Gaelic Viking Experiences

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Ireland is a country almost drowning in history and culture. From their ancient Cailleach dieties, to the Dullahan. Out of all of the folklore and myth that caused change and tradition in Ireland, the Vikings are the most true and real. Conquering settlements along much of Irelands shores, the Vikings became a part of the Irish people. Bringing traditions, blood lines, and immersing their own culture. We will take a quick look into the areas where you can experience both Irish and Nordic culture all in one.

If you have never heard of the town of Skerries, it is along the lower North-East corner of Ireland, just outside of Dublin itself. While most unlikely known in the modern world, this small county of Dublin was an epicenter for the original Viking raids in early 800AD. Lasting nearly 200 years before being vanquished by the Anglo-Nomads, the Vikings presence can still be felt up to this day. Here are some of the areas you can go to see, feel, and track a Viking heritage.

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“I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was a like a stone lying in deep mire.”

St. Patrick's Confession

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The Skerries Bookshop

A first stop to get some bearings and last minute tips, would be The Skerries Bookshop. On a mission to find out information about my own personal ancestors, we stopped here to see if there was any information on the history of the town. Surprise, there was! Not just some books, but a Man who knew a lot of the towns history himself. We spent some time here at this absolutely quaint bookstore. Taking us back centuries, the bookstore goes down some levels and is much larger on the inside than it seems from out.

Books on everything from ancestral Ireland, to the histories of Egypt, Europe, and America. Modern day novels and kids books, there is truly a read for everyone here. Little trinkets and gifts cover every shelf and table, and be sure to grab some stamps, cards, and souvenirs on your way out. The staff is knowledgeable, helping with whatever you inquire about. Affordable prices for everything, you wont be jipped, even as a tourist.

On a very quiet street in downtown Skerries, this bookstore takes you back to Old Ireland, lined with cobblestone streets, smoothed stone buildings, and the cutest thatched roofs. Before you end the experience completely, have a photoshoot outside to make the memories last forever.

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The Skerries Mill

One of Dublins top visitor destinations, this mill holds more history than at first glance seems. Having originally been said to be near the landing spot of Saint Patrick himself, the Mill is believed to have been a monastery in the early 450's AD. Mid-century saw the Mill and its land become a bread and wheat mill, pressing and cooking loaves for much of the town of Skerries. With a grain mill and a press, the mill and house itself where used to flatten and ensure the texture of the grain so as not to be too rough, and not too pressed as not to grow with the yeast.

There is not a definite determination if the mill itself every saw Vikings walk its short halls or engage in any labor under its roof. Although, at the time it acted as a monastery, there is a definite possibility that it might have housed Vikings throughout the years. The possibility of this rises with the arrival of Sitric (Son of a Dane), who re-founded and contributed to reestablishing Catholicism in the 1100 Century AD.

Surrounded by Sheep Bit flowers and green earthy moss, the Mill itself is a beautiful destination regardless of history. Built by the hands and blood of Irish folk, this scene encompasses historic Ireland and the breathtaking nature of the homeland. Feel free to wander the acres belonging to the Mill grounds, take photos near the mill or far off in the distance. There is no wrong place to stand as it is one of the highest points on the island of Ireland.

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The Last Detour

Once you finish taking photos at the Mill, take a quick drive to Skerries Harbour. Skerries Sea Memorial monument stands proud in the harbor, surrounded by the priceless views of the coast of Ireland. Not as famous as the Emerald Cliffs along the west coast, but still evermore as beautiful, creating a lasting impression of the sea coast. You can stay here all afternoon and enjoy a sunset; With restaurants and shoppes surrounding this small district area of Skerries, there is an endless country side feel to the warm buzz of this town. It is thrillingly unique in the idea that Viking relics have been found on this shore and in the waters below its coast line. So sit back and imagine the cultural changes that occurred the moment the Nords touched down on the very coasts. The traditions exchanged, the lives changed, the immense reformation of the Irish people.

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