The Kings in Winter

Muirtagh O’Cullinane is an Irish clan leader who would prefer to protect his household and land rather than serve the ambitions of greater kings. Brian Boru’s rise to the high kingship, the submission and renewed rebellion of Leinster, and the power of Norse Dublin make neutrality impossible. Muirtagh must balance obligations to Brian with inherited feuds and the honour expected by followers who judge restraint as weakness.

The political conflict develops from Brian’s victory at Glenmama to the rebellion led by Máel Mórda and supported by Sigtrygg Silkbeard’s overseas allies. Raids, hostage-taking and family insult bring the competing forces to Clontarf in 1014. The battle resolves the campaign but kills Brian and much of the military elite on both sides. Through Muirtagh’s divided loyalties, the novel treats Clontarf not as a simple war between Irish and Vikings but as the climax of interwoven dynastic and personal conflicts.