Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 3

Written Answers. - Conference on Viking Dublin.

Ivor Callely

Question:

66 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his knowledge and understanding of the 9th century origins of Viking Dublin; the proceedings of the recent Dublin conference on this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4764/97]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

It should be noted that the issues raised by the Deputy are not areas which are directly my Department's area of responsibility. As the Deputy may be aware, however, I understand there has been some debate on the question of the original location of 9th century Viking Dublin settlements. This aspect would in the first instance be of academic or of professional interest. I do not, therefore, consider it appropriate to offer a comment on such an issue.

However, I wish to advise the Deputy that, as he may be aware, the extensive excavations carried out by the National Museum of Ireland have revealed much on the archaeology of Viking and medieval Dublin from the 10th century.

In relation to the conference mentioned by the Deputy, I assume he is referring to the conference entitled "Ireland and Scandinavia in the Early Viking Age" which was held in Dublin Castle in October 1995 and organised jointly by the National Museum of Ireland, the Office of Public Works and the Nordic Cultural Fund. I understand the proceedings of this conference are to be published in mid-1997. I am also aware that another conference on this topic was organised by the Friends of Medieval Dublin in April 1996.