magh Adhair. During Brian s reign, the then High King of Ireland, Malachy while on a rampage in Thomond cut down the sacred tree. This was the greatest insult he could offer to Brian and his people, and it marked the beginning of a great struggle between the two for control of Ireland. Follow Brian Ború s footsteps Most of the important sites and buildings associated with Brian Ború and his O Brien clan are featured on the special footsteps map on pages 8 and 9. NIRELAND S GREAT HIGH KI G 951: Brian s father, Cinnéide killed Ireland in Brian s time The Ireland in which Brian grew up was a turbulent place. There were in the region of 200 tribal kings, four provincial kings and a High King or Árd Rí. The Irish tribes continually waged war on each other, much to the delight of the invading Vikings who raided and plundered as they saw fit. Later some Irish forces, notably the King of Leinster, allied themselves with the invaders for political advantage. King of the Dalcassians. by the Vikings; his brother, Mahon becomes 977: Brian inaugurated as Cashel from the Vikings. 968: Brian and Mahon recover King of Munster. 1002: Sitric, 982: High King, Malachy near Quin, Co. Clare. insults Brian atmagh Adhair Brian inaugurated High King of Ireland. 1005: Brian visits Armagh and endorses at Cashel. 970: Mahon becomes King of Munster its Church s primacy of Ireland. 997: Brian and Malachy make peace and divide Ireland between them. 1014: defeat Brian Ború s forces the Vikings at Clontarf April 23. Brian is killed by Brodar, a retreating Viking soldier, and is buried in Armagh. An ancient tribe n early Christian times in Ireland, some of the Déise Clan crossed the River Shannon from I Limerick into what is now Co. Clare, driving the Fir Bolg (an ancient Celtic tribe) before them. They became known as the Déis Tuaiscirt or the Dal gcais (Dalcassians). One of the Dalcassian clans the Uí Toirdealbhaith (the Sept of Turlough, later known as the O Briens) settled near killaloe. Brian s grandfather, Lorcán was the first of his line to become head of the Dalcassians and his father, Cinnéide played a prominent part in resisting the Vikings. in Killaloe, Co. Clare. 941: Born rival chieftains; Brian becomes 976: Mahon assassinated by King of the Dalcassians. 999: Brian and Malachy defeat the Leinster. Brian marries Maolmordha s Vikings and Maolmordha, King of his daughter marries Sitric. Viking King of Dublin) while sister, Gormfhlaith (mother of Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide, Shannon Development cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, future editions will be amended. Because many events referred to occurred circa one thousand years ago, it is difficult to be definitive about certain facts and information. 2 Follow Brian Ború s footsteps see key location map pages 8 and 9 3

3 The first Irish naval leader Ború is widely B rian regarded as the first great Irish leader to recognise the power and potential of a naval force. He is thought to have put together two fleets of ships one based on Lough Derg and the upper River Shannon, and the second an ocean-going fleet based below Limerick. The Annals of Inisfallen mention how Brian conducted a naval raid on the River Shannon in the year 993, and his fleet of 300 vessels on the river is reputed to have rivalled the Vikings. 4 Killaloe, Brian Ború a giant of irish history As well as protecting the River Shannon and the Irish coastline from unwanted intruders, Brian s fleets ventured further afield. At one point, a national naval expedition launched by Brian, comprising of ships from Dublin,Waterford and the Kingdom of Desmond (now Cork), took to the high seas and demanded royal tribute along the coast of Wales and Argyll in Scotland. Paying tribute he manner in which other tribes paid tributes to Brian Ború and his practice of taking hostages from these tribes were among the clear manifestations of his power and authority in Ireland. T Follow Brian Ború s footsteps see key location map pages 8 and 9 The Annals of the Four Masters give a flavour of the tributes he received: From Connaught came 800 cows and 800 hogs, from Tyrconnell 500 cloaks or mantles and 500 cows. From Tirowen 60 hogs and 60 loads of iron.the Clan Ruraighe of Ulster were bound to furnish 150 cows and 150 hogs.the people of the Oriels 160 cows. From Leinster 300 beeves, 60 hogs and 60 loads of iron. From Dublin 150 pipes or hogsheads of wine; and 365 pipes of red wine every year from the Danes of Limerick. Some sources suggest that this is how he got his name Ború - meaning cattle tribute. However, others point to the name originating from a title handed down from his ancestors see details of Beal Ború at Killaloe on Page 6. Ancient Capital of Ireland Continued County Clare on the banks of the River Shannon in what is now Co. Clare, K illaloe, became the centre of national life and the capital of Ireland under Brian Ború s reign as High King from The great monarch could have reigned from Cashel or from Tara, the traditional seats of his predecessors, but he chose Kincora in Killaloe. It was home to him a place