The Vikings in Ireland
Among the many British islands involved in the 300-year period of the Viking Age from 793 to 1066 A.D. is Ireland. The Viking Age is the period where settlers and warriors from Scandinavia known as Vikings left their homeland to explore and pillage the majority of Europe, as well as North Africa, North America and even Asia.
The Scandinavian warriors proceeded to Ireland after they had lost leaders, crew people and members when they raided Jarrow in River Tyne, England. The people of Jarrow resisted and fought against their occupation so the Vikings were forced to look for other lands.
The Vikings first arrived in Ireland that was then ruled by small Irish kingdoms. In 795 A.D., the Scandinavian warriors attacked the northwest part of Ireland. Small raids and numerous attacks soon followed starting from Dublin, spreading to the rest of the nearby areas.
In 832 A.D., the Vikings pillaged and settled over the northern and eastern parts of Ireland. This started the spreading of Scandinavian presence in strategic places. Come 841 A.D., the Scandinavian troopers settled and formed winter camps during this year.
Here, they settled for the winter to prepare for another onslaught of raids for the next season. These camps were said to be located in Dublin, as well as by the Shannon River and the River Boyne.
A period in 845 A.D. started a series of successful overthrowing of the Vikings by the people of Ireland. Malachai and Osraige, the King of Ossory, are two of the prominent figures that helped overthrow the attempts of Vikings to raid the people and pillage the land.
From 1078 onwards, the Vikings ruled Dublin again through the leadership of Herbides. However, after 1094, the rule of Dublin and mostly the rest of Ireland were handed back over to Irish kings.
The Viking era in Scotland brought about major Scandinavian influences, especially in the arts and crafts. Currently, Irish artefacts still show a hint of Scandinavian influences, which are specifically reflected on the animal patterns and abstract designs in jewelleries and home decors.
Original Authors: Jennifer Tumanda
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 17/07/2008
