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Quiz about Brian Boru Irelands Greatest King

Brian Boru - Ireland's Greatest King Quiz

I couldn't find a quiz on this legendary Irish King so I thought I'd create one.

A multiple-choice quiz by DanKeevy. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
DanKeevy

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
250,072

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
490

Awards
Top 20% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. It is not known in which year Brian Boru was born.

True

False

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Question 2 of 10

2. Where in Ireland was Brian Boru born? Hint

County Clare

County Tipperary

County Kerry

County Cork

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Question 3 of 10

3. What were the names of Brian's parents? Hint

Father: Cennetig Mac Lorcain the King of Thomond and mother: Be Binn Ingen Murchada

Father: Donnchad Donn of the first Mael Sechnaill and mother: unknown

The names of both parents are unknown

Father: Mael Sechnaill and mother: Shanna Siln Aedo Slaine

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Question 4 of 10

4. To which Family Clan did Brian Boru belong? Hint

Ui Neill

Ui Maine

Ui Fiachrach

Dal Cais

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Question 5 of 10

5. Why was 976 an important year in Brian Boru's life? Hint

Brian became the leader of his Family Clan.

Brian drove the snakes out of Ireland.

Brian became 'High King of Ireland'.

Brian drove the Vikings from Ireland.

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Question 6 of 10

6. In what year did Brian Boru force the 'High King of Ireland' to surrender his title to him? Hint

1002

1011

1000

1066

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Question 7 of 10

7. Against who was the Battle of Clontarf fought? Hint

The Dublin Vikings versus The Irish of Munster

The Irish of Munster versus The Irish of Leinster

The Irish of Munster versus the Irish of Leinster and Dublin Vikings

The Irish of Leinster versus The Dublin Vikings

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Question 8 of 10

8. Brian Boru was killed in battle.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. On what date was Brian Boru assassinated? Hint

23 April 1014

23 April 1015

28 April 1014

28 April 1013

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Question 10 of 10

10. Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom MAY have descended from Brian Boru.

True

False

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. It is not known in which year Brian Boru was born.

Answer: True

There are many sources which cite either 941 or 926 as Brian Boru's year of birth. However, his military career suggests the latter year.

2. Where in Ireland was Brian Boru born?

Answer: County Clare

He was born in Killaloe, County Clare. One must remember that at this time there was no actual record keeping, and most of the history we have today is either of Norse origin or from old songs.

3. What were the names of Brian's parents?

Answer: Father: Cennetig Mac Lorcain the King of Thomond and mother: Be Binn Ingen Murchada

Not a lot is known about Brian Boru's parents. However, it is amazing that their names have been recorded.

4. To which Family Clan did Brian Boru belong?

Answer: Dal Cais

The Dal Cais (or Dalcassians) were a donastic sept (in other words they were not only a familial group, they also included people not related) that was located in Northern Munster. This was important because of the influence of the Hiberno Norse city of Limerick on an island in the estuary of the Shannon River.

This led to trade between the two, introducing the Dal Cais to superior weapons.

5. Why was 976 an important year in Brian Boru's life?

Answer: Brian became the leader of his Family Clan.

In 976, Brian Boru's brother, Mathgamain, was assassinated and Brian assumed the leadership of his sept (This term encompasses both the traditional family clan, as well as other occupants of the family's territories). Brian achieved his revenge on the murderers, but showed mercy when he adopted the son of one of the conspirators.

6. In what year did Brian Boru force the 'High King of Ireland' to surrender his title to him?

Answer: 1002

Brian Boru forced the reigning High King of Ireland, Mael Sechnaill mac Domnaill, to surrender his title to him in 1002. Brian intended to be King in more than title.

7. Against who was the Battle of Clontarf fought?

Answer: The Irish of Munster versus the Irish of Leinster and Dublin Vikings

It was fought because the King of Leinster Maelmorda mac Murchada revolted in 1012. Brian Boru reacted by imprisoning him.

8. Brian Boru was killed in battle.

Answer: False

Although Brian Boru died at the Battle of Clontarf, he did not die on the battlefield. He was slain in his tent by Brodir, but was avenged by his brother Wolf the Quarrelsome.

9. On what date was Brian Boru assassinated?

Answer: 23 April 1014

Well that's it for one of the greatest Irish men (in my opinion) who ever lived. I suggest you read up on him, because there was too much in his life to cover in a simple quiz.

10. Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom MAY have descended from Brian Boru.

Answer: True

Although it is not a hundred percent certain, most historians have accepted that Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom descended from Brian Boru through her mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

Source: Author DanKeevy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor DakotaNorth before going online.
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