From Norsemen to Normans: Viking and Medieval DublinLike most Irish towns, Dublin was founded by Vikings (Scandinavians), who, after 841 A.D., settled along an east-west ridge of high ground between the Rivers Liffey and Poddle. In 1014, along with their local Irish allies, they were defeated at the battle of Clontarf (north of the city) by Brian Ború, king of Munster (southern province of Ireland). In 1170 Dublin was captured by the Anglo-Norman adventurer, Strongbow, who in turn was forced to turn the city over to his overlord, King Henry II of England. In 1204 his son John built a castle beside the Poddle's Black Pool ('Dubh Linn' in Irish) which provided a secure seat for England's administration of Ireland for the next 700 years. |