Who Are We?

The Fingal Living History Society is a historical re-enactment and living history society. Our period of interest spans from the early Viking period circa 800AD, through to the late medieval era circa 1500AD [see timeline]. We are dedicated to portraying Viking and medieval life and times in an accurate, informative and entertaining manner.

We are an Irish group and have members nationwide. We run training weekends across the country and also run and/or participate in historical events across Ireland and the UK and on a smaller scale in other parts of Europe (see events for more information). Currently we have approximately 50 members and affiliates but we are always open to new members regardless of age, gender or location. Please see below for more information on our activities or contact us if you would like to speak to someone about organising an event or getting involved.

History of the Society

The Fingal Living History Society was established in July 1998 by re-enactors and historical enthusiasts from around the Leinster area. These individuals with a passion for history wanted a way to pursue their hobby in a more hands on way, thus, they established their new organisation which would become the Fingal Living History Society that exists today.

What do we do?

Historical Re-enactment or Living History is a hobby which allows people to explore history in a hands-on manner. At any of our events the Fingal Living History Society attempt to recreate aspects of a historical event or period. This may be as narrow as a specific moment from a battle, such as the re-enactment of the Battle of Clontarf which took place on 23rd of April in 1014, or as broad as an entire period such as Viking or Medieval re-enactment.

One of the key aspects of any event the society hosts is our [Living History Village]. In our Living History village you will see members of the society attempt to bring history to life for the public. Our members dress in period appropriate and display craft skills which would have been popular in a given time-period including cookery, woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, weaving, sewing, medicine and many others.

The other key aspect of our activities is our [combat displays] and demonstrations. Society members train regularly in hand to hand combat using various weapons, fighting styles and tactics and at our events we are proud to show the public the fighting skill of our members by demonstrating what combat in a particular historical period might have been like.