The battle of Clontarf is generally seen as an attempt by the native Irish to rid their country of the Norse invaders. The main protagonists in this conflict were in fact relations, Brian Boru who at the time was accepted by most as high king of Ireland, fought his stepson Sitric Silkbeard, King of Viking Dublin, Sitric was supported by his uncle Maelmorda, King of Leinster (Brother in law of Boru) and also the Viking colonies in Orkney and the Isle of Man. Boru had allies among the Gaelic clans in Scotland and Vikings. He fought with the Ui Neil of Ulster who it is said only entered the battle after the outcome was decided.

In the Williamite wars, William Prince of Orange (Holland) was offered the throne of England in 1688 when James II was deposed by the English, James II was Williams father-in law and also an uncle of William. The Pope fearful of Louis XIV increasing power in Europe decided to back William hoping to curb Louis power. James no doubt saw Ireland primarily as a stage which could be utilized with French aid to regain his throne, the fact that had he been successful Ireland would have become Catholic again would have been of secondary importance to him.

When Edward Bruce brother of Robert Bruce king of Scotland invaded Ireland on 25th May 1315 it was at the behest of the Red Earl who's sister was married to King Robert, once again the people of Ireland were destined to endure four years of bloodshed and suffering, culminating in a famine in 1318.

The Bruce invasion is generally seen as an attempt to rid Ireland of the Anglo Normans, what has to be remembered is that the Bruce's were also of Norman decent. And had success not eluded Bruce, it is unlikely that the long-suffering Irish peasant would have seen any significant improvement in his way of life under a new overlord.