Swords

Swords (Irish: Sord) is a large town in Ireland. The town is 12 km north of Dublin City Centre, adjacent to Dublin Airport, and with a population of over 42,000 people, the town is the largest in Ireland. It is expanding rapidly, and is expected to emerge as a city with a population of over 100,000 by 2035. The town has a large number of shops, bars and restaurants, although it is a bit limited with tourist attractions. With around 60% of the population under the age of 35, Swords is well known for its vibrant nightlife, and several nightclubs, including Ireland's largest.

Understand

History

The town dates back to 560 AD when it was founded by Saint Colmcille (521–567). Legend has it that the saint blessed a local well, giving the town its name, Sord, meaning "clear" or "pure". The best indicators of Early Christian settlement are the ecclesiastical enclosures. In Swords case the street pattern has been influenced by the circular alignment of the settlement. The medieval town developed in a linear pattern along the Main Street in a north – south direction. Swords has one of the best examples of this settlement pattern in the Dublin region. The round tower, 26 m in height, is also an indicator of early Christian settlement.

Orientation

Despite its large population, Swords is quite compact and all of the town is within 2 km of the centre.

Swords Village is the centre of the town. It consists of the Main Street, The Plaza, Town Centre Mall and the large, modern Swords Pavilions and Swords Central shopping centres. This area contains most of the shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels. Swords Castle, St. Colmcille's Well and St. Columba's Round Tower are also in this area, while the Fingal Tourism Office is located on a side street off the Main Street.

Airside is a newer area about 1 km south of Swords Village, made up of a large retail park, motor park and business park. The area has two hotels, several restaurants and shops, an observatory and Ireland's largest nightclub, The Wright Venue.

Climate

Being subject to the moderating effects of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, Dublin is known for its mild climate.

Contrary to some popular perception, the area is not especially rainy. Its annual rainfall average is only 732.7 mm (28.8 in), less than London. However, its precipitation is spread out more evenly so that on many days there can be a light shower.

Winters in Dublin are relatively mild when compared with cities in mainland Europe – daytime temperatures generally hover around 5°C (41°F), but frost is common during the period November through to February when night time temperatures dip below 0°C (32°F) freezing point.

Summers in Dublin are also mild. The average maximum temperature is 19°C (66°F) in July, far cooler than even most of the coldest American cities. Thunderstorms also don't happen very often in Dublin, on average only four days a year. Overall, the area's climate is mild but would be considered drier and cooler than western and southern parts of the island of Ireland.

Get in

If travelling to Swords from within the island of Ireland the easiest way to get there is by driving or by bus or coach. Swords is close to the hub of Ireland's road network and is served by bus and coach services from throughout the island. If travelling from outside Ireland the best way is by air, with Dublin Airport 5 minutes from Swords.

By car

If planning to hire a car see "By plane" below.

Swords is along the M1 motorway, which is the main road between Dublin and Belfast. If travelling from Dublin you should head north on the M1 motorway towards Belfast. Take exit 3 just past Dublin Airport and follow signs into Swords. If travelling from Belfast/Lisburn/Newry/Dundalk/Drogheda follow the A1/M1 towards Dublin. Take exit 4 off the M1 motorway and follow signs into Swords. If travelling from (London)Derry/Letterkenny/Omagh/Monaghan follow the A5/N2 towards Dublin. When you reach Ardee turn off the N2 onto the N33 link road to the M1 motorway. Head south on the M1 towards Dublin as far as exit 4, then follow signs into Swords.

Swords is also adjacent to Dublin's M50 ring road, which is the hub for Ireland's national road network. If you are travelling from the west or south of Ireland the easiest way to drive to Swords is to follow one of the national primary roads leading to Dublin:

• M3/N3 from Ballyshannon/Cavan/Navan
• M4/N4 from Sligo/Longford/Mullingar
• N5 from Westport/Castlebar
• M6/N6 from Galway/Athlone
• M7/N7 from Limerick/Port Laoise/Naas
• M8 from Cork
• M9 from Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow
• M11/N11 from Wexford/Wicklow

Continue along these roads towards Dublin until you reach the M50 motorway (Junction 1 on all roads). Head northbound on the M50 until you reach junction 3. Exit here onto the M1 motorway towards Belfast. You will now see signs for Swords. Follow them and they will take you into the centre of Swords.

By bus

Swords Express offers the quickest and easiest way to get to Swords from Dublin City Centre. These express coach services depart at least every half hour throughout the day from Eden Quay, and pick up along North Wall Quay and East Wall Road. Coaches operate through the Dublin Port Tunnel, Europe's longest urban road tunnel and take about 30 minutes, serving Holywell, Boroimhe, Forest Road, Swords Pavilions, Applewood and Brackenstown. Cash fares cost €3.20 (€4.20 at peak times, €5.20 late night). Leap fares cost €3 (€4 at peak times, €5 late night).

Dublin Bus operates frequent bus services between Dublin City Centre and Swords, with a journey time of 45-60 minutes. This is the busiest bus corridor in the country with buses every 5-10 minutes throughout the day and up to every 58 seconds at peak times. All Dublin Bus services to Swords depart from stops OW and OX on Lower Abbey Street, and pick up along Gardiner Street, Drumcondra Road and Swords Road. Routes 33, 41, 41b and 41c all serve Swords Main Street. Routes 41 and 41b also serve Rathbeale Road while route 41c also serves Boroimhe, River Valley and Applewood. Cash fares between Dublin and Swords cost €3.05 cash or €2.50 leap. Dublin Bus services do not give change and only accept coins or leap card (no notes).

