Craggaunowen steps back into The Viking Age
This August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August), Craggaunowen will come alive with the sights and sounds of the Viking Age, as it transforms into a bustling Norse village featuring medieval games, thrilling battle reenactments, and a vibrant showcase of traditional Viking arts, crafts, and trades. ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ will provide visitors with an insight into how the pagan warriors lived in Ireland during the 9th and 10th centuries.
The highlight of the weekend will be the battle recreations on the Castle Green at 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 4.00pm daily when warriors demonstrate their fierce fighting and defensive skills.
Visitors will be able to don the suits of chainmail and hold a Viking helmet, shield and other armoury once used for protection during the intense battles that raged across Ireland over 1,000 years ago.
Guests will also have the opportunity to see and experience what life was like during the Viking Age at a recreated village where historically accurate workshop tents will host crafters demonstrating their trading, leather working, and wicker basket and jewellery making skills.
Kids of all ages will also be able to participate in Viking-themed activities from the ‘throwing logs’ game of Knubb to Hnefatafl, a game akin to modern-day chess.
Steven Ryan, Site Manager at Craggaunowen, said, “The Vikings have made many peaceful returns to Craggaunowen over the years, each time bringing with them a deep passion for sharing their fascinating culture and heritage. Our open-air museum offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the Norse people. We invite visitors of all ages to explore the everyday lives behind the legend of the ‘northmen’. It’s set to be a fun and educational weekend for the whole family.”
The Clare County Council managed visitor destination at Craggaunowen recreates what life would have been like for the Bronze Age inhabitants of Ireland. The attraction features a 16th-century castle and a reconstructed crannóg showing how Celts lived, worked, and defended themselves. The Brendan Boat, built in 1976 by explorer Tim Severin, who successfully completed a 4,500-mile transatlantic crossing, is also on permanent display at Craggaunowen.
Tickets for ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ are available online at www.craggaunowen.ie (normal admission rates apply).
Page last reviewed: 24/07/25
Content managed by: Cultural Services
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