Explore Dublin's History and Heritage
Dublin is an ancient city with many sites of archaeological importance. Explore historic sites and maps, find books and listen to podcasts to learn about the city's rich history.
These resources may be of interest to researchers, students, teachers, tourists and history enthusiasts. They span multiple periods of Dublin City’s history from the Viking and Medieval ages through to our industrial heritage and the Easter Rising.
Viking Dublin
Viking Age Dublin by Dr Ruth Johnson
This book is available through the Archaeology Office for €8.99.
This popular book on the archaeology of Ireland's first town by City Archaeologist Dr Ruth Johnson explores the legacy of one of Dublin's oldest and most influential group of settlers.
Dublin in the Viking World by Howard Clarke, Ruth Johnson and Sheila Dooley
This book is available through your local library or from O'Brien Press.
Richly illustrated with photographs, reconstructions and maps, Dublin and the Viking World explores how in today's world Vikings are in a certain sense alive and well and enjoy enduring popular appeal.
Medieval Dublin
Dublinia: The Story of Medieval Dublin by Howard Clarke
This book is available through your local library.
An introduction to Medieval Dublin exploring all aspects of life, from religion to trade, from crafts to government and from buildings to lifestyles. The text is accompanied by an array of colour images taken from the Dublinia archive.
Dublin's Historic Graveyards
Access digital records and stories of some of Dublin's most historic graveyards:
- Ballybough Jewish cemetery
- St Catherine's Dublin 8
- St James's Dublin 8
- St Canice's Finglas
- St Luke's Dublin 8
Monastic Ireland
Find out more about Ireland in the medieval era by visiting the Monastic Ireland website.
St Thomas's Medieval Abbey
The royal abbey of St Thomas the Martyr was built outside the walls of Dublin at the end of the 12th century. None of the physical building has survived above ground but the structure is remembered in the naming of a nearby street, Thomas Street.
The Abbey of St Thomas the Martyr by Dr Áine Foley
Available for purchase through the Archaeology Office for €12.99.
This book examines the history and landscape of the area surrounding the abbey.
Dublinia Virtual Model
A video explaining the significance of St Thomas's Abbey can be viewed on the Dublinia museum website. It includes a virtual model which shows how the abbey looked and where it was located.
The History of St Thomas Abbey Podcast
In October 2017 a weekend of events celebrating the St Thomas Abbey included a series of discussions about the abbey’s history. You can listen to these discussions as podcasts through Heritage Hub.
Dublin Through the Ages: The City Walls
Developed through the Dublin City Heritage Plan. This short booklet outlines the history and development of Dublin's medieval city walls with maps and surviving locations highlighted across the city.
Walks Through Medieval Dublin
Download the map below to explore areas of Dublin and learn about their medieval history.
Newmarket and Weaver's Square
A short booklet exploring the significance of Newmarket and Weaver's Square from the medieval period onward.
Industrial Dublin
Industrial Heritage Record
The remains of our industrial past can still be seen throughout the city, in particular our transport and communication system of canals, railways and bridges. You can access information about Dublin's industrial heritage through The Dublin City Council Industrial Heritage Record.
Revolutionary Dublin
The Archaeology of 1916
The Easter Rebellion of 1916 played out at several locations in central Dublin. This 2016 project investigated sites associated with the Easter Rising to understand what parts of the 1916 physical environment still exist. Read the Archaeology of 1916 blog for more information.