Kincora - Ceann Cora

Brian built his royal resident in 1002 after he had united the people of Ireland under one High King.  He reigned supreme from this palace for twelve years.  He situated the castle on a hill by the town of Killaloe.  The castle was not far from his fort I spoke about yesterday.  He liked to build his residences in this area because he was born and raised in Killaloe. 

During Brian’s reign Kincora was the capital of Ireland because Brian had the power to declare it so.  Brian made the Vikings located in Dublin and Limerick pay a yearly tribute of 500 TONS of wine for Brian’s cellars.  He really didn’t need all that wine.  He just wanted his cellars and stocks to be bursting, so he could show proof of his great rule over Ireland. 

I told Brian of the poem that I had once read of his great Kincora, which I recited for him (with my greatest poetic voice of course!!)

Where, O Kincora?

by James Clarence Mangan (1803-1849; Dublin)

O, where, Kincora is Brian the Great? And where is the beauty that once was thine? O, where are the princes and nobles that sate At the feast in the halls and drank the red wine?                              Where, O Kincora? O, where Kincora, are the valorous lords? O, whither, thou hospitable, are they gone? O, where are the Dalcassians of the golden swords? And where are the warriors Brian led on?                              Where, O Kincora? Where are those heroes of royal birth, Who plundered no churches and broke no trust. 'Tis weary for me to be living on earth When they, O Kincora, lie low in the dust.                              Low, O Kincora! O, never again will princes appear To rival the Dalcassians of the cleaving swords. I can never dream of meeting afar or near In the east or the west such heroes and lords!                              Never, Kincora! For he was Freedom's champion, one of those The few in number who had not outstept The charter to chastise which she bestows On such as wield her weapons.                              Forever, Kincora!

The residence of Brian Boru was destroyed by his enemies.  However, a church was built in the area where some of the bases of the walls remained.  The church is called St. Lua, and Brian found it fitting that a church now remains in the place of this rule.