full of memories, with ties too strong to break. From his splendid royal palace at Kincora, he ruled the land, and tribal chieftains from all over the country came to visit and pay respect. Although no direct trace remains of Kincora, there are many sites and features in the Killaloe area and across the river at Ballina, Co.Tipperary which remind the visitor today of this golden era in Irish history. Re-live th Ború H e great era at eritage Centre the Brian Althou, Killalo gh no e trace rem ains o f Brian royal s palace today, visitors can re -live the era at the Brian Ború Herita ge Cen tre in Killalo e. The Herita ge Cen tre call Brian s to m and th ind th e vario the Kil e life us site laloe a of s and rea as his cla buildin sociate n. Info gs in d with rmatio the Kil him an n on o laloe/b d ther a allina the Ce spects area c ntre. of an als o be h ad at Regal splendour at Brian s Palace incora stood on the summit of a hill, above the bridge at Killaloe, on the site now occupied by the Catholic Church, The Green and neighbouring houses. K Derived from Ceann Coradh, meaning The Head of the Weir, Kincora was a place of residence for the Dalcassians before Brian s time which received favourable mention for its rich wealth and hospitality in ancient manuscripts. However, it was Brian who extended it into a royal palace fit for a High King. Mac Liag, Brian s bard (the bards were ancient Celtic poets), described it as having an enclosure of stone, within which stood a number of circular houses of timber and wicker, and also a well and pool where the two famous salmon, held in superstitious respect by the Dalcassians lived. their rank.the officers and other guests had their appointed places at the lower tables. Burnishing their masters shields and arms, the warriors stood behind their princes. The palace walls were decorated with the shields of the kings.the attendants and minstrels, who were at the lower end with the hostages, wore richly embroidered coats. According to the annals of the time, on entering the Great Hall in the middle of the palace, one saw Brian s throne on a raised dais to the right, with the seats of the kings of Ulster and Connaught on either side. Malachy, the deposed High King; the other provincial chieftains; Brian s eldest son Murrough and his other brothers,tadg and Donnchadh, sat in various other positions according to Food consisted of beef, mutton, fresh pork, game and fish, with oatcakes, cheese, curds, cresses, onions, mead and fermented bilberry juice. The cooking was done in the centre of the hall, with the smoke escaping through a hole in the roof. One can only imagine the scenes of jubilation at Kincora when Brian returned triumphantly as High King to Killaloe a millennium ago. 5

4 Continued K illaloe, C o. C lare A ncient C apital of I rel and Direct links at St. Flannan s Cathedral, Killaloe Myths and Legends unique Ogham-Runic stone currently situated on a pedestal near a magnificent Romanesque doorway at St. Flannan s Cathedral in Killaloe offers a direct link to the time of Brian Ború. Originally built into the wall which surrounds the Cathedral graveyard, the stone is thought to date from c AD. Thorgrim, a Viking convert carved it probably, it is thought, in atonement for spoiling churches and monasteries. It is the only known example of a stone with a bilingual inscription in Irish Ogham and Scandinavian Runes. The Runic inscription reads Thorgrim carved this stone while the Ogham writing says A blessing upon Thorgrim. era of Brian Ború and his T he ancestors has generated a A During his reign, Brian Ború built a church on or near the site of the present Cathedral. In the 12th century, his descendant, Donal Mor O Brien, King of Munster ( ) built a fine Romanesque Cathedral which was later destroyed.when the present structure was built early in the 13th century, the beautiful west door of the destroyed church was preserved and inserted into the building where it can be seen today. Ancient doorway in south wall of nave of the Cathedral, Killaloe. Tradition has it that an ancient tombstone on the floor, in the recess of the Romanesque doorway, covers the remains of Murchad Mór O Brien, great-grandson of Brian Ború who died in He was the last of the Dalcassians to be High King of Ireland and the last king to rule from Kincora. Beal Ború Ancient Fort rian Ború s fort is located a B short distance from Killaloe, on the road to Scarriff, commanding the point where Lough Derg narrows into the River Shannon. It was here, tradition has it, that cattle were driven across the Shannon as a tribute or fee.the Annals mention the place in 877 when they record Flann Sunagh, the High Beal Ború King, ravaging Munster from Borúmha to Corcagh. As mentioned on Page 4, Ború can be translated as cattle tribute, and there is some evidence that Brian s father and older brother had the Ború title before he inherited it. Ancient stronghold remnants of the original stronghold of T he Brian Ború s forebears, the Dalcassian tribe of Ui Toirdealbhaigh, lie a little further on from Beal Ború on the Killaloe-Scarriff road. Situated on the lower slopes of Crag Liath (pronounced Craglea meaning The Grey Rock), the fort of Greenanlaghna is reputed to be the first Christian home in the parish of Killaloe.The grandfather of the first king (Aedh Caemh) to be based there was baptised by St. Patrick at Singland near Limerick. Plan of Greenanlaghna Turlogh, the father of St. Flannan the patron saint of the parish and diocese of Killaloe also lived at Greenanlaghna. Brian Ború s grandfather, Lorcán, who became head of the Dalcassians, probably began his reign at the fort before moving to the newly erected Kincora in the late 9th century. 