viking period pennannular brooches penrith hoard, 3 of thistle type. the vikings began raid ireland 795, catastrophic effect monasteries in particular. however, although vikings established several longphorts, fortified encampments over-wintering, , later towns dublin, wexford, cork, , waterford (the first real urban centres in ireland), native irish more successful english , scots in preventing large-scale viking takeovers of areas settlement farmers. year 1000, situation relatively stable, mixed population of norse-gaels in towns , areas close them, while gaelic irish, elite had formed political alliances, trading partnerships , inter-marriages viking leaders, remained in control of great majority of island, , able draw tribute viking towns. the period characterised increased availability of silver, presumably result of viking raiding , trading, , brooches made silver throughout, gilding , decoration in other materials disappears. brooches large , relatively massive, plainer elabor...