The discovery of a previously unknown Viking settlement on the southern bank of the River Suir in 2003 is undoubtedly one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made in Ireland. Though only approximately 5% of the site has been excavated, Woodstown has produced information and artefacts that have given us new insights into the earliest phases of Viking settlement in Ireland.

The location of the site, adjacent to the popular Waterford Greenway, offers a wonderful opportunity to engage and excite the general public with the story of the Vikings in Ireland and has the potential to become a world-class educational heritage tourism asset. Importantly, Woodstown is a site that not only reflects Ireland’s past, but that of Norway and wider Scandinavia. The Viking settlement at Woodstown is a vital part of a compelling shared story and it can become a tangible connection between Ireland and Scandinavia, leading to shared learnings, expertise and partnership in the development of archaeological knowledge and sustainable educational tourism experiences.

The current Woodstown Steering Committee includes representatives from Waterford City & County Council, the National Museum of Ireland, National Monuments Service, Waterford Treasures Museums, the Heritage Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, University College Cork, National Biodiversity Data Centre, and the Norwegian Embassy to Ireland. Project partners include The Discovery Programme, and the scheme is project managed by Abarta Heritage.

This website was created by Abarta Heritage for Waterford City & County Council, through the Community Monuments Fund 2024 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.