Viking Board Games in the Digital Age
- Co. An Iarmhí
The Ballinderry Gaming Board was found in 1932 during archaeological excavations at Ballinderry crannóg, near Moate, Co. Westmeath. The crannóg was believed to have been a high status dwelling and it was occupied during the late 9th – 11th Centuries. The gaming board was made from yew and the carved heads at either side of the board may have been used as handles. The board is one of the most ornate examples found in Ireland. It would have used for the Viking war game Hnefatafl. Interestingly, a collection of 17 gaming pieces was discovered in Lugacaha, Lough Sewdy, Co. Westmeath. These gaming pieces, are a unique Irish type were probably used on a board like the one found in Ballinderry.
The Gaming board and gaming pieces are in the National Museum of Ireland. As part of a Creative Ireland Project in 2024 3D models of the gaming board and one of the game pieces were created by the Discovery Programme and Dionysus School of Dance collaborated with film maker Miroslav Wycka to create a modern interpretation of the game Hnefatafl.