Heritage trail launched to mark battle commemorations

AS part of 2014 commemorations of Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf, Dublin City Council has launched a new Heritage Trail in Clontarf.

The trail will form a key part of a National Brian Boru trail linking Killaloe, Cashel, Clontarf and Armagh.

The Battle of Clontarf Heritage Trail tells the story of events leading up to the battle and the battle itself which took place in the spring of 1014.

There are six panels spaced along 3km of scenic walkway in Clontarf, from Alfie Byrne Road to the Wooden Bridge. The trail creates a focal point in Clontarf that up to now didn’t exist for the battle.

Dublin City Council, along with the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, worked closely with Clontarf Historical Society, Raheny Heritage Society, the Clontarf 2014 Commemoration Committee and local businesses to bring the project to fruition.

Clontarf ward councillor Naoise Ã? Muirí (FG) said the displays give a wonderful account of the battle and also are a guide to the area’s local history.

“It will be of great interest to the many that walk our beautiful promenade but also will attract many new visitors to the seafront,

? he said.

“It is a great achievement combining vision, local voluntary enthusiasm, public and private sector co-operation.

“In particular, I would like to pay tribute to Dublin City Council North Central Area and Parks Division who worked closely with Collette Gill and her Clontarf 2014 committee from the start to ensure that this project would be of lasting benefit to the area and the city.

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Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, said:

“This trail is an important part of the national Brian Ború/ Battle of Clontarf commemorations linking Killaloe, Cashel, Clontarf and Armagh.

“It is a significant lasting legacy marking this famous event which, up to now, had no permanent memorial.

“The trail is a tribute to the voluntary local effort backed by my department and Dublin City Council together with generous support from business interests.

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Clontarf 2014 Commemoration Committee Chairperson, Collette Gill, said the Heritage Trail would form a key part of the 2014 celebrations and continue to be an attraction for Clontarf in the future, contributing to local business and tourism.

“It will contribute to the amenity value of the area and encourage people to walk the promenade for health and recreation,

? Ms Gill told Northside People.

“I would like to acknowledge the great local support for this initiative especially our local major sponsors, the Clontarf Residents’ Association, MKN Property Group, Connolly’s The Sheds and Fitzpatrick’s Wholesale who provided sponsorship for all the displays.

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