The Vikings

This consideration of the Vikings in Ireland comes at a time of rapid change. Until comparatively recently our understanding of the nature of Viking activity in Ireland was largely dependent upon the documentary sources, such as the annals, and some linguistic and place-name evidence. ¹ There were also periodic reports of archaeological discoveries, such as silver hoards and graves, including the important cemetery at Kilmainham/Islandbridge, Dublin, but unfortunately such finds were rarely recorded adequately. ² Over the last 30 years, however, interest in the Vikings in Ireland has grown immensely. This is because of the extensive excavations within the walls of medieval Dublin (92) which have uncovered the rich remains of the Viking town beneath. Dublin’s location on the banks of the Liffey means that the archaeological deposits are waterlogged. Therefore a very wide range of organic material – structures, artefacts and environmental remains – has been preserved. Indeed, the wealth of the evidence far exceeds that from excavations in Viking towns elsewhere, such as York, Trondheim and Novgorod. Final reports on the Dublin excavations are now beginning to emerge but it will inevitably take many years for this vast project to be completed. Only then will it really be possible to consider Viking Dublin within its wider context, not only in Europe, but also as part of the broader sphere of Viking activity in Ireland.