Hostings And Harvests
Archived: 26 September 2026
In 1012, Brian Bórama’s high-kingship remained powerful yet required constant military, religious and material reinforcement. Northern rulers Flaithbertach Ua Néill and Máel Sechnaill raided rival territories, burning centres and seizing cattle, captives and plunder, while succession fighting continued in Ulaid. Brian campaigned in Mag Muirtheimne, granting immunity to Patrick’s churches, and fortified Cenn Corad and other strategic sites. Armagh suffered a prolonged sickness that killed clergy, students and others. Heavy rainfall damaged cereal crops, worsening pressures on communities already exposed to armies. The annals portray rivalry, fragile overlordship and hardship, anticipating the crises that culminated at Clontarf two years later.