The York-Dublin Axis Reconsidered – 21st-century approaches to Viking Towns

York and Dublin were the two most important towns in the Viking west. Their rulers were often related, if not the same people. Both are characterised by rich archaeological deposits - initially excavated in dialogue with one another – and relatively extensive documentary records, and experience similar challenges in managing and interpreting these resources. Academic and popular perceptions of their ‘Viking’ heritage have been transformed since the 1980s, and continue to adapt and change today.

Our AHRC-funded network project ‘The York-Dublin Axis Revisited’ brought together academics and specialists in field archaeology, heritage management, and outreach to exchange information and ideas in a series of workshops. The meetings provided an opportunity to explore the potential of new approaches, new forms of evidence, and new ways of engaging with audiences.  Here, we will discuss some of the key findings and recommendations of the project, with a view to developing a research strategy for the future of the two Viking towns. How might the new archaeological narratives for York and Dublin impact our wider understanding of Viking-age urbanism and diaspora?