Dublin Festival of History International Viking Seminar 2026 explores Ireland’s Viking connections

Padraig Conlon 05 Oct 2026
A celebration of the rich history of Irish and Norse relations during the Viking Age will form 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.

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).

The International Viking Seminar 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.

The seminar will explore how modern technology and collaborative research are transforming our understanding of the Viking Age.
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.
Speaking ahead of the event, Aslak Brun, Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, said:
“As Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, I am delighted to see this annual Viking event continue to grow as a popular and valued part of the Dublin Festival of History.
“The partnership between Dublin City Council, the National University of Ireland and the Royal Norwegian Embassy reflects the strong historical and cultural connections between our countries.
“Building on the work of previous ambassadors, I look forward to seeing this collaboration continue to foster learning, exchange and a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage.”
Dr Ruth Johnson, Dublin City Archaeologist with Dublin City Council, said:
“Dublin City Council is proud to co-host this popular seminar for the ninth year alongside NUI and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. As part of Dublin Festival of History 2026, the event offers audiences both in person and online 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.”
Professor Micheál B. Murphy, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, said:
“The Dublin Festival of History has become a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
“NUI is delighted to continue its collaboration with Dublin City Council and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ireland and to work alongside Dublinia and the Friends of Medieval Dublin.
“A unique feature of this seminar is the opportunity to bring together leading scholars from Ireland and Norway to share new research and perspectives on the Viking Age and its lasting influence on Ireland.”
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.

Booking Information

The seminar will also be livestreamed and recorded, allowing audiences to participate online. 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.

Accessibility Information

The Wood Quay Venue has limited accessibility and does not have an audio loop system.
  • Capacity is available for one wheelchair user.
  • Visitors requiring wheelchair access should contact archaeology@dublincity.ie when booking.
  • Paid on-street and commercial parking is available nearby.
  • The livestream will not include live captions; however, captions will be added to the recording after the event.

Related News

Trending Now