Discover Ireland's Viking connections with free event at Dublin's Wood Quay

The Dublin Festival of History International Viking Seminar 2026 brings together Irish and Norwegian experts at Wood Quay on Friday October 9 from 10am to 12pm

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 16:05, 05 Oct 2026 View 2 Images Dublin City Council's Civic Offices on Wood Quay (Image: sasar)

A free Dublin seminar invites the public to explore Ireland’s Viking connections.

Dublin Festival of History International Viking Seminar 2026 takes place at Wood Quay on Friday October 9 and brings together Irish and Norwegian experts. As a celebration of the rich history of Irish and Norse relations during the Viking Age, this free event forms part of this year’s Dublin Festival of History.

With leading experts sharing new research and perspectives at the International Viking Seminar, Viking Ireland and the Wider World. The seminar will explore how modern technology and collaborative research are transforming expert’s understanding of the Viking Age

It is organised by Dublin City Council , the National University of Ireland (NUI) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ireland, in association with Dublinia and the Friends of Medieval Dublin. Topics range from settlement landscapes and maritime trade networks across the North Sea to the cultural connections and shared experiences of Irish and Norse communities.

Together, the presentations will offer fresh insights into the people, places and relationships that shaped Viking Ireland and its place in the wider medieval world. Aslak Brun, Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, stated the seminar reflects the strong historical and cultural connections between Norway and Ireland, and he looks forward to seeing “this collaboration continue to foster learning, exchange and a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage”.

View 2 Images Uncovering the story of a large Viking settlement beside the Suir Abarta Heritage at at Woodstown, County Waterford

Dublin City Archaeologist Dr Ruth Johnson explained that this is the ninth year the popular seminar is running and that the event offers audiences, both online and in person, an opportunity to engage with leading research on the Viking Age. “Hosting the seminar in the Wood Quay Venue, overlooking the remains of Dublin's Viking Age town wall, provides a unique setting to explore the history of Viking Ireland and its wider connections,” she said.

As part of the festival, Dublinia will also offer guided tours of medieval Dublin led by expert guides. Seminar attendees will have an opportunity to register for these tours on arrival.

The recording will be made available after the event on the National University of Ireland website and Vimeo channel and will also be hosted on the Dublin Festival of History website.

The Dublin Festival of History 2026 runs from 26 September to 11 October and features a wide-ranging programme of free events exploring local, national and international history. This free public event will take place in the Wood Quay Venue, Dublin City Council Civic Offices, on Friday, 9 October 2026, from 10am to 12pm (doors open at 9.30am).

While the seminar is free, advance booking is advised and can be found here . The seminar will also be livestreamed and recorded, allowing audiences to participate online.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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