Dublin Bus also operate direct services from several other locations in the Dublin region:

• 33 & 33a from Balbriggan/Skerries/Rush/Lusk
• 33b from Portraine/Donabate
• 41b from Rolestown
• 41x from UCD Belfield/Donnybrook
• 43 from Eden Quay/Artane/Malahide Road
• 102 from Sutton/Portmarnock/Malahide

By coach

Swords is 5 minutes from Dublin Airport, which is served by direct coach services from throughout Ireland. Most services are operated by Bus Éireann. The offer daily services to Belfast, Derry, Letterkenny, Donegal, Sligo, Ballina, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Wexford. Minor private operators include Aircoach, JohnMcGinley, Citylink, Eireagle, Gobus, JJ Kavanagh and Ardcavan.

On arrival into Dublin Airport follow signs for Zone 13. Buses to Swords depart from stop 7348 in Zone 13. Route 41 (towards Swords Manor) operates approximately every 20 minutes and serves Pinnockhill, Swords Pavilions, Main Street, Rathbeale Road, Murrough Road and Brackenstown. Route 102 (towards Sutton Station) operates approximately every 30 minutes and serves Forest Road, River Valley, Swords Pavilions and Malahide Road. Cash fare is €2.15 to Main Street and €2.60 for areas past the Main Street.

By plane

Dublin Airport (DUB ^IATA) is approximately 5 minutes from the centre of Swords. Dublin Airport has an extensive short and medium haul network, served by an array of scheduled carriers. It also has direct services to North America and the Middle East.

More than 19.1 million passengers used Dublin Airport in 2012 and the airport offers direct connections to about 170 international destinations with 60 airlines. A full list of airlines flying to Dublin, along with route maps and timetables, can be found on the Dublin Airport website.

Ireland's flag carrier airline, Aer Lingus, flies to Dublin from over 65 European airports. Aer Lingus fares are often lower than other flag carriers, but in part this has been achieved by matching the service levels of low-fare competitors. As a result, they now charge for checked-in bags and seat reservation at time of booking. Aer Lingus staff are always very friendly and helpful. The planes and flight attendants are decorated in bright green livery.

Ryanair, Ireland's second airline and Europe's largest low fares airline, has one of its main bases in Dublin from which it flies to a large number of European airports including Paris, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Madrid and Frankfurt as well as smaller regional airports such as Nantes or Kaunas. While famous for its low fares, Ryanair can be more expensive than other airlines for last minute bookings.

Aer Lingus flies to Dublin from 4 US cities and can book connections from over 60 North American cities. US legacy carriers also serve the airport from major US hubs. Passengers travelling from Australia and East Asia can book flights with Etihad Airways or Emirates through Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe that offer United States border preclearance services at the airport for US-bound passengers, who can clear all immigration and customs in Dublin prior to departure.

Car hire is available at Dublin Airport from Hertz, Budget, AVIS, Europcar, Dooley, Thrifty, Enterprise and Sixt. Swords is well signposted from the airport. Parking is generally not a problem in Swords, with most hotels and guesthouses providing free parking to guests.

Dublin bus routes 41 and 102 provide a connection to Swords. On arrival into Dublin Airport follow signs for Buses and then for Zone 13. Buses to Swords depart from stop 7348 in Zone 13. Route 41 (towards Swords Manor) operates approximately every 20 minutes and serves Pinnockhill, Swords Pavilions, Main Street, Rathbeale Road, Murrough Road and Brackenstown. Route 102 (towards Sutton Station) operates approximately every 30 minutes and serves Forest Road, River Valley, Swords Pavilions and Malahide Road. Cash fare is €2.15 to Main Street and €2.60 for areas past the Main Street.

Depending on traffic, journey times can vary from less than 5 mins to over 15 mins. All Dublin Bus services do not give change and fares must be paid in exact amount in coins. Ticket machines near a few outdoor bus stops, including the one at the airport, do not require exact change. Tickets can also be purchased at the newsagent inside the airport. Luggage racks are limited on the local buses, and it is not unknown for drivers to turn away travellers with packs that cannot be stored.

A taxi to the centre of the town should cost around €10. Taxis are legally obliged to provide an electronic receipt detailing the fare, distance and other pertinent details. Make sure to ask for one as otherwise they often do not furnish such a receipt. Most hotels in Swords also have a courtesy or shuttle bus from the airport.

A metro line connecting Dublin Airport to Swords is planned, but no work has started on this yet.

By boat

Dublin Port has several passenger ferry services to/from Wales and England. Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate 8 daily services from Holyhead. P&O Irish Sea operate 3 daily services from Liverpool and Isle of Man Steam Packet Company operate a seasonal service from Douglas. A number of cruise ships also stop in Dublin Port.

