Vikings – Dr Darren McGettigan ~ Historian and Author

On 9th December I am due to give a talk based on my new(ish) book The Kings of Aileach and the Vikings to the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. I am not sure yet if the lecture will be via Zoom or in person. Many Irish historical societies are having online lectures for the remainder of 2021 and hope to resume in person talks next year in 2022. It seems a long time ago now at the start of 2020 when my new book was published. I have not had a launch for the book yet. Thankfully online sales of the book have been good.

In my talk to the RSAI I hope to focus on Viking activity in the north of Ireland in both the archaeological and literary records, showing how both disciplines compliment each other. Having read a critical review of my book I realise that I have to tighten up my use of the Annals of the Four Masters, but I think my book stands up well to historical scrutiny and I am still very happy with it. Historians can differ with their opinions of the usefulness of literary sources such as the Icelandic sagas and this is fine. My books are honest efforts to provide a well researched historical narrative that informs and also entertains the reader.

So please join me on 9th December at 7.30 pm when we will discuss Viking activity in the north of Ireland as seen through archaeological and literary sources.

It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce the publication of the last installment in my trilogy of books about the history of medieval Ireland, The Kings of Aileach and the Vikings, AD 800-1060. Published by Four Courts Press (with whom I have a very good relationship by this stage), my new book is due to be published in very early 2020. This book is primarily concerned with Viking activity in the north of Ireland and their interaction with my ancestors, the Cenél nEógain population group of the Inishowen Peninsula and Central Ulster. My new book should appeal to students and teachers of early medieval Irish history and also to local historians across a wide stretch of the north of Ireland. My book deals extensively with the local history of the Inishowen Peninsula and adjacent areas in Co. Donegal and also with almost the entire area of the modern counties of Derry and Tyrone that were inhabited by the Cenél nEógain people in early medieval times. Also covered are Co.s Antrim, Down and Louth, the land of the Ulaid people during this time. All these areas had a definite regional dynamic throughout the Viking Age. So please keep an eye out for the new book in the shops from early in the new year. I will post another blog when I receive my first copy which is always an enjoyable time for an author.

Tag: Vikings

Upcoming Talk 9 December to the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland

New Book Early 2020