Swords Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Mary A McKenna
Photo by Indu Eby
Swords has been named as one ofIreland’s most desirable towns to live in, and its entertainment, retail anddining options, as well as general attractiveness, means it has much to offerthe holidaymaker too. Only 13km north of Dublin, and part of the capital city’scommuter belt, Swords has enviable transportconnections, a wealth of historical attractions, and many cultural diversionsthroughout the year that attract visitors from far afield.

First settled around 560AD, the hometown of Ronan Keatingsits on two rivers, the Broadmeadow and the Ward, with scenic walks aplenty andseveral large parks that cater for family fun and folics. With ancient castlesand stately homes to explore, golf courses, several shopping centres, andrestaurants to suit every taste and budget, holidays in Swordsare simply unforgettable.

Sights in Swords

In the centre of town stands SwordsCastle, constructed around the start of the 13th century andcurrently undergoing substantial regeneration. Such is its present-day state ofpreservation however that it was used as a location for The Tudors, and tours of the buildings and courtyard are available,although by appointment only. Around the castle is the SwordsTown Park, with tennis courts for hire, and a playground. Nearby, St ColumbusChurch and its Round Tower are evidence of early Christian settlement in thearea.

To the east of town is found SwordsEstuary, popular with walkers and birdwatchers. And just across it an areacalled the Black Bridges, where wild swans are known to congregate.

A number of scenic parks dot the town, most notably the WardRiver Valley Park, spread over 200 hectares with woodland andwetland habitats, viewing platforms and picnic areas. 12th centuryfortifications are visible within the park. There are also several golf coursesand driving ranges in the close vicinity of Swordsfor anyone wanting to spend a few hours on the links.

For a pleasant day out, and a fascinating glimpse intohistory, it’s well worth visiting either MalahideCastle or Newbridge House for a tour.Showcasing landscaped gardens and historical artefacts, both are within a 10minute drive of Swords. At Newbridgeguests can have a refreshing afternoon snack in the tearooms, or take the kidsaround the adventure playground, while at Malahide,which dates back to the 12th century, golf and boules are available in thedemesne.

Events in Swords

Out of town heading toward Dublin, the NationalShow Centre is a major venue for dog shows, the Celtic Winners heldon St Patrick’s Day being Ireland’s most prestigious. For any dog-loversplanning to attend such an event, Swords makes anexcellent place to base yourself.

August sees the annual Fingal Horticultural Show held in Swords,while late June / early July brings the Flavours of Fingal festival toNewbridge House and Gardens. This immensely popular agricultural show hassomething for all the family, from children’s entertainments such as bouncycastles and face-painting to live music, cookery and floristry demonstrations,sheepdog trials and an interactive learning experience on biodiversity.Definitely one to keep in mind if you’re on holiday in Swords during the summer.

Premier Inn Dublin Airport
Premier Inn Dublin Airport
3 out of 5
Airside Retail Park, Swords
The price is £128 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£128
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Swords. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Croke Park and Malahide Castle ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (73 reviews)
"Quiet airport hotel. There is for fee airport shuttle every half hour."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Premier Inn Dublin Airport
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
The price is £109 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£109
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Dublin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,797 reviews)
Brilliant stay. Great hotel.
"Brilliant stay. Great hotel."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
4 out of 5
Stockhole Lane, Swords, Clonshaugh, Dublin
The price is £139 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£139
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Clonshaugh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,534 reviews)
"This is an ideal and comfortable location with easy access to the Dublin airport. Most efficient, welcoming, easy-going - while bidding a fond farewell to Ireland."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Heyward Mews Holiday Homes
Heyward Mews Holiday Homes
3 out of 5
Heyward Mews Holiday Homes 5, Swords, County Fingal
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Swords. Enjoy free parking, a garden and patios. Popular attractions Malahide Castle and Swords Castle are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Quiet area and Clean property"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Heyward Mews Holiday Homes
Zanzibar Locke
Zanzibar Locke
4 out of 5
34 ORMOND QUAY LOWER, Dublin
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,955 reviews)
"Incredibly convenient location. Spacious and quiet room. I'm happy that I choose this spot for my 4 night stay in Dublin."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Zanzibar Locke
Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)
Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)
3 out of 5
Grangegorman Lower, Dublin, County Dublin
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (201 reviews)
Nice
"Very clean. Very safe. Had our own bathroom and there was a community lunch room with access to a refigerator/freezer."

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Swords

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 19%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 6%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

No It was just a bed for the night would not go back

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice town will visit again

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Great staff and a good breakfast. The rest was pretty grim.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only ten minutes walk from hotel. Plenty of eaterie's pubs and retail all off main street. Malhahide is a must visit.

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