Arcadia Ireland

Ireland has so much history to discover - even if you don't think of yourself as a historian you may well find yourself with a new interest during your time abroad! This semester I had a few students asking me about the Vikings, which is a great example of a topic you may not have thought about since you were a child but which becomes much more interesting and alive when you spend time in Ireland. 

The people we know as the Vikings were Scandinavian raiders who preyed on Irish monasteries from the 8th century onward. Monasteries were centres not only for agricultural wealth but also for precious metals and craftsmanship, hence their attractiveness for looting. They played a significant role in Ireland's medieval history, founding many of the coastal towns and cities we are familiar with today - including Dublin! In fact the name Dublin comes from the name the Vikings gave their settlement, Dyflinn, rather than the Gaelic name Baile atha Cliath.

If you would like to learn more about the Vikings, here are four suggested destinations for you.

Dublinia

Dublin - €12.50/students (at time of writing)

Our first choice has to be the Dublinia Museum which is entirely dedicated to medieval Ireland. Extensive galleries explore every aspect of Viking life and culture as well as their impact on Irish history. Learn about the famous Wood Quay excavation, in which an enormous amount of Viking material was discovered in the course of building the large Civic Offices across the street.

The Museum often has special exhibitions, lectures, and events - and even costumed reenactors on site, so you can pose any burning questions! As a bonus, the museum is just 3 minutes walk from the Arcadia offices in Dublin in case you want to pop in.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Dublin - Free admission

The National Museum of Ireland (which has four separate locations for Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, Country Life, and Natural History) is an absolute must-visit for anyone - not just because they are free museums but because they have amazing collections! For those interested in the Vikings the National Museum - Archaeology is home to a huge collection of artifacts which are on display in a permanent exhibition.

Like Dublinia, the National Museum hosts special tours, talks, and conferences, so keep an eye out for the latest Viking scholarship. Their website also hosts huge amounts of information including videos and a virtual visit in case you're not able to make it in person.

Reginald's Tower

waterford - €3/students (at time of writing)

The Viking city of Waterford (or Vadrafjord to the Vikings) is a fantastic day trip from Cork or Dublin with direct bus connections from both. The city has embraced its Viking origins and you will find murals and public art to spark your interest, including the enormous carved wooden sword in the picture accompanying this post. For a concentrated dose however, head up the spiral stairs of the 12th century Reginald's Tower for an exhibition dedicated to the Vikings' presence here.

This is a small museum but well worth a visit. Learn more on their website which also includes a few photos and an introductory video.

Waterford Treasures: King of the Vikings

Waterford - €10 (at time of writing)

Finally, if you're ready to get beyond the glass cases of artifacts here's something a little different. King of the Vikings is a Virtual Reality experience that is part of the collection of museums known as Waterford Treasures. Step into a replica Viking house and into the past thanks to a VR headset which will lead you into an immersive and carefully researched experience.

The other Waterford Treasures museums can take you through the medieval, early modern, Georgian, and Victorian history of the city, so why not let your curiosity guide you? You never know what new interests you might discover!