A series of events exploring the excavations at Wood Quay, the Viking World which led to the creation of the site, and the legacy for those who worked on the archaeological site and archaeology.
This autumn the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is holding a series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the last Museum excavations of the archaeology at Wood Quay, Dublin. The excavations of the waterlogged site under the Wood Quay area by the banks of the River Liffey, became one of the largest urban excavation sites in Europe. Over the seven years of the excavations, 1974-1981, it would also become a site of huge public interest and protests, aiming to ensure the archaeological analysis could be completed and site protected. Archaeologists uncovered a remarkably well-preserved streetscape and wide array of collection of artefacts providing detailed evidence of daily life in a medieval town, some of which can be seen in the museum’s permanent exhibitions Viking Ireland, and Medieval Ireland. Four lectures and a panel event, exploring the history of the excavations, discoveries and Viking world at that time will be held at the museum on Kildare Street. Speakers will include the former director of the museum who led the excavations between 1974-1982, Dr Pat Wallace, as well as specialists from universities and museums abroad, including Dr. Anne-Christine Larsen, the Director of the Viking Fortress Museum, Trelleborg - Museum of the Viking Age.
Commenting on the upcoming lecture series, Siobhán Pierce, Education & Outreach Officer, said:
“It’s a unique opportunity for people to hear about the famous excavation of a truly remarkable urban archaeological site, and an insight into the people and world of the Vikings. In planning the series, we wanted to bring the story to the public of the excavation and capture the accounts of those who were part of it, as well as discussing the rich archaeological legacy and time - period in which the original Dublin town was built.”
Director of the National Museum of Ireland, Lynn Scarff notes this series of lectures is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievement of everyone involved in Wood Quay fifty years ago, whether they were archaeologist or activist. As well as introduce a new generation to the remarkable collection of artefacts uncovered on the site and their implication for our wider understanding of Viking settlements.
- For details and description of events that are taking place, please see the list below.
Wood Quay 50: What's it all about? By Dr. Pat Wallace former Director of the National Museum of Ireland
The excavations of the waterlogged site, under Wood Quay by the banks of the River Liffey, became one of the largest urban excavation sites in Europe, and uncovered a remarkably well-preserved streetscape and set of artefacts providing detailed evidence of daily life in a medieval town. Dr. Wallace, who directed the excavations between 1974-1981, will present an overview of the archaeological excavations at Wood Quay and demonstrate the enduring archaeological significance of the NMI’s discoveries at the site.
Wednesday 9th October, 1pm
Historical records of early Viking Age Dublin by Professor Clare Downham, University of Liverpool
Professor Downham will explore the early historical records of Viking Dublin to show how the settlement was perceived by Irish writers and to show how the Dubliners quickly became embedded in the political fabric of Irish life. We will explore enmities and alliances, showing how the early years of Viking settlement faced many uncertainties - partly as a result of divisions between Viking groups as much as their warfare with the Irish. The talk will demonstrate how political strategy was key to securing the long-term success of Dublin in the volatile world of the ninth and tenth centuries.
Wednesday 16th October, 1pm
Trelleborg and the Danish Viking Ring Fortress by Dr. Anne-Christine Larsen, Museum Director of Trelleborg - Museum of the Viking Age
The Danish Viking Ring fortress of Trelleborg has just been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built around 980 during the reign of King Harald Bluetooth to secure his rule and as a defence against the German-Roman Emperor. Today, the focus on experimental archaeology in Trelleborg’s work, with research and dissemination programmes, have added significantly to our understanding of Viking Age Denmark and the time of King Harald.
Wednesday 23rd October, 1pm
Untangling the Scandinavian Combs of Viking Dublin by Ian Riddler and Nicola Trzaska-Nartowski, Archaeological Small Finds Specialists
Over 2,000 combs were recovered from the National Museum of Ireland's excavations in Dublin and within them there is a small but significant group of combs of Scandinavian origin. They can be identified to type and examined for their materials, technology and wear patterns, indicating their possible origins, the skill of their manufacture and the extent to which they had been used before they were discarded.
Wednesday 30th October, 6pm
Wood Quay- Reflections from the Inside, Panel Discussion. Chaired by archaeologist Linzi Simpson, with panellists Dr Pat Wallace, former Director of the National Museum of Ireland, Dr Nessa O’Connor, Assistant Keeper Irish Antiquities Division, NMI, archaeologist Rosanne Meenan and archaeological publisher Nick Maxwell.
A panel conversation about the experience of excavating at Wood Quay, and the legacy of the excavations, chaired by archaeologist Linzi Simpson, with panellists Dr Pat Wallace, former Director of the National Museum of Ireland, Dr Nessa O’Connor, Assistant Keeper Irish Antiquities Division, NMI, archaeologist Rosanne Meenan, and archaeological publisher Nick Maxwell.
For booking places at each event, please see Eventbrite
These events will take place in the Ceramics Room, first floor of the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare St, D2 and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. Suitable for adults. Tickets for these events are free and can be booked on Eventbrite. We do ask that if you can no longer attend to promptly cancel your place to allow others to book and attend. Please email educationarch@museum.ie