The Vikings are coming...

Slane Castle and Boyne Valley Events have launched the 2022 Boyne Valley Viking Experience which will take place during the weekend of 21st to 22nd May.

It will be the largest historical re-enactment festival in Ireland in 2022. Organisers say the event promises to be a fun, family day out that will capture the imaginations of young and old.

More than 100 heavily armed, full contact warriors will take to the battlefield to create a spectacle never seen before in Ireland. Many of these warriors compete at international venues and are among the best in the world.

Dozens of highly skilled and lightly armed warriors will join with them to entertain the public on both Saturday and Sunday. Fighters in both categories will fiercely compete to become Irish Champion.

Viking reenactors, all in traditional costume, crafts people and traders with authentic hand made goods from all over Ireland and Europe will camp at Slane Castle and will tell the Viking story of the Boyne Valley to visitors. Full size replica longships will be on display and sailors from the Vikings TV Series will tell you about their adventures.

The Viking families and children, warriors and camp followers will be camped in an authentic tented village in the grounds below the Castle.

Tickets are now available to book at Slane Castle Viking Festival | Boyne Valley Viking Experience (boynevalleyevents.com)

Among the many attractions during the weekend will be Corvus Corax who will headline the concert on Saturday 21st. With fascinating huge drums and bagpipes, Corvus Corax bring the spirit of old ages back to life.

Speaking from Berlin, the band said: “We have always wanted to come to Ireland and are delighted to be appearing at the world-famous Slane Castle during the Boyne Valley Viking Festival. We plan to make it a night to remember for our many fans in Ireland and further afield”.

Corvus Corax will be supported by international Viking bands Nytt Land, Seidrblot and local band Ravensdale.

According to festival organisers the growing popularity of Boyne Valley Viking Experience has influenced its move to the Slane Castle Demesne where many more visitors and Viking reenactors from all over Europe can be accommodated.

"It’s a joint venture between Boyne Valley Events & Lakes Vikings Events who have been developing, organising and delivering early medieval and Viking era festivals and events across Ireland for over 20 years."