Ballydugan rocks to roar of Vikings

Ballydugan rocks to roar of Vikings

24 April 2024

THE Magnus Viking Association hosted their Festival of Fire in Downpatrick at the weekend.

Saturday’s event was well attended and culminated in a spectacular treading on hot coals last Saturday evening.

Held at Wackoz on the Belfast Road, the day was packed with fun events for all the family to enjoy, including a medieval market and battles featuring Vikings of all ages.

Among the visitors were Laura McDonald and Donna Toland, who travelled from Belfast.

Laura said: “There’s a lot of different things, a bit for everyone, and lots of families. It seems to be a very good day so far and it’s going to get even more interesting.”

Dressed in Viking costume was Joanne Shaw, who has been a visitor to the Magnus Vikings’ medieval village at Ballydugan.

She said: “This is the first time we’ve been here but we’ve been at the Ballydugan site quite a few times and it’s always been good fun.”

She was accompanied by Emma Bell, who said: “It’s a good experience for everyone to come out and have a bit of fun roleplaying as Vikings. It’s a great experience.”

Bradley Conlon and Louise Kelleher travelled from Co Meath and Co Kildare respectively for the event.

They had found their way to the Magnus Vikings through an open day and fell in love with them.

Selling jewellery and key rings at a stall, Bradley said: “The weather has been very friendly and the public have showed up. There’s a great crowd at the moment.”  

Louise added: “People are excited to come out and learn a bit of history, look at the homemade crafts and experience the archery.”

As day turned to evening, the Vikings then proceeded to perform their most daring task – treading the hot coals.

 “It sounds strange going around in your bare feet but it’s quite grounding,” Louise continued. “It is quite calming and it feels good for the soul”. 

Bradley said: “You don’t get many opportunities to walk across fire so you might as well jump at the chance.”

Kevin McFall, from Belfast, who is a member of the Magnus Viking Association, said: “The walk is a spiritual cleansing. Once you walk across the coals, you’re supposed to leave all the negativity behind you and it’s like a rebirth once you get to the end.

“You get a really good sense of accomplishment. My wife signed me up for it and I’m crazy enough to do it.

“I’m having a brilliant time engaging with the public. It’s the children that make it for me because putting a smile on a child’s face, teaching them about history, is really a reward in itself.”

Vking leader – or Jarl – Philip Campbell said the event to raise awareness of the Magnus Barelegs Festival at the end of August.

Pleased with the turnout, he remarked: “Anyone who came along today seemed to enjoy themselves, certainly with the axe throwing and the archery.”