23 April 1014: The Battle of Clontarf /Cath Cluain Tarbh, (The Pasture of the Bulls) was fought on this day – Good Friday. The victors were the forces of King Brian Boru of Munster leading a force primarily of the men of Munster and south Connacht along with a small contingent of Limerick and perhaps Waterford Vikings. His erstwhile ally Mael Sechnaill of Meath held back on the day of the Battle.
Thus Brian’s men alone faced the Vikings of Dublin and the Isles and their allies the Leinstermen under King Maelmorda. The result was a great Victory for King Brian but as the day ended he was killed himself while praying in his camp. Clontarf was the greatest and bloodiest battle of the Viking age in Ireland.
23 April 1796: The Grand Canal Docks (Ringsend Basin) was opened by Lord Lieutenant Viscount Camden, aboard the yacht Dorset. The Dublin Journal reported that 'their excellencies landed and partook of a Grand Dejeuner, prepared in marquee tents on shore for above 500 people.'
23 April 1918: The Irish Trades Union Congress called for a National work stoppage to protest against the imposition of Conscription in Ireland. There was a response everywhere with the exception of Belfast and the Loyalist areas in the North.
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