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Annagassan – (Ath Na Gasan) The Ford
of the Paths
In 827 the Annals of Ulster record that the Vikings attacked the
Ciannachta people of Co. Louth and north Meath. These early raids were
sporadic costal attacks by small seaborne forces however from 830’s, a ‘new
phase’ is characterised by larger fleets, which penetrate up navigable
rivers and plunder extensive inland areas.
Permanent bases begin to be established of a fortified type
known in the annals as Longphorts. The earliest recording of the longphorts
was at Linn Duchaill at Annagassan in 841. In the same year there was a
longphort established at Dublin
but the exact location is not known.
The Vikings occupied the Linn Duchaill site until 925. During this
period they had been beaten out of their stronghold from time to time by
the native Irish but always managed to regain possession of it. Sometimes
The Vikings had help from Irish Troops who allied with them in order to
pursue their own disputes which were always ongoing.
Annagassan is the earliest and still the only identifiable Viking
site which can be seen today virtually untouched by building or
development. All others have been found by archaeological excavation or
accidentally.
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