The Sea Stallion arrived in Dublin last June and has been on display at the National Museum at Collins Barracks since then as part of a special Viking-themed exhibition.
The longship is an exact replica of a vessel built in Dublin in 1042 and which ended its days on the bottom of the Roskilde Fjord in Denmark later on in the eleventh century. The ship's arrival in Dublin marked the culmination of the Danish maritime archaeological project, Thoroughbred of the Sea, the most ambitious project of its kind ever undertaken.
Having plundered the wallets of tourists and history buffs for a solid year, the Sea Stallion is heading off to Denmark again, and its farewell will be part of a two-day festival on the Dublin Quays. The highlight of the festival will be the departure of the much loved Sea Stallion.
The boat will leave for Denmark from Docklands on the morning of Sunday 29th June and Dubliners of all ages are invited to come along on the day to bid the crew farewell and enjoy a carnival atmosphere, with music and entertainment.
A Viking Village, outdoor film screenings, street art and family entertainment all feature in a special Viking Festival which will take place in Dublin on 28th and 29th June 2008.
The Festival will feature a range of activities for all ages and interests including a Viking Village, Farmers' Food Market, battle re-enactments, living history displays and music.
The Market will feature a selection of organic and whole foods including meats, cheese and fruit. It will lead visitors up Essex Street to the Amphitheatre where the Viking Village will be located. The Viking Village will feature a specially created Living History encampment with crafts displays based around woodwork, boat building, silversmith, leather work and textiles. A number of military displays and choreographed fight scenes will also take place.
The Sea Stallion will also be on view at the quayside on Custom House Quay from 25th to 28th June.