If you are travelling with your car, the quickest way to Swords is to follow signs for M50 Tolled Tunnel. This will bring you through the 4.5-km Dublin Port Tunnel, Europes longest urban road tunnel. There is a toll of €3 (€10 at peak times) to use the tunnel. When exiting the tunnel continue driving straight along the M1 motorway towards Belfast until you see signs for Swords. Parking is generally not a problem in Swords, with most hotels and guesthouses providing free parking to guests.

Swords Express bus services operate from outside Dublin Port to Swords. The buses depart every 30 min from East Wall Road outside the O2 Arena and take about 20 minutes, serving Holywell, Boroimhe, Swords Pavilions, Applewood and Brackenstown. Buses operate via the 4.5-km Dublin Port Tunnel, Europes longest urban road tunnel. Fare is €3 per person. A taxi from Dublin Port would cost around €20-25 and take about 20 min.

Stena Line also operate a daily service from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire Ferryport. DART services operate every 15 minutes from Dún Laoghaire Train Station. It takes 20 minutes to reach Tara Street Station in Dublin and costs €2.80. When exiting Tara Street Station, cross over the river to the Swords Express stop on Georges Quay. Swords Express services depart every 30 minutes and take about 30 minutes to reach Swords. Fares cost €3 and buses operate via the 4.5-km Dublin Port Tunnel, Europes longest urban road tunnel. A taxi from Dún Laoghaire to Swords would cost around €35-45 and would take around 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.

By train

There are no rail services in Swords. There are plans for a new metro line linking Swords with Dublin, but this is not expected to open until at least 2021.

The closest train station is Malahide Station, which is served by DART and Commuter Services. Dublin Bus route 102 (towards Dublin Airport) provides a connection to Swords. Buses depart from stop 3634 across the road from the station, approximately every 30 minutes. The journey to Swords is about 10-15 minutes and costs €2.15.

Iarnród Éireann , the national railway company, operates services from most of the country to Dublin. Services from Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Tralee and Westport arrive into Heuston Station while services from Belfast, Sligo and Rosslare arrive into Connolly Station. Iarnród Éireann , the national railway company, has one of the youngest train fleets in Europe and the Cork train in particular is extremely comfortable with a massive fleet of new trains built in Japan and South Korea. There are internet intercity train fares for offpeak services which are substantially cheaper than over the counter tickets. Food on trains is generally overpriced and carrying your own food on board is normally permitted.

Passengers arriving into Heuston Station should purchase a train ticket to "Dublin City Centre", not "Dublin Heuston". This ticket will also allow you to travel on the Luas light rail . When exiting Heuston Station, the Luas platforms are on the road outside. Take a tram towards The Point or Connolly for 5 stops and get off at Abbey Street. Continue walking straight along Abbey Street until you reach bus stops OW and OX on the left. All Dublin Bus services departing from these stops are bound for Swords, and there are departures every 5-10 minutes through a combination of routes 33, 41, 41b & 41c. A journey to Swords can take 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and a cash fare costs €2.80.

Passengers arriving into Connolly Station should go down the stairs and take the exit onto Amiens Street. Cross the street and walk down Talbot Street until you reach Gardiner Street. Turn left onto Gardiner Street and you will see bus stop 1171 on the right. All Dublin Bus services departing from this stop are bound for Swords, and there are departures every 5-10 minutes through a combination of routes 33, 41, 41b & 41c. A journey to Swords can take 40-60 minutes depending on traffic and a cash fare costs €2.80.

Get around

By foot

Walking is the easiest way to travel around the centre of Swords. Although Swords has a large population, it is relatively small in terms of area. The entire town is within a 2.5-km radius of the town centre. Nearly all roads have wide paths on either side and there are a few small pedestrian streets and walkways. The best street map of Swords is pages 1&2 of The Official Dublin Street Guide by Ordnance Survey Ireland. Openstreetmap.org also has very good coverage of Swords.

By bicycle

Cycling is also a good option in Swords, however bicycle hire is extremely limited. Bicycle lanes have been included on most main roads and a lot of roads in the town have wide lanes allowing bicycles and cars pass side by side.

By bus

Swords is well served by frequent bus services. Bus is a good option for travelling within the town and new electronic signs at main bus stops tell passengers when the next buses will be coming. Be aware that exact amount in coins is needed on Dublin Bus services as drivers can't give change or accept notes. If you are planning to use public transport a lot, consider getting a prepaid leap card . Leap Cards cost €5 and give discounts of about 15%. They can be topped up with travel credit at nearly all supermarkets and convenience stores and can be used across Dublin. A Dublin Bus journey within Swords will usually cost €1.65 cash or €1.40 leap, with longer journeys costing €2.15 cash or €1.90 leap. Swords Express journeys within Swords cost €1.20 cash (leap not accepted).

• Dublin Bus route 41 operates approximately every 20 minutes between Brackenstown, Applewood, Swords Village, Swords Pavilions, Pinnockhill and Dublin Airport .
• Dublin Bus route 41c operates approximately every 20 minutes between Brackenstown, Rathbeale, Swords Village, River Valley, Boroimhe and Cloghran .
• Dublin Bus routes 41 & 41c are timed to provide a 10 minute frequency between Brackenstown and Swords Village.
• Swords Express operates every 30 minutes between Brackenstown, Applewood, Seatown, Swords Pavilions, Boroimhe and Holywell .

