St Marys Primary School and Nursery Unit, Portaferry

Raiders of Ballydugan: A Viking Adventure to Remember for P6/7/Oak classes ⚔️

31st Mar 2026

Our trip to Ballydugan Viking Settlement was an unforgettable journey back in time, where the children were completely immersed in the sights, sounds and experiences of a real Viking village. From the moment they arrived, they became young Vikings—handling replica weapons, trying on helmets and shields, and listening in awe as the jarl brought ancient tales to life through storytelling. They watched the blacksmith at work, sparks flying as metal was shaped before their eyes, and eagerly took part in daily Viking tasks such as grinding flour, making bread, and discovering how yarn was spun. To top it all off, the children re-enacted a real Viking battle, bringing history vividly to life with energy and excitement. It was a hands-on, engaging experience that sparked curiosity, deepened their understanding of history, and left everyone feeling inspired by the resilience and skill of Viking life.