About Viking Longboat Sculpture
Crowning Wood Quay in Temple Bar, the Viking Longboat Sculpture honours the Norse raiders who founded Dublin over a millennium ago. Erected in 1988 by artist Michael Burke, this sleek stainless steel longship evokes the dragon-prowed vessels that sailed up the Liffey, commemorating the pivotal Wood Quay excavations of the 1970s that unearthed thousands of Viking artefacts. Amid Temple Bar's electric nightlife and street art, this gleaming landmark anchors the area's ancient roots, linking today's vibrant neighbourhood to its seafaring origins. It's a favourite stop on walking tours of best historic sites in Temple Bar Dublin.
What to Expect
The 5-metre sculpture perches dramatically on a plinth, its curved prow slicing the air as if ready to launch. Plaques nearby recount Viking Dublin's story, from longphort settlements to urban evolution. Overlook the Liffey with cranes and bridges framing it, while buskers and cyclists add lively colour. Free to admire any time, it draws families and history buffs for quick, inspiring pauses.
Insider Tips
Catch it at dusk when spotlights make it shimmer like a real longship under moonlight; pair with a riverside picnic from nearby markets. Locals know Wood Quay's low walls hide more Viking stones at low tide, so check tides via app. Avoid midday sun glare; dawn offers misty magic. From here, wander to Isolde's Tower for a Viking-medieval combo. Fuel up with chowder at a quay pub. This sculpture isn't just art, it's Temple Bar's Norse soul captured in steel.