Transport for Ireland provides a [ http://transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/12_Swords_A3.pdf map of Dublin Bus routes] in Swords.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available at all times in Swords. Journeys within Swords will generally cost €10-15. There is an extra €2 for booking a taxi and €1 for each additional passenger.

Taxi services in Swords:

• Budget Cabs, ☎ [phone]. Has fixed rate fares. 
• Dial-a-cab, ☎ [phone]. 
• Cab 2000, ☎ [phone]. 
• Fixicab, ☎ [phone]. 
• Swords Cabs, ☎ [phone]. 
• Swords Taxis, ☎ [phone]. 
• Taxi Plus, ☎ [phone]. 

Taxi stands in Swords:

• County Hall, Chapel Lane
• Pavilions Shopping Centre, Malahide Road

By car

A number of car hire services are available at Dublin Airport (see Get In - By Plane above). It is not necessary to hire a car to travel within the town, however it can be useful if you are planning to visit places further away. Most hotels and guesthouses provide free parking for customers and street parking is also available within the town, mostly as pay and display. Signage is generally very good in the area and roads can be easy to follow. Try to avoid driving into Dublin during the morning peak times.

See

Constable Tower, Swords Castle

St. Columba's church and round tower

Swords courthouse

Historical

• 🌍 Swords Castle, Swords Town Park (entrances on Bridge St and North St), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 10am-5pm Nov-Jan, 10am-6pm Feb-Mar, 10am-7pm Apr&Oct, 10am-8pm May&Sep, 10am-9pm Jun-Aug. It was built as the manorial residence of the 1st Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn, around 1200 or a little later, and was never strong in the military sense, but covers a large pentagonal walled area of nearly 1.5 acres (6,000 m²) with a tower on the north, probably the Constable's residence, and an impressive gateway complex on the south. The warder may have occupied the quarters to the left of the gate, while to the right was the janitor's room with the priest's room overhead. The adjoining chapel, built in the late thirteenth century, was probably used as the Archbishop's private oratory. Other buildings, recorded in an inquisition in 1326, have now vanished, including the great hall on the east side of the enclosure. The Archbishop abandoned Swords once a new palace was built at Tallaght in 1324 - a move no doubt encouraged by damage sustained during Bruce's campaign of 1317. The stepped battlements suggest some form of occupancy during the fifteenth century, but by 1583, when briefly occupied by Dutch Protestants, it was described as "the quite spoiled old castle". It was used as a garden in the nineteenth century and sold after the Church of Ireland was disestablished. Swords Castle is undergoing a significant redevelopment and is intended to become a major tourist attraction. The newly renovated castle was used as a film location for the production of TV series The Tudors in spring 2010. Due to the ongoing restoration work, the interior of the castle is only open for groups by appointment only by calling the number above. Free. 
• 🌍 St. Columba’s Church, Belfry & Round Tower, Church Road. The round tower is the surviving remnant of St. Colmcille’s monastic settlement. The only remaining relic of the medieval church is its belfry, from c. 1300, which on fine days in summertime gives a view of four counties from the tower’s height. The original church is said to have fallen into ruin sometime in the seventeenth century. The new church of early Gothic style was built in 1811 on the foundations of the old St. Columba's Round Tower. The Sexton’s Lodge is also of architectural interest and was built in 1870. The body of Brian Boru was said to have been brought there in 1014 to be waked after the Battle of Clontarf, while on the way to be buried in Armagh. As of June 2013 the Belfry and Round Tower have been closed to the public for safety reasons. The church has also been closed for restoration and is due to reopen later in 2013. 
• 🌍 St. Colmcille’s Well, Well Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. In a locked chamber. Reputed to be where Swords got its name when St. Colmcille blessed the well of clear water, ‘Sord’ being the Irish for ‘clear or pure’. Entry to the Well is by appointment only by contacting Swords Historical Society at the number above. The well chamber can be viewed from the outside. 
• 🌍 Swords Museum, Carnegie Library, North St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 13:00-17:00 M-F. Built as Carnegie Library in 1909. Redbrick building typical early 20th century. Now houses a museum and genealogy centre run by the Swords Historical Society. Free entry. 
• 🌍 St. Colmcille’s RC Church, Chapel Lane, ☎ [phone]. A pre-Catholic Emancipation church built in 1827 on a site donated by James Taylor of Swords House. The graveyard contains many interesting headstones, including one for Andrew Kettle, who was known as "Parnell’s Righthand Man." Free. 

Modern

• 🌍 Fingal County Hall, Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 09:30-16:30 M-F. The award-winning modern Fingal County Hall by Bucholz McEvoy architects dominates the northern end of Main Street. It was built in 2000 on the site of Swords House, the home of the Norman family of Taylors of Swords. Records show the family came there in the 13th century and built a ‘Mansion House’ in 1403. Free. 
• 🌍 Tesco Ireland Distribution Centre, Lanestown. This large dry grocery distribution centre is the 8th largest building in the world by volume. The building is over half a kilometre long and could fit 16 jumbo jets. Access to the building is restricted to private tours, but it is worth getting a view from the outside. The best view is from the R126 road between Swords and Donabate, where you can see the full length of this huge building. 

