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Swords Places to Visit

Swords is in the county town of Fingal and part of the Dublin commuter belt. As one of the Republic of Ireland's largest urban areas, it unsurprisingly offers much in the way of history and learning.

Legend states that the town's peculiar name comes from the word 'sord', which means 'clear' or 'pure', after a saint blessed a local well. The name could otherwise refer to a drinking well in antiquity.

Whatever the name's origin, Swords is noted for being the home of the European headquarters of Kellogg's and the birthplace of comedian Ed Byrne and American Revolution soldier Richard Montgomery.

Places to Visit in Swords, Dublin

There's plenty of pleasing greenery in Swords - particularly in Ward River Valley Park, which has woodland habitats and wetlands, and Swords Town Park, which includes a fascinating castle...

History buffs should head straight to this castle, Swords Castle, originally a manor of the first Archbishop of Dublin eight centuries ago. It was also used as a filming location for hit TV drama series The Tudors.

The organic feel of Swords continues with the Fingal Horticultural Society's flower show every August. Dog lovers should check out the Celtic Winners Dog Show, which takes place on St. Patrick's Day every year and is the Republic of Ireland's most prestigious dog show.

Swords is also a thriving centre of education; learning institutions serving the area include twelve primary schools and four secondary schools. For a local eatery with real class, try the Gilbert & Wright Wine Bar.

If you will fly into the local area, we especially advise staying in the Travelodge, as this is located in Swords.

Transport in Swords, Dublin

Swords is conveniently close to Dublin, the main hub of the Republic of Ireland's road network - and the M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway provides the most straightforward route to the city. Drogheda, Dundalk and Northern Ireland can also be easily reached on this road.

There's certainly no shortage of buses to take in Swords; Main Street is a daily stop for more than 600 scheduled bus journeys. Here, you should never have to wait longer than five minutes for a bus travelling to Dublin city centre. One of the many operators of local buses, Swords Express, is responsible for express services that go through the Dublin Port Tunnel.