About Boyne Valley Viking Experience
Ireland’s largest Viking festival comes to Slane Castle on the River Boyne
On 16. bis 17. Mai 2026, the majestic grounds of Slane Castle in County Meath, Ireland host the Boyne Valley Viking Experience – Ireland’s largest Viking festival. The River Boyne, which flows past the castle at the foot of the Hill of Slane, has deep Viking associations: Norse raiders navigated these waters from the 9th century onwards, and the valley’s ancient passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth predate the pyramids.
The event brings together over 500 re-enactors from across Ireland and Britain, culminating in the dramatic longship landing on the River Boyne – one of the most spectacular set-pieces in the Irish events calendar. Viking warriors, craftspeople and traders set up a large encampment, with combat demonstrations, axe-throwing, Norse crafts, storytelling, music and children’s workshops. The castle gardens and riverside setting make this one of the most scenic Viking events in Europe.
Open Saturday and Sunday, 10:30–16:30.
Address: Slane Castle, Slane, County Meath.
Website: boynevalleyevents.com
