2.1.3 Viking and Norman Dublin

By the 9th and 10th centuries, two settlements were in existence on the south side of the river — Duiblinn, named after a tidal pool on the river Poddle and Atha Cliath or ford of the hurdles, a crossing point of the Liffey.

The arrival of the Vikings (840AD) and Normans (1169AD) saw further developments, with the surrounding landscape being cleared of woodland for permanent agriculture. Such settlements could be defended and remained through the Middle Ages.

The Vikings and Normans introduced planned settlements. This resulted in the street pattern and parts of the defensive city wall that are evident today in the areas of Dublin Castle and Temple Bar