The Vikings in Ireland 9th to 12th Century

The Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf 1014

We alll know the Vikings were involved in countless raids and battles during their time in Ireland, and often allied with rival Irish clans who were endlessly fighting and competing for kingship. 

The most famous and significant of these battles is the Battle of Clontarf which took place on Good Friday, the 23rd of April in 1014. Different factions of Vikings fought on both sides; some in support of the High King Brian Boru and his Munster supporters and others, mostlt Danes, as part of the Leinster cohort who had risen against him and were led by the Viking king and army of Dublin. This battle was seen by many as an attempt by the Danes to takeover the capital and establish their overall rule once and for all as they had done in Saxon England. 

But this was not to be. The battle of Clontarf ended with victory for Brian Boru (Bryan Boru) and his men, and signalled the end of any Viking threat to the High Kingship. As Brian Boru was killed at this battle at the age of seventy-three, possibly murdered by a Viking in his tent,  this event has entered legend and raised Brian Boru, the valiant leader of a united Ireland quashing foreign rebellion, to mythic and legendary status. 

Ireland Before the Arrival of the Vikings

Ireland Before the Arrival of the Vikings

According to Donatus de Fiesole, an Irish bishop living in Italy in the 9th century, Ireland in the seventh and eighth century was, “Rich in goods in silver, jewels, cloth and gold”, with “art and men… renowned in war, in peace, in faith”. Christian for more than three centuries, Ireland had not been invaded since prehistoric times....read more

The Viking Age in Ireland

The Viking Age in Ireland

The beginning of the Viking Age in Ireland is traditionally marked by the ominous days in 795, when Scandinavian invaders ran the prows of their longships onto the beaches of Lambay Island off the coast of Dublin, where the monastery of St Colmcille was plundered, and Rathlin Island off the coast of Co. Antrim, where the church was burned. On the west coast the monasteries on Inismurray and Inisbofin were also plundered, and in the same year the island of Iona was attacked. The sight of these heavily armed marauders, dressed in animal furs and horned helmets must have struck fear and dread into the hearts of the islanders, who were mostly monks and farmers at this time. ...read more

Viking Places to Visit in Ireland

Viking Places to Visit in Ireland

The best place to experience Viking and medieval Dublin is in Dublinia, an exciting interpretive centre where you can learn about Viking homes, pastimes, skills and weaponry, and get to try on their clothes! It is said they introduced trousers to Ireland. Dublinia is located in Dublin city centre at the crossroads of St Michael’s Hill, Patrick St, and High Street. Dublinia is connected to Christ Church Cathedral, the original of which was built in wood by Sitric Silkenbeard, King of Dublin in 1028, by a medieval footbridge....read more

Who Were the Vikings?

Who Were the Vikings?

The Viking people were a farming culture who originated in the Scandinavian countries in about the 4th century. Pagan and largely illiterate, they were also fishermen, farmers, carpenters and tradesmen. But it was the seafaring warriors whose raids and invasions throughout Europe between roughly 800-1000 AD who helped to shape the history of the region. For three centuries, the Viking raiders of the North were the most feared pirates to haunt Europe's shores. At the end of the 8th century their great longboats left Scandinavia's fjords to begin what was for many a reign of terror....read more

Irish Surnames of Viking Origin

Irish Surnames of Viking Origin

The Vikings were in Ireland for relatively short time, but they left a considerable legacy of names behind. Some, such as MacAuliffe (Son of Olaf) and MacManus (Son of Magnus) are quite common, though the latter at least are not all of Viking stock. The Norse or Viking warriors who attacked Ireland around 800 may have included two factions that the Irish called Dubhgaill and Finngaill, or dark and fair foreigners, or indeed Norse and Danes. Placenames like Dublin and Finglas may also be derived from these terms....read more

Viking Clothing and Crafts - 900-1050AD

Viking Clothing and Crafts - 900-1050AD

We can learn alot about the organisation of the Viking way of life from discoveries made in Dublin in recent years, for example what they wore and how they occupied their time. Vikings were apparently responsible for the introduction of trousers to Ireland all those centuries ago! According to Wallace, a typical Viking woman wore a long chemise made of linen or wool, under a dress. The dress was suspended by shoulder straps, possibly with domed oval brooches attached. Other jewellery possibly worn were necklaces, and brooches used to fasten a cloak or shawl. Many glass and amber beads ...read more

Viking Finds in Ireland

Viking Finds in Ireland

We can learn alot about the organisation of the Viking way of life from discoveries made in Dublin in recent years, for example what they wore and how they occupied their time. Vikings were apparently responsible for the introduction of trousers to Ireland all those centuries ago! According to Wallace, a typical Viking woman wore a long chemise made of linen or wool, under a dress. The dress was suspended by shoulder straps, possibly with domed oval brooches attached. Other jewellery possibly worn were necklaces, and brooches used to fasten a cloak or shawl. Many glass and amber beads ...read more