6 Follow Brian Ború s footsteps see key location map pages 8 and 9 great deal of intriguing myths and legends in the Killaloe area. Legendary banshee Tradition has it that, from the height of Crag Liath (on the Killaloe-Scariff road), Aoibheal, the Fairy Queen or Banshee of the Dalcassians, guided the destinies of her people. She is most famously reputed to have appeared to Brian on the eve of the Battle of Clontarf, warning him of his impending death.towards the end of the battle, Brian is said to have refused to move to a safer place when the Vikings were in full flight, telling his attendants: I will not, for Aoibheal of Crag Liath was here last night, and told me that I should be killed this day. But for his fatalism, linked to long belief in the power of the banshee, Brian might well have ended his days at Kincora! The legendary banshee, we are told, forsook her abode when the great woods of the area were cut down. But Crag Liath still stands guard on Lough Derg s shore a silent witness to the rise and fall of the Dalcassians. Brian s secret wine cellar? Across the river to the north of Templeachally church, at a place called Cloghaneena (or Cloch an Fhiona, the Stone of the Wine ) in Ballina, stands the ruins of an old fortified building. According to tradition, it was here that Brian Ború had his wine store.the present building is from a later period but it could have been built on the site of an older structure.there are many reports of Brian s wine-filled cellars, to which the Vikings were obliged to contribute. No doubt, a cellar of significant proportions existed near Kincora and perhaps this could well be the spot. Baptismal well Tobermurragh, or Murrough s well, is located at Pier Head in Killaloe. According to tradition, it was here that Brian s eldest son, Murrough was baptised.the leader of the Dalcassian forces at Clontarf, Murrough like his father was killed on that fateful day. The well is enclosed and covered by a red brick building erected at the end of the 19th century.though not a holy well, it is remarkable for its abundant supply of pure water. 7

5 1014 the end of a Glorious Era T he he Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday, April 23, 1014 has gone down in in Irish history as a truly momentous event. While the Battle resulted in an emphatic victory for Brian Ború s forces over the Vikings and their allies, it led to the demise of the great leader and brought a glorious period under his reign to an end. The happenings on that day also ushered in an era of uncertainty and turmoil in Ireland. Clontarf The fateful Battle Having kept a relatively low profile for most of Brian s reign, the Vikings began to become aggressive again about 1013, coinciding with the revolt by King Maelmorda of Leinster. After some skirmishing, the scene was set for the ultimate battle to decide the fate of Ireland in early Some reports indicate that Brian marched into Leinster at the head of about 30,000 men and linked up with the forces of Malachy, King of Meath. Others talk about a thousand Viking ships setting out from Scandinavia and different parts of Ireland.The decision was finally taken to do battle on the plain of Clontarf, a small fishing village about four miles north of Dublin, on Good Friday, April 23. Different accounts relate various aspects of the Battle but all agree on its ferocity and intensity. One of the detailed reports, compiled from the evidence of eyewitnesses, is contained in the book War of the Irish with the Foreigners which talks about " a battle, furious, bloody, repulsive, crimson, gory, boisterous, manly, rough, fierce, unmerciful, hostile, on both sides ". Too old, at the age of 73, to lead his forces into battle, Brian handed over command to his eldest son, Murrough. The conflict raged from sunrise until evening, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Malachy, for some unknown reason, withdrew his forces either before or during the battle, which was a severe blow to Brian and probably led to the prolonging of the Viking resistance and the ultimate sad consequences. By sunset, the Vikings had been routed but not before Brian s son Murrough and his son,turlogh were both killed in battle, thus depriving Ireland of a natural royal dynasty emanating from Brian. Tragically, as he sat in his command tent after the battle was won, Brian was set upon by a fleeing Viking chieftain, Brodar who, according to Norse legend, killed the great leader with one blow of his axe. Irish annalists, however, say