Viking Festival at Slane Castle
May 17, 2025 - May 18, 2025
All Day
Ireland’s largest medieval festival returns to Slane, bigger and better than ever! Immerse yourself in Viking history with over 500 reenactors, thrilling battles, longship landings, and a bustling Viking market. Explore the tented village, witness skilled craftspeople at work, and enjoy music, storytelling, archery, and hands-on activities for all ages. Watch over 200 warriors clash in epic battles against the stunning backdrop of Slane Castle. A fantastic day out for families and history lovers alike—don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Bigger and better Viking Festival at Slane Castle
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025
The Age of Midgardr – a journey into the past at the Boyne Valley Viking Experience
Time travel back a thousand years to the world of the Vikings at the Boyne Valley Viking Experience at Slane Castle (Eircode: C15 XP83 ) on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025 from 10.30am-5pm. The largest historic festival in Ireland includes battle recreations, Viking martial arts, themed children’s activities, Viking sausage making (workshop must be pre booked) and a full scale medieval settlement. The clash of swords and shields, the clang of anvils, flare of flames and aromas of open fire cooking will fill this ancient landscape.
Over 100 fully armed medieval warriors will take part in the ferocious battles; truly a sight to behold. These skilled warriors train on a regular basis and are among the best in Europe. See the mightiest crowned as Champion. For a different type of contest, Glíma Viking Martial Arts demonstration is a fascinating introduction to this Icelandic combat sport.
Each day at lunchtime two magnificent full size Viking longboats sail up the River Boyne and land their warriors. Watch in awe at this majestic display and talk to the Viking boat crew about their adventures in the Viking TV series.
Visitors will be captivated by medieval displays and interactive demonstrations at the Viking village recreated by several hundred Viking reenactors from all over Europe. Some of the most skilled medieval craftsmen and women dressed in authentic outfits will demonstrate blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, basket making, wood working, jewelry making, weaponry, nalbinding (ancient textile craft), bone carving, and much more.
Medieval music fills the air as musicians play on unfamiliar instruments and enchant with sounds of the past while historic experts hold talks on medieval cooking, weaponry and mythology. Sigrún Björk Ólafsdóttir, Daniel Serra are just two of the acclaimed presenters.
Children’s entertainment includes medieval story tellers Stefan and Skald Olaf who will take the kids on a Viking treasure hunt, while interactive child games ensure the smallest visitors have fun too.
The Wolfshead Company of Archers will give the opportunity to have a go at Archery, and there’s a chance to have a photo taken whilst holding a tame owl or raven from Raven Haven Aviaries.
If a lasting memory of the day is on the cards, you can get a Viking style Handpoke tattoo by well-known Viking tattoo artists from Sacred Knot tattoos in Wales.