Natural

• 🌍 Ward River Valley Park, Brackenstown Rd & River Valley Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 10:00-17:00 Nov-Jan, 10:00-18:00 Feb-Mar, 10:00-19:00 Apr&Oct, 10:00-20:00 May&Sep, 10:00-21:00 Jun-Aug. The Ward River Valley Park is a linear park on the banks of the Ward River approaching town. It covers an area of 89 ha. (220 acres) between Swords town centre and Knocksedan Bridge. Features of interest include some 12th century fortifications, woodland habitats, wetlands and rolling grassland. There are viewing points, picnic sites, sports pitches and tennis courts. Free. 
• 🌍 Broadmeadow Estuary, Estuary Rd & Hutchinsons Strand. The Broadmeadow Estuary is a fine example of an estuarine system, providing both feeding and roosting areas for a range of wintering waterfowl. The lagoonal nature of the inner estuary is of particular value as it increases the diversity of birds which occur. The site is of high conservation importance, with an internationally important population of Brent Goose and nationally important populations of a further 12 species. Free. 
• 🌍 Newbridge Demesne Regional Park, Hearse Rd, Donabate (take 33b bus from Swords), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 09:00-17:00 Nov-Jan, 09:00-18:00 Feb-Mar, 09:00-19:00 Oct, 09:00-20:00 Apr&Sep, 09:00-21:00 May-Aug. Newbridge Demesne covers an area of 150 ha. (370 acres). The park was probably designed by the Wexford landscape gardener Charles Fritzell about 250 years ago. The parkland is a good example of an eighteenth century landscape park with perimeter woodland belts and fine vistas across lawns and wildflower meadows. Newbridge House built by the Cobbe family in the mid 1700s is open to the public and is a fine example of Georgian architecture. It is a focal point in the park and the cobbled courtyard includes a restaurant, and a range of interesting outbuildings. Other visitor attractions include Newbridge Traditional Farm where you can see old breeds of farm animals, as well as displays of machinery were part of Irish farming life in previous centuries. The Walled Garden has extensive orchards and a collection of old Irish apple varieties. Two 19th Century glasshouses have recently been restored and sections of the walled garden have been replanted with herbaceous borders. The Park also includes a major Children's Playground and Sports Pitches. Free. 

Do

Activities

• 🌍 Balheary Shooting, Pitt Rd, Balheary, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 10:00-20:00 W-Su. This is a shooting grounds with a long tradition. Established in 1968 it has recently been reopened and refurbished. It now has one of the best clay target shooting facilities in Ireland with two Olympic Skeet Ranges, two Down The Line Ranges, 10 English Sporting Stands, Compak Sporting and a 120 Ft Tower - The highest in Ireland. 
• 🌍 Kilronan Equestrian Centre, Kettles Lane, Cloghran, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Kilronan Equestrian Centre is AIRE approved and is a great place to improve your horsemanship whether you are a complete beginner, returning to the saddle after several years, or an accomplished rider. Riding lessons for all standards and ages and the centre has horses and ponies to suit all abilities. 
• 🌍 MountainTraining.ie, 11 Abbeyvale Place, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Fully approved by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland to deliver Rock Climbing, Hill Walking and Mountaineering courses, and also approved and insured through the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. 
• 🌍 Sun Watch, Astronomy Ireland, Unit A8, Airside Enterprise Centre, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 13:00 Every Saturday. Every Saturday from 1pm, Astronomy Ireland hosts a special Daytime Sun Watch at their headquarters in Airside Enterprise Park, Swords where members of the public can get to see the Sun in a way that very few people have ever seen before. Our closest star will show incredible detail using special filters that will reveal intricate detail on its surface. Activity on the sun has been hotting up as we approach a solar maximum and massive sunspots are visible most days! Free. 
• 🌍 Swords Sailing & Boating Club, Estuary Rd. Swords Sailing & Boating Club shares the Broadmeadow Estuary with Malahide Yacht Club, the newest addition to the Fingal sailing scene but one which has grown steadily over the years and has enjoyed competitive success at a national level among its enthusiastic members. Its dinghy fleet includes twin-hulled catamarans which are a spectacular sight when sailing at full speed. 

