The Vikings
THE VIKINGS The Vikings came from Northern Europe. They were also called the Danes or the Norsemen. The countries where they came from are now called Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Vikings found it very hard to survive in these areas. It very hard to farm in these countries because the land was very rocky and the climate was very harsh .They were very good boat builders. (Click on the map to see a bigger version)

They got their name from the Viking word a-viking which means raiding. They travelled to many countries raiding. In 795-Lambay island was attacked by the Vikings. They came to Cork in 820 A.D. In Ireland they raided monasteries because of the gold chalices and farms. They took corn and cattle and gold. People were afraid and the monks built round towers to keep their valuables safe. There is still a round tower which was built by the monks,in Cloyne, in East Cork.

Click Here to read a story about a Viking Attack

When the Vikings came to Cork it was marsh and a number of islands separated by channels of the R. Lee. The Vikings were good at building houses , streets, bridges and quaysides. KeyserŐs Hill was built by the Vikings and is one of the oldest streets in Cork. The Vikings attacked St.FinbarreŐs monastery on a number of occasions. Even though the Vikings would be remembered in Cork for raiding and attacking, they also brought many skills to the city.

 

By:

Janice, Nicole and Megan

 

 

Keyser's Hill

Keyser's hill goes back to the time the vikings were in Cork. There are 25 steps on the hill. Keyser's hill is the oldest lane in Cork. Keyser means the road to the wharf