St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Armagh City
St. Patrick reportedly erected the original building that occupied this site. The church that stands there today dates back to the early 19th century, in the Gothic tradition. Some of the statues hark back to the transition period from pagan rituals in Celtic times and pre-Christian beliefs and customs.
The church contains many relics and sites of historical importance, including the burial place of Brian Boru. This historically significant figure was High King of Ireland. In fact, he was the last of the High Kings to sit at the traditional throne at Tara. He was murdered following the Battle at Clontarf in 1014.
Brian Boru was born in about 940 at Munster. His father was Cennedig, chief of the Dal Cais tribe. The Dalcassians were forced into County Clare by Vikings, and Brian Boru witnessed the killings of many members of his tribe during Viking raids, including his mother, so from a young age he was committed to driving the Vikings from Ireland.
Upon the death of his father, Brian’s older brother Mahon became chief of their tribe. They were driven apart by a disagreement over a proposed truce with the Norse invaders. For years, Brian Boru roamed the countryside with his soldiers, hiding in the hills and periodically attacking Norse settlements. He trained himself and the tribal army in the art of battle, finally reconciled with his brother, and together they attempted to drive the enemies back to their homeland.
Brian Boru became a powerful leader, and battled his way to the High Kingship of Ireland. At one point he shared the monarchy with a chieftain called Malachy, splitting control of the lands into north and south. In 1002, Malachy, knowing that he could not defeat Brian Boru and his forces, handed his share of the lands and kingship over to his rival in a peaceful manner.
As High King, Brian Boru made valiant efforts to restore churches ruined by the invaders, and replace artifacts and manuscripts that were lost and destroyed during the pillaging.
At the Battle of Clontarf, on Good Friday 1014, Brian Boru and his forces defeated the Vikings, smashing their military power in Ireland forever. One of their number, named Bothair, murdered Boru shortly afterward. His tomb lies in St. Patrick’s Anglican Cathedral, intricately carved by the sculptors Roubilliac and Rysbrack.