that Brian still had his sword by his side and the two men killed each other. A resting place in Armagh After the battle, Brian and Murrough s remains were taken by some monks to their abbey in Swords Co. Dublin and then to Armagh. His burial in that city was the Church s highest tribute to Ireland s leader and followed his earlier patronage of the Church there. In 1005, Brian had visited Armagh to gain ecclesiastical NIRELAND S GREAT HIGH KI G recognition for his High Kingship and, in the process, consolidated the city s claim to the primacy of the Church in Ireland, rather than Cashel. He presented a gift of 20 ounces of gold on the high altar, and the Book of Armagh, in recording the events, described him as Briani Imperatoris Scotorum, which roughly translates as Brian, Emperor of the Irish. Brian is buried in the grounds of the Cathedral to the north side, in keeping with the pagan tradition that warriors or those who die in battle must be buried in the northern sections of graveyards. In recording his death, the Annals of Ulster described him as over king of the Irish of Ireland, and of the foreigners and of the Britons, the Augustus of the whole of north-west Europe, signifying the esteem in which he was held, even in areas that begrudgingly accepted his authority. The aftermath The decisive Clontarf victory put a permanent end to Viking raids and their hopes of conquest. However the death of Brian and his chosen heirs also led to turmoil and disorder within the country. His sons,tadg and Donnchadh, held on to the Munster crown with difficulty and Malachy again became High King. The High Kings that followed in the next 150 years never commanded power to the extent that Brian had done the only O Brien who came near to emulating Brian s authority was his greatgrandson, Muircheartach Mór O Brien, High King from 1086 to Fact or Fiction? All because of a chess game! There are many, unverifiable accounts of what actually led to the Battle of Clontarf. One report, contained in the book War of the Irish with the Foreigners, suggests that a game of chess at Kincora in 1013 lit the fuse that led to the great confrontation. The game was between Brian s son, Murrough and his cousin, Conaing. During the game, King Maolmordha of Leinster who was visiting Kincora suggested a move that caused Murrough to lose the game. Murrough then ridiculed Maolmordha for hiding in a yew tree after being defeated by the Dalcassians at Gleann Máma in Wicklow in 999. Highly insulted, the Leinster King left Kincora in a huff and vowed vengeance on the clan and the rest is history! The scheming Gormfhlaith? Another series of legends surrounds the role of Brian s wife, Gormfhlaith in the run-up to the Battle. Her marriage to Brian, which was relatively short-lived, has been described as tempestuous and there is no doubt that, given her complicated marital liaisons (see Page 11), she had many potential conflicts of interest. In the months before Clontarf, she is supposed to have sent messengers to the Vikings of the Scottish islands seeking aid for her brother, Maelmordha, King of Leinster and son, Sitric, Viking King of Dublin, in the fight against Brian. According to the Norse, she was the fairest of all women best gifted in everything that was not in her own power but she did all things ill over which she had any power! A lament for Brian The great sense of loss felt in Ireland following the death of Brian and his family at Clontarf is captured in the lament composed by Mac Liag, Brian s bard, which was translated from the original Gaelic by James Clarence Mangan: O, where, Kincora! Is Brian the Great? And where is the beauty that once was thine? O, where are the princes and nobles that sate At the feast in thy halls, and drank the red wine! Where, O Kincora? And where is Morrough, the descendant of kings; The defeater of a hundred the daringly brave Who set but slight store by jewels and rings Who swam down the torrent and laughed at its wave? Where, O Kincora? And where is Donough, King Brian s worthy son? And where is Conaing, the beautiful chief? And Cian and Corc? Alas! they are gone They have left me this night alone with my grief! Left me, Kincora! 12 Follow Brian Ború s footsteps see key location map pages 8 and 9 13

6 B rian B orú T he S pirit L ives O n... His spirit still lives on in East Clare Brian Ború has never totally left the land he loved. The music he played on his harp still ripples the reeds on the banks of the Shannon. From the mountain overlooking his birthplace the guardian banshee of the Dal gcais watched over him, and an echo of her voice lingers on the wind. The rolling hills of East Clare are the hills Brian knew as a boy, where he first polished his battle skills against the Vikings. The light falls there today just as it did in the tenth century. One can almost catch a glimpse of a tall young man striding boldly forward heading for glory. Morgan Llywelyn, Author The great O BRIEN CLAN legacy The noble O Brien Clan direct descendants of Brian Ború, were associated with many of the great moments in Irish history down through