Maelkorka: With Proud Resolve

For nearly a thousand years Ireland, which lay onthe fringes of the European Continent was not disturbed by foreign invaders. Thus, it was that a culture and civilization flourished which was to become the "Wonder of the Western World". With the coming of the Vikings in the 8th Century gradual changes occurred., particularly in the coastal regions. The land was laid waste, the churches, monasteries and homes of kings, princes and lowly alike, were destroyed. Many of Ireland's youth were captured and sold into slavery.