To mark the return of the Viking ship, the Sea Stallion from Glendalough, to Roskilde, Denmark the Lord Mayor of Dublin signed a Letter of Friendship to the Mayor of Roskilde in Civic Offices, Wood Quay this evening (27 June 2008).   A Time Capsule was sealed at the ceremony and will travel on the Sea Stallion to Roskilde where it will be stored until 2258. 

‘The Sea Stallion from Glendalough’s visit here has enriched us all.  Through the letter of Friendship between the Viking cities of Dublin and Roskilde, the links and friendship will continue to grow over the years. 

The Sea Stallion from Glendalough sailed to Dublin from Roskilde in August 2007 and has been on exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks since then.  The ship is a replica of a longboat discovered at the bottom of the Roskilde fjord in 1962.  The name was chosen in recognition of the fact that the 11th century ship was found to have originated in Dublin.   

The Time Capsule contains letters from primary school children to their peers in the year 2258; contributions from Lord Mayor, Cllr Paddy Bourke, and from the Irish Ambassador to Denmark, His Excellency Joe Hayes. 

As part of the celebrations surrounding the Sea Stallion’s departure, Dublin City Council is holding the first ever Viking Festival.  Activities will take place throughout the weekend in Temple Bar, Essex St., Wood Quay and the Docklands.   The Sea Stallion from Glendalough will depart from Customs House Quay on Sunday, 29th June at 11.45a.m.

ENDS