Although the exact details of his birth are unknown, he was born in the mid tenth century near Killaloe (Kincora) (in modern County Clare). His father was Cennétig mac Lorcáin, King of Thomond and his mother was Bé Binn ingen Murchada, daughter of the King of West Connacht.

After his brothers death he became leader of the Dál gCais, and subsequently gained control over Munster. By 1002 the reigning High King of Ireland, Máel Sechnaill Mac Domnaill, passed his title to Brian. Ború sought to make good the title of High King in a way that previous holders had not; to make himself the actual ruler of Ireland rather than in name only.

By 1011 all of the regional rulers of Ireland recognized him as their superior, this however was short lived. The following year the King of the province of Leinster with the support of the Norse King of Dublin and Viking mercenaries rebelled against Brian's authority and, although the rebel forces were decisively defeated in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf, Ború was killed along with most of the leaders of the province of Munster.

When we opened the pub in spring of 1993, we decided to name it after this great Irish King — partly because he united Ireland and partly because we didn't think anyone would be able to pronounce Máel Sechnaill Mac Domnaill. There is a bust of King Ború above the bar, surveying his patrons.