A series of talks exploring the archaeological excavations of the settlement at Wood Quay, Dublin, it’s impact on the Viking world, and the legacy for those who worked on the site and archaeology in Ireland.

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 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. It would also become a site of huge public interest and the centre of huge protests, aiming to ensure the archaeological analysis could be completed and site protected.

For the full list of talks that are taking place, please see the list below. 

These events will take place in the Ceramics Room, first floor, of the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology and is 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

Wednesday 2nd October, 1pm
Wood Quay 50: What's it all about? By Dr. Pat Wallace former Director of the National Museum of Ireland
For bookings, please see Eventbrite

Wedneday 9th October, 1pm
Historical records of early Viking Age Dublin by Professor Clare Downham, University of Liverpool
​For bookings, please see Eventbrite   

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
​For bookings, please see Eventbrite   

Wednesday 23rd October, 1pm 
Untangling the Scandinavian Combs of Viking Dublin by Ian Riddler and Nicola Trzaska-Nartowski, Archaeological Small Finds Specialists 
​For bookings, please see Eventbrite   

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.
​For bookings, please see Eventbrite