Their chief business in life was warfare, at least in the sense of plundering raids on their neighbors, which, as in all communities in such a primitive stage of development, was regarded as a most honourable pursuit ;

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Note added at 2002-12-07 18:15:51 (GMT)
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The Norse Invasions

The first Norsemen were recorded in Ireland in 795. Thereafter they made frequent plundering raids. At times they held ports, including Dublin and threatened domination. Eventually, however, the Vikings became traders in Ireland and their commercial towns became a new element in the life of the country

http://www.hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk/subjects/lit/lit/irishist.ht...

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Note added at 2002-12-07 18:18:11 (GMT)
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The one above is about the Norsemen.