Never before had Ireland seen such public outcry on an issue of cultural heritage.
The excavations led to the unearthing of many finds of archaeological and historical significance. Many of these discoveries are now on display at the National Museum of Ireland. The discoveries made at Wood Quay help to build a picture of life in Viking Ireland a thousand years ago.
"In past centuries people relied almost completely on written documents for information about the past. In recent times, however, this source of information has been supplemented by archaeological excavation which by bringing to light the remains of the actual things used by people and of the houses in which they lived, has given us a fuller, more detailed and more vivid picture of their daily life. During the last few years many aspects of life in Dublin during its early period of occupation by Vikings, Irishmen and Normans (between the 9th and 13th centuries) have been brought to light in the course of excavations carried out by the National Museum at High Street and Winetavern Street. These excavations have resulted in the discovery of thousands of objects made and used during these centuries."
(RTÉ Guide, 7 November, 1969, p.9)
The accompanying photograph shows a view of an archaeological dig taking place around Winetavern Street, Christ Church, Dublin on 22 January 1974. 2459/073 © RTÉ Archives
