The Normans were descended from Vikings who had settled in France. Their stronghold was in Northern France, also known as 'Normandy'. The Normans eventually conquered England and Wales in the eleventh century.
Norman nobles from England and Wales first came to Ireland in 1169. In Dublin, the Normans drove the Vikings out of Dubh Linn and strengthened the walls of what had been the Viking settlement.
Norman nobles from England and Wales first came to Ireland in 1169. In Dublin, the Normans drove the Vikings out of Dubh Linn and strengthened the walls of what had been the Viking settlement.
The Castle
King John (1119-1216)
An illustration depicting King John which dates from 1215. King John commanded the erection of a strong castle to replace the Norman castle which which had previously existed on the site at Dubh Linn.
© Waterford Treasures at the GranaryKing John (1119-1216)
© Waterford Treasures at the Granary
© Waterford Treasures at the Granary
King John (1119-1216)
An illustration depicting King John which dates from 1215. King John commanded the erection of a strong castle to replace the Norman castle which which had previously existed on the site at Dubh Linn.
© Waterford Treasures at the GranaryIn 1204, King John of England commanded that a new castle be built on the site. This castle would be larger and stronger. It took twenty-six years to complete the castle.
After the castle was built, Dublin began to grow in population. The townspeople, while relatively safe behind the city walls, were still vulnerable to attacks from native Irish.