The Viking Invasions of Ireland, 795-1014: The Complete History

Over the course of the ninth and tenth centuries, the Viking Age was fully aflame across northwestern Europe. While the Danes assailed England and France, Norse attacks made Ireland an almost perpetual battleground.

Vikings seized control of ports such as Dublin, Limerick, and Wexford, where they established powerful strongholds and thriving trading hubs. In response, Ireland’s kings grew more militant and more united under the high king, who would take the fight to the Vikings.

We’ll explore the complete history of Ireland’s Viking Age, from the first raid on Rathlin Island in 795, to the epic Battle of Clontarf in 1014, in which Ireland’s celebrated High King Brian Boru faced the forces of the Norse King of Dublin, Sihtric Silkbeard.