*Photograph: Eamon Ward
CRAGGAUNOWEN will be transformed into a Viking village this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Medieval games, battle creations and a celebration of Norse arts, crafts and trades takes place this August Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th August) as part of ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’.
Visitors will get 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 warring warriors demonstrate their fierce fighting and defensive skills.
An option will be presented to visitors to be able to don the suits of chain-mail 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.
There will also be an opportunity for visitors 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 wicket basket and jewellery making skills.
Children 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.
Pauline Lenihan, Site Manager at Craggaunowen outlined, “The Vikings have invaded Craggaunowen many times down through the years, but they always visit in peace and with an eagerness to share insights into their culture and rich heritage with the wider public”.
She added, “Our open-air museum at Craggaunowen will bring the Viking story to life and we hope that people of all ages will come along to learn more about their day-to-day lives and the real people behind the legend of the ‘men from the north’. It promises to be an educational and entertaining weekend for all the family”.
Managed by Clare County Council, Craggaunowen this year celebraters the 50th anniversary of its foundation by John Hunt of The Hunt Collection. The attraction features a 16th-century castle and a reconstructed “crannog” 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, also is on permanent display at Craggaunowen.
Tickets for ‘The Viking Age at Craggaunowen’ are available online at www.craggaunowen.ie (normal admission rates apply).
