HISTORIC sites relating to the life and times of Brian Ború are promoted in a newly developed tourist trail marking the 1000th anniversary of the death of the last High King of Ireland.
The National Brian Ború Trail was launched this afternoon by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan at St. Flannan’s Cathedral in Killaloe.
The event, which was hosted by Clare County Council in association with Killaloe Ballina 2014, was attended by National Brian Ború Programme representatives from Clare, Armagh, Dublin and Tipperary, the four main locations with connections to the life and High Kingship of Ireland’s best known historical figure.
The newly launched trail features information on the important sites and buildings associated with Ború including Kincora where he was born, and Clontarf where he was killed following his victory over the Viking rulers of Dublin in 1014.
Other sites of interest include St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the City of Armagh where Ború is buried; the Rock of Cashel where he was crowned High King of Ireland and Lough Derg and the River Shannon where his navy was located.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Deenihan said the launch of the Brian Ború Trail complements a comprehensive nationwide programme of commemorative festivals and events taking place during 2014.
“Brian Ború’s influence on Ireland’s political landscape is well known but his legacy is also evident throughout the physical landscape of the island with dozens of buildings linked to his fascinating story and that of his ancestors. For the first time, this National Trail promotes some of the buildings and sites most associated with Ború which I believe will help to promote tourism in the areas concerned and will also help to further promote the story of an individual who is an indelible part of this island’s rich history,” he emphasised.
Welcoming the new tourist guide, Mayor of Clare Councillor Joe Arkins noted that from a Clare County Council perspective, significant effort has been undertaken to ensure that the Brian Ború millennial anniversary is established as an important cultural and tourism activity which lays the platform for further cultural and tourism development in future years.
“This guide will serve as a useful tool for promoting Brian Ború’s close links with Clare, and in doing so help to promote other sites of interest throughout Ireland,” he added.
Produced by the Brian Ború 2014 Steering Group, the Brian Ború Trail guide is available at tourist offices, Council buildings and libraries throughout Ireland. Thousands of copies of the new guide are also being distributed to visitor attractions and accommodation providers throughout Ireland.
Visit www.brianborumillennium.ie to learn about the National Brian Ború Programme of events taking place during 2014.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.