unit of measurement is Scandinavian and does not appear to be evident at other sites in Ireland. Woodstown Vikings seem to have been trading as individuals, buying and selling with locals. This pattern of commerce seems to be confined to the area of Kilkenny and Waterford which may mean a distinctive and type of Viking colonisation and settlement in the south-east of Ireland. 5th Century Iron Age settlement Initial studies suggest that the site may have been built and occupied by the local Déise around the time of Saint Patrick and long before the first Vikings arrived in Ireland. At that time, the Déise were established as an outward-looking people with a strong maritime tradition and colonies in south west Wales. References External links Save Viking Waterford Action Group(SVWAG) Viking Woodstown book and audioguide Viking Network Ireland Woodstown 6 Excavation 2004 The Historical Importance of Viking Age Waterford Geography of County Waterford History of County Waterford