Golf

• 🌍 Drynam Park Driving Range, Feltrim Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. €10 for 50 balls, soup and sandwich. 
• 🌍 Fingal Driving Range, Cloghran, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. €8 for 100 balls. 
• 🌍 Balheary Open Golf Course, Magillstown Rd, Balheary, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Balheary is a unique concept in courses: it has all the features of a full-length track, but on a shortened length. It offers a round playing time of 2.5 hours. This is an 18-hole course of 2,195 yd. €8. 
• 🌍 Corrstown Golf Club, Corrstown Lane, Kilsallaghan, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 08:00-22:00 M-Su. Corrstown Golf Club is a 27-hole course situated only 5 kilometres from Dublin Airport. Its championship layout of river and meadow courses, along with its 9-hole Orchard course, guarantee a truly great golfing experience. 
• 🌍 Forrest Little Golf Club, Forest Rd, Cloghran, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 07:30-20:00 M-Su. Forrest Little Golf Club is a mature parkland course. The Fred Hawtree-designed course has undergone major developments, including the replacement of all greens with sand-based surfaces to USGA specification and new drainage, which facilitates year-round play. 
• 🌍 Roganstown Golf and Country Club, Naul Rd, Roganstown, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 07:00-23:00 M-Su. Set amongst 300 acres, Roganstown Golf & Country Club is a destination for relaxation, fine food and exceptional golf. With a course designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr, this sanctuary for golf lovers has blended an exciting challenge and pure pleasure into a layout of outstanding beauty. The Broadmeadow River flows beside the course and water comes into play on all but six holes. From the first drive to the last putt, the course is designed for the players' maximum enjoyment. €40-€55. 
• 🌍 St Margaret's Golf and Country Club, Main Rd, St Margarets, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 07:00-22:00 M-Su. This challenging parkland layout has hosted many tournaments, including The Irish PGA Championship, Irish Senior's Open and the Ladies Irish Open. €25-€35. 
• 🌍 Swords Open Golf Course, Balheary Avenue, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 07:00-20:00 M-Su. Swords Open Golf Course is run by a keen golfing family who take pride in their facility. They ensure players of all abilities have a fantastic golf experience. This course is maintained to a very high standard and has superb drainage. Situated along the banks of the Broadmeadow River, Swords Open Golf Course is a must. A wide variety of trees and bunkers come into play on every hole. Some consideration must be given to your shot on our river and lake holes. €14-€25. 
• 🌍 Dublin Golf Pass - Programme 3, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Play 3 courses in one price. This programme is situated to the north of the county among rolling countryside and boasts dramatic holes and is a rugged links experience. St. Margarets Golf and Country Club, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links and Roganstown Golf Club are the participating in programme 3. €195. 
• 🌍 GreenGolfBall, Europa Academy, Balheary Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. They organize specialist customized Irish Golfing Vacations. They provide great value & local knowledge to all clients in a warm and personable fashion. 

Walking

Slí na Sláinte stands for 'path to health'. Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, it is the new outgoing way to make walking for leisure and good health even more enjoyable. There is a choice of three walking routes through and around the historic town of Swords. They are marked by bright colourful signposts which are not numbered and are situated at 1km intervals. A map is available on the website here .

• 🌍 Village Slí, Starts on Main St. The Village Slí is 5.8 km and begins on the corner of Well Road and the Main Street. It follows Main Street, North Street and turns into Watery Lane at the roundabout. Continuing along this road it turns right onto Rathbeale Road and keeps going until you meet the entrance to Ardcian Park. Take a left here into the estate and follow the road until you meet the junction of St Cronans Avenue and Brackenstown Road. The Slí follows Brackenstown Road and turns into Well Road, which brings you back to your start point. Free. 
• 🌍 Highfield Slí, Starts on Highfield Green. The Highfield Slí begins at the entrance to the estate and is 3.8 km in length. Following Highfield Green through the pedestrian walkway, you continue along Hilltown until you meet the junction of River Valley Way, take a left here. Where the route meets River Valley Road, take a right and continue until you meet the roundabout. Take a left and continue to Forest Road. Take another left turn and Forest Road will bring you back to the entrance to the Highfield Estate. Free. 
• 🌍 River Valley Slí, Starts on Bells Lane. For an alternative walk take the path through River Valley Park from the entrance to Highfield Estate. This path eventually leads to River Valley Road where it rejoins the Slí route to bring you back to the entrance to Highfield. Taking this route makes your walk a slighty longer 4.2 km. This is recommended for daytime only. Free. 

Events

• 🌍 Swords St. Patrick's Day Festival, Dublin Rd, Main St and North St. St. Patrick's Day 17th March 2014. St. Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s National Holiday and it’s a time when communities around the country come together for a series of parades in every corner of the country. Fingal County Council host the Fingal parade on Main Street, Swords each year. It is one of Ireland’s premier parades and attracts around 15,000 people. Pre-parade entertainment begins at 11am. The parade starts at 12 noon and goes along Dublin Road, Main Street and North Street. After the parade, at about 1:30pm, there is a Ceile Mór (Irish dancing) on the Main Street. Throughout the day Swords Viking Village Festival And Market takes place in Swords Castle featuring combat display, archery and armoury, viking kitchen, blacksmith, scrimshaw and woodwork demonstrations. There is also a large Fun Fair and Carnival beside the Pavilions Shopping Centre for the week before and after. Free. 

• 🌍 Fingal Horticultural Show, St. Columbas Parish Centre (Old Borough National School), Church Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. TBA. The Fingal Horticultural Society holds an annual show, in Early August. The show includes a number of competition classes for hanging baskets, cut flowers, pot plants, flower arranging, fruit, vegetables, baking, jam making, eggs, homemade wine, photography, handcrafts and paintings. There are special children's classes for under 9's, under 12's and under 16's. Exhibitors are typically from the Fingal area, with a few from further afield. Classes are open for anyone to enter and entries can be submitted online. The show is typically open to the public in the afternoon, with presentation of trophies towards the end of the afternoon. The Fingal Horticultural Society also hold an annual Garden Competition, Allotment Competition and Pub Frontage Competition in Swords, with the winners announced at the show. TBA. 
• 🌍 Flavours of Fingal, Newbridge House and Farm, Hearse Rd, Donabate, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 11:00-17:30 Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2014. The Flavours of Fingal County Show combines the sights and sounds of an agricultural show with an unforgettable food, horticultural and family fun experience. The farm section of the two day show features a program of livestock and sheep competitions, equestrian contests and other agricultural displays. Meanwhile the historic walled garden of Newbridge House hosts the food producers section of the show and features an array of favourite local delights, cooking demos and all things food in Fingal. Also on offer over the course of the weekend is family and musical entertainment and a programme of walks, talks and festival antics. 
• 🌍 Fingal 10k Road Race, Start and Finish on Main Street, e-mail: [e-mail]. July each year. The first ever Fingal 10k Road Race took place on 22 July 2012 around the streets of Swords. It was part of the Dublin Race Series and over 4200 people entered. Michael MacDiarmada was the winner in a time of 00:31:31 and Siobhan O' Doherty was the first woman over the line in a time of 00:35:30. The event is held annually. Free. 

