The Vikings in Ireland
The Viking raids in western Europe from the end of the eighth century on is less clear today than it once appeared. The Norsemen were seen for a long time as plunderers and destroyers of political order, both in Frankish Gaul and in England; recently there has been a tendency towards more nuanced assessments. Firstly, it can be seen today that the Viking raids appear in hindsight more severe and more intense then they actually were. Secondly, it is now accepted that the Vikings were able to have such a destabilising effect on western Europe because the societies were themselves unstable. Thirdly, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Vikings made positive contributions, be it directly through the founding of states or indirectly where various regions strengthened their defences against them.
Opinions differ as to a significance of the Viking Age in Ireland but it is agreed that it was of prime importance. For the first time since pre-history the island experienced sizeable military attacks, raids and isolated attacks from England.
Opinions differ as to a significance of the Viking Age in Ireland but it is agreed that it was of prime importance. For the first time since pre-history the island experienced sizeable military attacks, raids and isolated attacks from England.