Wood Quay

Free to visit

Wood Quay is the location where the Vikings first settled in the Dublin City in 841. Today, much of the quay is occupied by Dublin City Council’s Civil Offices. The dark wooden sculpture outside represents the prow of a Viking longship. The bronze plaques in the footpaths depict Viking artefacts. Inside the building is a section of City Wall dating from 1100A.D.

The archaeological site at Wood Quay in Dublin City centre was discovered in the 1970s when Dublin Corporation was digging foundations for a new office. Remains of Norse and Norman villages were found along with artefacts like coins, pottery, leatherwork and swords, many of which are on display in the National Museum of Ireland and Dublinia.

The dark wooden sculpture 'Wood Quay' by Michael Warren represents the prow of a Viking longship. The bronze plaques by Rachel Joynt in the footpaths depict Viking artefacts, and are placed where they were found. The outline of a Viking house can also be seen.

Today, the historic site is occupied by Dublin City Council’s Civil Offices, a state of the art conference/ meeting /exhibition/ performance venue. Inside features the original Hiberno Norse (Viking) City Wall - a stunning piece of Dublin's past - that dates from 1100A.D.