Vikings bring mock ferocity and plenty of family fun to the Dún Laoghaire Festival.
This is the thirteenth year of the festival, and organisers say it’s continuing to go from strength to strength. Vessels of all kinds including Galway hookers sailed to Dun Laoghaire for the event, which runs for nine days.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Carmencita Hederman arrived in a replica Viking long ship, built by the East Wall Water Sports Group to commemorate Dublin’s Millennium year. She was greeted on arrival at the East Pier by real live Vikings who are undoubtedly the festival’s biggest attraction.
Members of the Norse Film Pageant Society travelled from Wales, England, Scotland, Denmark and the Shetlands to take part in the festival. This is their third year here, and their reputation for authentic battle re-enactments live up to everyone's expectations,
There was only one cut eye after today’s mock battle. In previous years some of them have ended up in hospital.
No decision has been reached as yet on the proposed plan for a marina in Dun Laoghaire, which has been the source of much controversy. Those in favour of it believe however that a harbour development scheme will put Dún Laoghaire harbour on the map.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 June 1988. The reporter is Brian O’Connell.
