The Sea Stallion Arrives In Dublin

On Tuesday afternoon, the Viking longship Sea Stallion arrived in Dublin.

Accompanied by the tunes of Irish Army No. 1 Band, the ship docked at Custom House Quay in central Dublin. 

Up to 100.000 people gathered at the quay, which was decorated with flags and banners, entertained by The Roskilde Steel Band.

After the arrival of the Sea Stallion from Glendalough the skipper, Carsten Hvid stepped ashore, where he was met by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Paddy Bourke.

The end of the ship's journey was marked by a military salute for the Lord Mayor, the skipper, the Danish Minister for Culture and the Danish Ambassador to Ireland, Henrik Rée Iversen, followed by the Danish and Irish national anthems. 

The Danish Minister for Culture, Brian Mikkelsen and the director of the Viking Ship Museum, Tinna Damgård-Sørensen, both expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and great hospitality of the city of Dublin.

After the ceremonial welcome there was a joyful reunion of the crew and their relatives on the quay. Their first hugs in seven weeks were accompanied by tears as well as smiles.

Over the next few days, the crew and families will attend a number of events, including a visit to Glendalough, south of the city, where it is thought that the timber for the original ship Skuldelev 2 had been felled in the late Viking Age.

During their visit, trees will be planted by the Irish and Danish ministers, the mayor of Roskilde and other officials.

On Wednesday evening the Lord Mayor of Dublin will hold a reception for the crew in the City Hall.