Longphort facts for kids

A longphort was a special type of camp or fortress used by the Vikings in Ireland. Think of it as a base for their ships. These longphorts were not just for fighting. They had many uses!

Vikings built these camps along rivers, often where a smaller river joined a bigger one. This made the location easy to defend. It also gave them quick access to the sea. These bases were super important for the Vikings. They used them during their raids in Ireland. They also used them for travel and trade. Longphorts helped the Vikings become very successful traders. Early longphorts grew into big trading centers. Archeologists have found things like textiles, animal skins, amber, and glass. These items were traded from places like England. Longphorts were key to the Vikings settling in Ireland during the 800s and 900s.

Where Did Longphorts Begin?

The word "longphort" first appeared in the 840s. It was used in Irish writings like The Annals of Ulster. It also showed up in Frankish (French) writings. These writings talked about Viking camps in places like Linn Duachaill and Dublin. Later, new Viking settlements were set up in Waterford in 914 and Limerick in 922.

Many of these river and lake camps did not last long. Some were used for only a season or two. But others, like Dublin, grew into large cities. Other important Viking settlements that became big cities include Cork, Waterford, Woodstown, Wexford, and Limerick. These places are still major cities in Ireland today.

What Does "Longphort" Mean?

The word "longphort" (or "longphuit" in old Irish writings) means "ship camp." It's like combining "long" (from longship) and "port" (meaning a harbor or safe place for ships).

You can still find the word "longphort" in some Irish town names. This often means there was once a longphort located there. For example, the town and county of Longford get their names from "longfort." This word refers to a fortress or a strong, fortified house.