Viking sailors christened their new coastal base 'Wykinglo', taking advantage of the location's natural harbour and proximity to Britain and mainland Europe. Goods were traded through the port from far and wide, and more positive relationships between the Irish natives and the vikings began to flourish because of this. The Irish referred to early Wicklow as 'bac na saor' or 'Craftsman's Creek', having watched the new settlers build and repair their ships.