Havhingsten fra Glendalough
The year 1042 marked the birth of a vessel that would eventually sail across the Irish Sea. Oak trees from Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland, provided the timber for this ship. Builders felled these trees near Dublin to craft Skuldelev 2. Archaeologists later identified the wood source through dendrochronology. This specific origin gave the modern reconstruction its name. The original vessel served as a warship during the Viking Age. It stood as one of the largest longships ever discovered by archaeologists.
A crew of sixty men could row the hull at high speeds. The design balanced heavy strength with light weight requirements. Engineers needed to support an 112 square meter sail without sacrificing speed. The structure carried many warriors while maintaining agility on open water. This compromise between power and maneuverability defined the vessel's capabilities. Heavy planks protected against enemy attacks yet allowed rapid movement. The resulting ship functioned as both a fortress and a racing machine.
Construction began at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde during the year 2000. Workers completed the project four years later in 2004. The team built a full-sized replica using traditional methods and tools. They sourced oak timber similar to that used in the original construction. Blue, red, and yellow strakes painted the exterior of the new vessel. Researchers intended this ship for historical study rather than commercial use. The process required deep knowledge of ancient boatbuilding techniques.
Departure from Roskilde Harbour occurred on the first day of July 2007. The journey concluded when the ship arrived in Dublin on August 14th of that same year. This expedition represented the most ambitious archaeological experiment conducted by the museum. Crew members navigated the waters over several weeks during the summer months. The voyage tested the reconstruction's durability under real sailing conditions. Historians viewed this trip as a culmination of many years of preparation work. The return leg followed shortly after the exhibition ended in June 2008.
Exhibition spaces opened within Collins Barracks on the 17th of August 2007. Visitors viewed the vessel inside the Decorative Arts and History building until the 29th of May 2008. The National Museum of Ireland hosted the public display for nine months. A commemorative coin featuring the ship appeared later issued by the National Bank of Denmark. This twenty-kroner token celebrated the successful completion of the project. The longship now rests permanently in the Museum Harbour at Roskilde. Its distinctive colors remain visible to all who visit today.
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Common questions
What is the origin of the timber used for Havhingsten fra Glendalough?
Oak trees from Glendalough in County Wicklow, Ireland, provided the timber for this ship. Builders felled these trees near Dublin to craft Skuldelev 2. Archaeologists later identified the wood source through dendrochronology.
When did construction begin on the full-sized reconstruction of Havhingsten fra Glendalough?
Construction began at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde during the year 2000. Workers completed the project four years later in 2004. The team built a full-sized replica using traditional methods and tools.
Where did the voyage of Havhingsten fra Glendalough start and end?
Departure from Roskilde Harbour occurred on the first day of July 2007. The journey concluded when the ship arrived in Dublin on August 14th of that same year. This expedition represented the most ambitious archaeological experiment conducted by the museum.
How long was Havhingsten fra Glendalough exhibited inside Collins Barracks?
Exhibition spaces opened within Collins Barracks on the 17th of August 2007. Visitors viewed the vessel inside the Decorative Arts and History building until the 29th of May 2008. The National Museum of Ireland hosted the public display for nine months.
What is the current location of the reconstructed Havhingsten fra Glendalough?
The longship now rests permanently in the Museum Harbour at Roskilde. Its distinctive colors remain visible to all who visit today. Blue, red, and yellow strakes painted the exterior of the new vessel.