Netflix has announced Vikings: Valhalla, a new original series from creator Michael Hirst that continues the storytelling of his beloved epic Vikings saga. The series will be filmed at Ashford Studios in Wicklow.

Vikings: Valhalla begins 100 years after the original series concludes and dramatizes the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived – Leif Erickon, Freydis, Harald Harada and the Norman King William the Conqueror (also a Viking descendant). These men and women will blaze new paths as they fight for survival in an ever changing and evolving Europe. This is the explosive next chapter of the Vikings legend.

Michael Hirst says, "I am beyond excited that we are announcing the continuation of our Vikings saga. I know that the millions of our fans across the globe will be thrilled by the belief being shown in our show by MGM and Netflix. Jeb Stuart, a truly wonderful writer, will bring new story-lines and a powerful visceral vision to stories about some of the most famous Vikings known to history."

"And, on a personal note", he adds, "I am so happy that we are returning to Ireland and Ashford Studios in glorious County Wicklow, which has been our home for the last eight years. Our Irish crew, in my opinion, is the best and most professional crew in the world. And it has been a particular joy to me, shared with my producer Morgan O'Sullivan, that we have been able to give continuous employment to many hundreds of Irish men and women. Ireland is well known for its support of writers and drama and Vikings has benefitted, and will now continue to benefit, from both that cultural and financial support. Making a great show isn't a mechanical activity; it's a human one!"

In addition, it was previously announced that the new live-action Netflix remake of Winx Club is currently being filmed in Wicklow.