Have you ever heard about the Vikings in Ireland?Viking origin came from Denmark and Norway. During the 700s, many people, including the nobles and warriors, were forced to leave the land of Scandinavia.The Vikings came to Ireland in 795 AD. Most of them were Norwegian. They were initially known as the ‘Norsemen.’They referred themself as ‘Ostmen.’ They invaded the British Isles and other inland territories from the 8th-11th centuries. They had a huge impact on the history of these countries. The towns and cities of Ireland, including Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford, are notable because of the Vikings. Vikings were pagans due to this, they did not respect the Christians, their symbols, and their places. The Vikings burned a monastery of Rathlin Island in 795. Various other monasteries, including Sceilg Mhicil, Holmpatrick, Inishmurray, Saint Colum Cille, and Inishbofin, were burned. Many native Irish, including the abbot, were killed or made prisoners by the Vikings. They attacked all these monasteries because they were the richest in the country. They raided the monasteries along with the churches, fortresses, farms, and other ships to sell the things in Scandinavia. They exploited the country’s resources and sold the citizens for slavery. Many Viking kings also visited the country. Various Irish kings tried to stop the raiding and invasion but couldn’t do much. This continued for two centuries, and then the Irish King, Brian Boru, ended the Viking invasion. They first came to Wexford in 819 CE and greatly impacted Irish annals and Irish politics, marking an important chapter in the history of Irish metalwork.After reading the facts about Viking origins and their role in Irish history, also check Celts in Ireland facts and recycling facts Ireland. How did the Vikings forever change Ireland?The Viking warriors came to Ireland in late 700 AD. They raided and invaded various ships and churches of Ireland. The early raids were not quite as frequent. After a few years, the Viking raids began with more intensity. Even after Irish resistance, the Norman invasion and Viking activities left a great impact on Ireland.Some of the Vikings in Ireland facts are mentioned down below.They created the first route between Ireland, Scandinavian, England, and other counties of Europe for trading. They used the Irish Sea, and various Irish coasts include the East Coast, northeast coast, west coast, and others.Many settlements were established during the Viking era in Ireland. Many of them are still there. It also impacted Irish society.Many trade centers were formed in Ireland by the Vikings. Today they have developed into cities and towns. Some of them are Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford.The trade between Ireland and Europe brought various influences on the country and is still here.The genetic clusters of Viking DNA and Irish DNA can be seen in some settlements of Ireland.The Irish language also has some influence from the Norse language of the Vikings.Health And MedicineThe Viking origin is from Denmark and Norway. Various archeological sites and graves belonging to the Viking period were dug. They revealed various aspects of the Norman ancestry and people. Many graves were dug from the Viking age. Researchers believed that the Vikings were usually healthy people and had a long life.It was concluded by researchers that they had good oral health too. Less dental cavities showed that people ate less sugar. Women lost their teeth in adulthood while men had healthier teeth. This was due to the infections caused by plaque build-up on the teeth.Since the skeletons of the elderly were found with fractures that were healed. This indicated that the Viking people cared for their family members.A study reported that people used to eat coarse food instead of refined food.Not a lot of people from the Viking era had any nutritional deficiencies.Vikings used chants and charms to treat some diseases. They also used various runes.They used herbs to anoint, for lancing, bandaging, and treating broken bones.Various literature from that era told stories about the treatments.There were not a lot of doctors during the earlier times. Later many people started studying medicine and even performed surgeries.Healers were brought in for people who were injured.Some areas suffered from dysentery and smallpox. The people who died during these times were buried in a mass grave.Tech And EngineeringNorse Vikings were cruel soldiers and good sailors. They were good with technology and engineering techniques. The history of Vikings includes various such instances.The magnetic compass navigates their way into the sea, but during cloudy or foggy days, they are able to move without the compass. During this time, they used sunstones. Sunstones reflected the sunlight and indicated the direction.They were able to build strong and big boats and ships to travel to other countries. Their ships were very light. The ships could navigate at least 3.3 ft ( 1 m ) deep.Vikings didn’t use a saw to carve out the boats. The ships the Vikings used were Drakkar which meant dragon in the Old Norse language. These boats were symmetrical in shape. Drakkar was fast and could reach the speed of 30 kph or 18.7 mph.They were also used as a military tool.They built the ship’s hull with overlapping boards. This made it much more flexible.The Vikings used swords made from more proportions of carbon.Art And DesignWestern Norway was home to the Vikings during Norse origins. Here are some facts about this.Viking art is also known as Norse art. The art is usually influenced by various elements of design like Roman, European, Celtic, and German.Most of the Viking art pieces found were engraved on stone, metals, bone, textiles, ivory, and human skin.Wood was most commonly used for designing. This was because it was very easy to carve in the wood, and it was inexpensive and abundant wood was available.Various examples of wooden design are the Oseberg ship and Urnes Stave Church.Viking people began to carve on stones during the 10th century. It also led to a new tradition of carved stones on graves in a Christian culture which is followed in modern times as well.Various metal pieces like jewelry, grave goods, and coins were found.Many designs and art styles were followed during the Viking period. Some of them are Oseberg, Borre, Jelling, Mammen, Ringerike, Urnes, and others.Oseberg style is the earliest one and is also known as the gripping beast.Borre style included geometric patterns and animal motifs.Jelling style included animal art.Mammen style was seen on clothes and crests.Ringerike style was done with red sandstones.Urnes style was the last phase of animal art in Scandanavia.Reform Of The Irish ChurchThe arrival of Vikings led to the destruction of various monasteries, churches, and altars. They were pagans and did not like Christianity. They raided the gold and killed many monks and abbots. Some people were even held as prisoners. Many reforms were brought by Irish society, but most were ignored by the Norse King and other Vikings.The reform of the Irish church took place during the 12th century.It began with Rath Breasail and Kells in 1118 and 1152, respectively.Various enactments were passed.A representative of the Pope conducted the reforms.A diocesan episcopacy was also formed and passed.St. Malachy was an Archbishop of Armagh who had his own diocese.He died early in 1148, and it affected the church reform.Few changes took place under the Vikings, but many people ignored the diocesan boundaries.Impact On Ireland & LegacyThe Vikings came to Ireland in 795 AD. They stayed here for two centuries, and eventually, their invasion ended in 1014 AD by King Brian Boru. They preferred to call themselves dark invaders, black foreigners, or black Irish. During this time, they changed and established various things throughout the country. They had a great impact on various aspects of Ireland and left a legacy.Some of the legacy and impacts left by the Vikings are given below.The Vikings established the trade route between Ireland and mainland Europe including England. Irish coast was very well used for this purpose.Various trade influences came to and fro between Ireland and Scandinavia along with other countries. Some of them are still there.The Vikings set up various trade centers all over the country. They are now developed cities and towns. Some of them are Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, and Waterford.A small population of native Irish has a similar DNA to Scandinavians and Vikings. Some people have Viking surnames like Doyle, McManus, and various others.Various Viking settlements in Ireland are still there.They found Dublin in 841 AD. Today it is one of the important cities in Ireland.The Viking leader introduced coins as currency in Ireland.The Christ Church Cathedral was built after the Norse King of Dublin converted into a Christian.It is believed that the Vikings brought rabbits to Ireland.Waterford was the first city of Ireland and was established by the Vikings.Some words from the Irish language are influenced by the Norse words.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Vikings in Ireland facts, then why not take a look at St Patrick’s day in Ireland facts or Ireland government facts.
Have you ever heard about the Vikings in Ireland?
