History of Viking Splash Tours
Established in 1999, Viking Splash Tours is one of Ireland’s premium tour companies. Combining authentic World War II amphibious vehicles, the Dukw, with an imaginative and exciting Viking themed tour, the Viking Splash experience is unrivalled in Dublin City.
Peter and Lynda Stocks, an Irish-American couple, saw Boston Duck Tours and realised the potential for something similar in Dublin. With such a rich, water-based history, there could be no better way of telling this story than with vehicles capable of travelling on both land and water. The first Dukw in the Viking Splash Tours fleet came across to Ireland by ferry and is today known as ‘Balder’ – the Viking god associated with light, beauty, love and happiness
Selling from an old fire engine on Bull Alley Street, the company had humble beginnings. The concept was unique, colourful and a little crazy so needless to say it was a roaring success right from the start! Viking Splash Tours took tourists and locals from the beaten track of Dublin City Centre and out into the docklands which was just beginning to receive its very own make-over. Now, 10 years later, Viking Splash Tours and the Docklands have been rejuvenated and both have new leases of life.
The fleet increased in size year by year and currently stands at 6 Dukws in total. Originally each vehicle was distinguished and named by its colour – Yellow, Silver, Blue, Green, Red and Multi, our rainbow coloured Dukw, but recently the fleet has been given a makeover and proper names fit for gods.
Balder – Viking god of light, beauty, love and happiness. As the first vehicle in the Viking Splash Tours fleet, it seemed an appropriate name to take.
Tyr - Viking god of single combat, victory and heroic glory!
Freya – The only female in the fleet – Viking goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, gold, war and death.
Odin – Chief of all the Viking gods and ruler of Asgard, the Viking afterlife.
Thor – Viking god of thunder. You will understand when you hear this vehicle roar!
Loki – Viking god associated with mischief.
