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A Viking King and his Irish Sea Kingdoms

Audience in drawing room of Muncaster Castle listening to a talk.

Type:Talk

Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1RQ

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About

Join Steve Dickinson at Muncaster Castle on Tuesday 28 April for a fascinating talk on Cumbria's Viking history.
Over a thousand years ago, the Irish Sea was a crucible of piracy and conflict. From the eastern shores of Ireland to the Isle of Man, and from the west of Scotland to west Cumbria and Anglesey, raiders and settlers fought over loot, bases, slaves, tribute and territories.

One key player stood out in this arena above all the others: Ívarr 'The Boneless' Founder-king of Dublin, principal leader of the Viking Great Army that ravaged England from AD 865, this warrior carried all before him. His death in AD 873 marked the end of his empire-building - but not the end of his dynasty.

This talk looks at what kingship and kingdoms meant in Cumbria at this time. It also examines evidence for Ívarr's origins and life, a kingdom known to the Irish as 'Laithlinn' here in Western Lakeland, and his burial in a spectacular mound in Cumbria overlooking 'his' Irish Sea.

Book Tickets

Opening Times

Season (28 Apr 2026)
Day	Times
Tuesday	18:30	- 20:00

Tripadvisor

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Map & Directions

Map Link

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Road Directions

If you are visiting Muncaster by car, put the postcode CA18 1RD into your Sat Nav or route planner which will guide you directly to our main carpark.
If you are travelling from the south, leave the M6 at Junction 36. Follow signs to Barrow (A590). Before reaching Barrow turn right at Greenodd onto the A5092 (signposted Western Lake District, Workington and Whitehaven). This joins the A595 which will bring you to Muncaster.
From the north, follow the A595 from Carlisle to Cockermouth and continue past Whitehaven. Alternatively take the westbound A66 from Penrith on the M6, following signs for Workington, then Whitehaven and A595 towards Barrow.
For visitors with accessibility concerns, we have an accessible car park which can be accessed via Church Gate. This is approximately 1/3 mile around the corner from the main car park (heading south).

Public Transport Directions

Muncaster can also be accessed via public transport. Northern Rail operates the Cumbrian Coast railway line; our closest station is Ravenglass for Eskdale. Stagecoach operates the 7 and X7 bus routes between Whitehaven and Barrow which stop at our main car park, as well as Ravenglass Railway Station.
If you are coming on foot from Ravenglass, there are two routes. The simplest route is via the main road which is about a mile with a pavement all the way and will take 20-30 minutes. Alternative follow the Eskdale Trail cycle route, which will take you past the Roman Bath House and through delightful scenery, but takes between 30 and 40 minutes to walk and may be muddy in places.

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