The Vikings are coming!
Posted on 2nd March 2023
Viking Festival – Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May
Be afraid, be very afraid! The Vikings are invading Slane Castle this May in a festival of ferocious fighting and family fun. It all harks back to the 8th and 9th century when the invaders in this neck of the woods were very real indeed. This is a fabulous family day out with flashing swords, swooping birds of prey, a tented Viking village, and a fleet of replica longships compete with sailors. Put the weekend of 20/21 May 2023 in your diary now.
Boyne Valley Viking Experience will be the largest historical re-enactment festival in Ireland this year with hundreds of armoured Viking warriors battling for supremacy with the Castle as a dramatic backdrop. Don’t miss the battlefield re-enactment taking place twice a day with more than 200 armoured, full contact Viking warriors competing for the crown of Irish champion. The metallic clash of swords and armour and clunks of wooden shields will echo through the air creating an incomparable atmosphere.
Children can get right in there, taking part in the action and letting off steam. Aspiring young warriors will enjoy the Children’s Warrior training learning Viking battle tactics – how to form a shield wall and fight against the fierce Viking warriors. The Children’s Treasure Hunt, led by play expert Stepan Barry, is always fun.
Viking families and warriors from all over Ireland and Europe will camp in an authentic tented village below the Castle. Visitors will find themselves in a wonderland of contemporary experiences, telling the story of how Viking folk lived in the area more than a thousand years ago. Demonstrations run throughout each day by crafts people using medieval tools and ancient skills and include woodworking, leatherworking, pottery, weaving, jewellery making, falconry displays, music played on ancient instruments, rune readings and more. Visitors can try archery and hear Skalds tell Viking sagas. Full size replica long-ships will be on display and sailors from the Vikings TV Series will tell tall tales of hair raising adventures.
The Viking re-enactment and festival are presented by Lakes Vikings, a group of enthusiasts with 20 years’ experience sailing Viking long boats and organising fun festivals and events.
Slane Castle Viking Festival takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May 2023. Booking is online