Dog Shows

Each year over 80 different dog shows are held in the Irish Kennel Club's National Show Centre in Cloghran, Swords. To find out what dog shows are coming up shortly check the Irish Kennel Club's website , and search for shows in "Cloghran". The Celtic Winners Dog Show, held on St. Patrick's Day, is the most prestigious dog show in the country.

Buy

• 🌍 Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, Malahide Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Swords Pavilions is a large modern shopping centre adjacent to the Main Street. The centre has over 100 units, including 16 restaurants/cafes and an 11 screen cinema. The largest shops are Dunnes Stores, Superquinn, TK Maxx, Zara, H&M and River Island. A major expansion is planned, which would increase the centre to over 250 units. 
• 🌍 Swords Central Shopping Centre, Dublin Rd. Swords Central a modern shopping centre adjoining the Main Street. The centre is directly connected to Swords Pavilions and shoppers can freely walk between the two centres. Swords Central has 15 units, including Penney's and Swords Post Office. 
• 🌍 Airside Retail Park, Lakeshore Drive. Airside Retail park is a large out of town retail park with 15 large warehouse retail units. Across the road, Airside Motor Park contains 10 car showrooms. 

Eat

• 🌍 Butlers Chocolate Café, Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre, Malahide Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Experience two pleasures together, delicious coffee and mouth watering luxury chocolates at Butlers Chocolate Café. 
• 🌍 Courtyard Restaurant, Carnegie Court Hotel, North St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The award-winning Courtyard Restaurant boasts of well-prepared and imaginative meals in a warmly elegant restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. The extensive well-chosen wine list is reasonably priced and the service is friendly and attentive. 
• 🌍 Dowler's Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 18 Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Dowler's Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a family-run restaurant located in the heart of Swords. It offers high-quality food at exceptional value in the welcoming atmosphere of new purpose-built premises. 
• 🌍 Eddie Rockets, Main St, ☎ [phone]. What started as an American City Diner in the heart of Dublin is now a group of 37 restaurants both locally and abroad. Eddie Rocket’s is about all things retro, fusing classic American fare with exciting new menu additions, all brought to you in a feel-good 1950s diner. 
• 🌍 Essence Bistro, 75 Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Essence Bistro offers express lunch, lunch, early bird, dinner and special offer menus of locally sourced, high quality, bistro style food, cooked by award winning chefs. It's what your knife and fork have been waiting for! 
• 🌍 Gourmet Food Parlour, Unit 2 St Fintans, North St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Gourmet Eatery offers delicious antipasti plates with selections of charcuterie meats & cheeses from Spain, France and Italy, together with homemade soups, a large range of salads, exquisite sandwiches & baguettes, bruschettas & Italian Lasagne. There is also a wonderful range of desserts ranging from seasonal fruit tartlets to chocolate & orange torte & sumptuous cheesecakes. 
• 🌍 Kudos Restaurant, Clarion Hotel, Corballis Avenue, Dublin Airport, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Eat and drink from a menu that boasts tastes from all over the world. Kudos Restaurant serves a range of Asian and European food in smart, contemporary surroundings. Relax and unwind for full buffet breakfast or a la carte dinner. 
• 🌍 Leys Brazeel, Kettles Country House Hotel, Ashbourne Rd, Lispopple, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Carvery 12:30-20:00 M-Su, Bar food 15:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, Steakhouse 17:00-21:30 Th-Sa. Kettles Country House Hotel offers both a Carvery and a Steakhouse & Wine Bar. There is also a choice of Lounge and Bars, with live music on Friday & Saturday nights. Try the 'Tasty Thursday' Special in the Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 
• 🌍 McLoughlins Restaurant, Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, Naul Rd, Roganstown, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Specialising in locally sourced food, using local suppliers, McLoughlins Restaurant at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is a truly modern Irish dining experience in a traditional setting. Relax by the open fire and enjoy the Waterford Crystal chandeliers whilst you experience dalily specials and homemade desserts which are all made fresh to order. 
• 🌍 Mastersons, 17 Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Begin your meal with starters such as Buffalo wings, stuffed mushrooms, goat's cheese crostini or you may want to try Masterson's sizzling prawns. The soup of the day is also a great choice for starters. The soup is made fresh on a daily basis, prepared with fresh vegetables and served with Guinness and granary bread. For your main dish, you can try one of Masterson's delicious steaks such as T-bone, Rib eye, and the huge Monster (on stone). 
• 🌍 The Old Schoolhouse, Church Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 12:30-14:30 M-Fr, 18:30-22:30 M-Sa. The Old Schoolhouse Restaurant was an 18th century schoolhouse. Locally-sourced steak, game & seafood are specialties. A large menu & live music are offered, with an adjacent beer garden & bar with sports screens. 

