The first Viking raid occurred in 795, when they raided the monastery on Lambay Island. They came in small parties, made surprise attacks on places along the coast, and sailed away with their plunder. But, after 830, the Vikings changed their tactics. They sailed up the rivers to pillage inland places. They set up bases and attacked the surrounding countryside from them. They also began to stay in the country during the winter. For the first time, in 841 they wintered at Dublin.
At first, the Irish were not successful in defending themselves against the invaders. Their weapons were inferior to those of the Vikings, and they had no permanent armies or fleets. Worse still, the country lacked political unity. Even during the worst periods of the Viking invasion, the provincial kings continued to quarrel among themselves. But, in the mid-800's, the Irish began to put up a stronger resistance and to win victories over Viking forces. But they did not drive the Vikings out of the country, and a second wave of Viking attacks on Ireland began in 914. The Irish counterattacked with increasing success, and in 944 the kings of Tara and Leinster sacked Dublin.
By this time, the Vikings had settlements at Wexford, Waterford, Cork, and Limerick, as well as at Dublin. (Dubh Linn - Black Pool).These were the first towns in Ireland, and the Vikings who lived in them began to develop trade. They also married into Irish families and, eventually, became Christians. Viking leaders became like other rulers in Ireland and joined in the wars between rival Irish kings.

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