The Vikings arrived in Ireland around 800 AD. They were Scandanavian people and sailed from the north of Europe in longships. They raided Irish monasteries and took some Irish people as slaves.
Not all Vikings were interested in terrorising the native people of Ireland. Some Vikings were traders and they established settlements which grew into towns.
Not all Vikings were interested in terrorising the native people of Ireland. Some Vikings were traders and they established settlements which grew into towns.
How can we be sure that the Vikings settled in Dublin? Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a Viking settlement in the area around Dublin Castle. The remains of a Viking wall can be seen at the Undercroft.
Click here to find out about Viking life in Dublin.
Dubh Linn
The Dubh Linn Gardens, Dublin Castle
The Dubh Linn gardens are said to be situated on the original 'black pool' (dubh linn) from which Dublin gets its name. <br><br>Look closely at the photograph - you might just see some snakes in the grass...
© The Irish TimesThe Dubh Linn Gardens, Dublin Castle
© The Irish Times
© The Irish Times
The Dubh Linn Gardens, Dublin Castle
The Dubh Linn gardens are said to be situated on the original 'black pool' (dubh linn) from which Dublin gets its name. <br><br>Look closely at the photograph - you might just see some snakes in the grass...
© The Irish TimesIt was the Vikings who named the spot where the Liffey and the Poddle meet as "Dubh Linn". The name Dublin comes from Dubh Linn or the "black pool". The black pool in question is the junction where the Liffey and its tributary the Poddle meet. The Poddle now runs beneath Dublin as it has been covered by development and can no longer be seen in the city centre.
Dublin Castle stands on the highest ground in the area. This high aspect, as well as being bound on two sides by the Liffey and the Poddle, made the site easy to defend. It is possible that an Irish ringfort once stood on the site.