The Vikings reappeared in 914, defeated the Irish in the Battle of Confey, reconquered Dublin, assumed control over a large portion of the British Isles, established permanent settlements in Ireland to further secure their grip over the island, and began to mix with the local population.

Despite the frequent intermarriages that took place, the Scandinavians were still viewed with contempt and regarded as a hostile foreign threat by much of the Irish population, most notably in the north and center of the island.

[2][3] On one side there was a Norse army from the Kingdom of Dublin supported by troops from the Hebrides, which was commanded by a son of Olaf Cuaran named Ragnall.

[4] Dublin was besieged by the victorious Máel Sechnaill, who forced it to surrender slaves and valuables, as well as give up all its prior claims to Uí Néill-held territory.

It is assumed by historians that the defence of this sacred site, which also appears in Irish mythology, against the foreign Norse Vikings would have been a rallying point for many local Irishmen.