the centuries. As the third largest Irish clan with an estimated 750,000 members, they are spread throughout the world today. Several variations of the name include O Brian, O Bryan, O Bryant, Brian and Bryant. The Clan s motto is Lamh Laidir in Uachtar The Strong Hand Uppermost. Some fine O Brien buildings One of the most prominent families in the ancient Kingdom of Thomond (incorporating the present day counties of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary), the O Briens are associated with many prominent buildings and fortifications in the area. St. Mary s Cathedral, founded by King Donal Mór O Brien for the Cistercians circa Some members of the famous O Brien Clan who have made The O Briens Maire Rua Lemenagh Castle. Many legends still abound about this 17th century figure. Her husband, Col. Conor was killed in battle against the Cromwellians in 1651 and, in order to save the family estate, she agreed to marry any officer that the English General Ireton might propose. an illustrious King Donal Mór O Brien who commissioned the building of St. Flannan s Cathedral, Killaloe, St. Mary s Cathedral, Limerick & Holycross Abbey in Co. Tipperary. and colourful family the headlines down Sir Edward O Brien, 4th Baronet, who built the present main building at Dromoland O Brien The current chief of the O'Brien Clan is Conor, The O'Brien, Prince of Thomond and 18th Baron Inchiquin, a direct descendant of Brian Ború. through the centuries William Smith O Brien M.P., the famous Irish Parliamentarian who was born in Dromoland. He was exiled to Tasmania but later pardoned. Henry O Brien, who succeeded as 8th Earl of Thomond at the age of three! include: The imposing Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare, where the O Briens ruled as Earls of Thomond from the early 16th century. Dromoland Castle the ancestral home of the O Briens, Barons of Inchiquin. Holycross Abbey, in Co. Tipperary which was also built by King Donal for the Cistercians in Follow Brian Ború s footsteps see key location map pages 8 and 9 15

7 Brian s stamp of history Useful reading Further useful reading material on the subject of Brian Ború and the O Brien Clan includes: Historic Killaloe A Guide to its Antiquities, by Sean Kierse (Ború Books, 2001). The Killaloe Anthology, by Sean Kierse (Ború Books, 2001). Brian Ború, by Hugh Weir (Ballinakella Press, Whitegate, 2002). Ireland A Thousand Kings, by Hugh Weir (Ballinabell Press, Whitegate, 1995). Historical Memoir of the O Briens: The Origin and History of the O Brien Clan, by John O Donoghue, (Hodges, Smith and Co., Dublin Republished by Martin Breen, 2002). Brian Ború King of Ireland, by Roger Chatterton Newman (Anvil Books, Dublin, 1983). Holy Island: Jewel of the Lough, by Gerard Madden (East Clare Heritage, Tuamgraney, 1997). A History of Tuamgraney and Scarriff, by Gerard Madden (East Clare Heritage, Tuamgraney, 2000). Magh Adhair the place of the inauguration of the Dalcassian Kings, by Thomas Johnson Westropp (Royal Irish Academy, 1896). The Meadow of the Bull A history of Clontarf, by Dennis McIntyre (Future Prints, Dublin, 1987). Lion of Ireland, by Morgan Llywelyn (Tor Books, 1996). Credits Shannon Development wishes to acknowledge the following reference sources used in compiling different aspects of this guide: Sean Kierse, Author and Historian Martin Breen, Author Sharon McNamara, Historian John McMahon, Historian Morgan Llywelyn, Author Brian Ború Project Committee, Killaloe Illustrations The full colour Brian Ború illustrations used throughout this publication are by artist Finbar O Connor. They were commissioned by An Post, the Irish postal service, for four commemorative stamps (see opposite). Shannon Development would like to thank An Post and Finbar O Connor for their permission to use them in this publication. Reproduced by kind permission of An Post Further information: Further information on Ireland s Shannon Region can be had from any of the Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices including: An Post, the Irish Postal Service, has issued four commemorative stamps to mark the 1,000th Anniversary of Brian Ború s accession to the High Kingship of Ireland in These beautifully illustrated 41c, 44c, 57c and 1 stamps feature four different images of the great leader s life. Artist Finbar O Connor has captured him on the River Shannon with his naval fleet, placing a gift of gold on the high altar at Armagh, being crowned High King and on horseback with his army. To purchase these and a wide range of stamps and stamp collectibles, simply log onto, Adare, Co. Limerick. Tel Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, Co. Clare. Tel *Ennis Town Centre, Co. Clare. Tel Killaloe, Co. Clare. Tel Kilrush, Co. Clare. Tel *Limerick City. Tel Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Tel *Shannon Airport, Co. Clare. Tel *Denotes offices open year-round. Published in October 2002 by Shannon Development s Tourism Group as a contribution to the 1,000th anniversary year of the inauguration of Brian Ború as High King of Ireland. Tel ; Fax ; info@shannondev.ie SD02-200