Norse raids on Ireland began in the eighth century, when Vikings plundered islands off the North and West coasts.

Later, during the 9th century, Viking warships ventured into the river systems and fortresses were established. Dublin was established in this way in 841 CE. Together with Dublin, other Viking bases of Limerick, Waterford, Cork and Wexford grew into Ireland’s first towns.

By the end of the 10th century the Vikings in Ireland had assimilated to create settlements from which it is difficult to distinguish between artifacts that are Viking and artifacts that are Irish.