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Wood Quay: Dublin's Viking Past Unearthed

Explore Dublin's Viking roots at Wood Quay, where ancient history meets modern city life along the River Liffey.

Wood Quay, situated along the River Liffey, marks the site of Dublin's original Viking settlement in 841 AD. Today, it's home to Dublin City Council offices, but historical remnants, including a preserved section of the Hiberno-Norse City Wall dating back to 1100 AD, offer glimpses into its fascinating past.

A brief summary to Wood Quay

  • Dublin, Wood Quay, IE

Local tips

  • Visit the National Museum of Ireland to see artifacts discovered during the Wood Quay excavations.
  • Take a stroll along the River Liffey to view the Viking longship sculpture and bronze plaques.
  • Explore the remains of the Hiberno-Norse City Wall inside the Dublin City Council building.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dublin Castle, head east towards the River Liffey. Cross the bridge and follow the riverbank path south for about 10 minutes. Wood Quay will be on your left, just past the historic buildings.

  • Public Transport

    If you are near O'Connell Street, head to the nearest bus stop and take bus routes 25, 27, or 151. Get off at the 'Civic Offices' stop. Wood Quay will be a short walk away. A single fare is approximately €3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app and input 'Wood Quay, Dublin' as your destination. A short taxi ride from the city center will cost approximately €8-€11.

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Discover more about Wood Quay

Wood Quay holds a significant place in Dublin's history as the location where Vikings first established a settlement in 841 AD. The area, now occupied by the Dublin City Council's Civil Offices, was once a thriving Hiberno-Scandinavian commercial center. In the 1970s, large-scale archaeological excavations revealed a wealth of information about Dublin's Viking past. The dig uncovered over 100 dwellings and countless artifacts, including coins, pottery, leatherwork, and swords, providing insights into the daily lives of the Viking settlers. Many of these items are now on display in the National Museum of Ireland and Dublinia. While the construction of the Dublin City Council offices on the site sparked considerable controversy and public protests, remnants of the past can still be seen. A dark wooden sculpture representing a Viking longship prow and bronze plaques depicting Viking artifacts mark the location. Inside the Dublin City Council building, a section of the original Hiberno-Norse City Wall, dating back to 1100 AD, is preserved. Visitors can also view Isolde's Tower, a 13th-century ruin discovered during later excavations, through railings on Lower Exchange Street.

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