Preliminary report on a Viking warrior grave at War Memorial Park, Islandbridge

Abstract

The discovery of a Viking sword and spearhead was reported to the National Museum of Ireland in 2007. The artefacts were found accidentally when a trench for electrical cables was being dug at the War Memorial Park in Islandbridge, Dublin. A rescue excavation was undertaken in order to recover any other artefacts that may have been damaged during the ground works. A disturbed inhumation and three copper-alloy objects were found in the course of the excavation. This report is a preliminary summary of the findings of the excavation. It is suggested that the finds together represent the grave of a Scandinavian warrior. The results of isotope analysis on teeth found during the excavation are also presented.