Indian

• 🌍 d'Chilli Shaker, 32-36 Main St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. D Chilli Shaker is characterised by it's fusion of herbs, spices, seeds and vegetables, all synonymous with Indian Cuisine. These spices and aromatics are at the heart of every dish on the menu. Some flavoursome dishes include hot and sour Lamb Jal Frezi. Another dish that promises an exotic explosion is Tandoori Chiken Tikka Bhuna in a medium sauce. 
• 🌍 Indie Spice, Burgundy House, Forster Way, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Indie Spice Swords is a funky and contemporary family restaurant situated in Burgundy House, Forster Way, Swords. Offering the finest Indian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients, experienced and dedicated chefs make every meal at this restaurant a taste sensation. 

Drink

Clubs

• 🌍 Rouge, Carnegie Court Hotel, North St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Saturdays from 11pm. Inspired by the historical Moulin Rouge in Paris, Rouge Nightclub is as seductive, theatrical and entertaining as the iconic venue it was inspired by. Rouge Nightclub has 2 VIP areas, a private bar, state of the art sound and lighting system and its soft velvet finishings' mean you can let your hair down in the lap of luxury. 
• 🌍 Wrights Cafe Bar, The Plaza, Malahide Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Wrights Cafe Bar is split into a number of separate areas and levels – an upper level lounge, with dramatic red and cream furniture, dark wood tables and chandeliers, gives a distinctive ‘bordello’ effect; then behind the bar, there’s a secluded lounge that overlooks an open-plan area below, complete with a purpose-built stage area that’s perfect for dancing to live music. 
• 🌍 The Wright Venue, Lakeshore Drive, Airside South Quarter, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This is the premier nightclub in North County Dublin. By far, Wrights is the preferred venue of many Dublin clubbers, and has the largest capacity of any nightclub in Ireland. A night-time experience unprecedented in Ireland, The Wright Venue is the epitome of sexy style, and all-round sensation that marries the thrill of live music with the passion of the DJ-decks, all punctuated with the intimacy of a members bar. A playground of entertainment, The Wright Venue has been designed to cater for every taste and will not disappoint. 

Bars (town centre)

• 🌍 The Cock Tavern, 31 Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Cock Tavern Heritage Pub is a descended by continuous licence from an old 18th century Coaching Inn. Set in the traditional idiom, you will instantly feel at home in the old world surroundings of Liscannor slated floors, old oak and pine beams fused together with brick and granite walls and warm wooden floors. 
• 🌍 The Estuary, North St, ☎ [phone]. The Estuary pub was formally known as The Big Tree. It caters for mainly over 30s age group. The pub is owned by The McGovern family. It boasts a select lounge with food served every day . Celtic Fusion who are a folk duo play on the first Tuesday of every month. There's music in the lounge Fri, Sat and Sunday nights which usually consist of a two piece outfit using backing tracks. This is one of the few remaining traditional pubs remaining in Swords. It has a friendly atmosphere. Monday night is quiz night with all the proceeds going to St. Frances Hospice. 
• 🌍 Gilbert and Wright Wine Bar, Unit 14, The Plaza, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 12:00-23:30 M-Th, 12:00-00:30 F-Sa, 12:00-01:00 Su. A welcome addition to the nightlife in the heart of Swords which has been attracting a regular clientele since it opened in late 2007. Drawing them in is the ‘70s retro atmosphere, the distinctive music of that era, relaxed and comfortable surroundings, quirky decor such as patterned wallpaper and lampshades, casual dining, great service and a cosmopolitan selection of drinks from around the world. 
• 🌍 The Harp Lounge, Carnegie Court Hotel, North St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Guinness pint pouring ritual is an experience that is much loved by consumers and now Guinness drinkers at The Harp Bar can learn how to pour a pint like a master! The Harp Bar have recently launching the hugely popular “Pour your own Pint Experience“. This is a brand new concept introduced by Guinness in only a select number of pubs throughout the country, which allows customers to be their own barman for the night. The main feature is the interactive nature where customers can pour their own pint of Guinness or Carlsberg at special serving tables complete with taps and customer seating. 
• 🌍 The Lord Mayors, Main St, ☎ [phone]. The pub caters for a mixed crowd but mainly the over 30 age group. It was once known throughout Dublin as a great spot for live music with lots of rock bands getting their first gig at The Lord Mayors. The pub still does well and boasts a fine function room upstairs where the bands used to play. There is traditional music every Sunday afternoon starting around 6pm-8.30pm which draws a big crowd. 
• 🌍 The Old Boro, Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Designed by Francis Johnston of GPO fame, the Old Borough School first opened its doors in 1809 and, as with the school in any small town, it played a big part in the life of Swords. It closed as a school in 2000 and has been extensively renovated and refurbished and the Smith Group have managed to maintain the traditional feel of the building whilst introducing a comtemporary aspect to it. 
• 🌍 The Pound, Bridge St, ☎ [phone]. Music sessions are played in the bar every Saturday from 10.30pm-12.45am. This pub has great atmosphere throughout with friendly bar staff, food served all day. The name of the pub comes from the piece of land to the right of The Pound which used to be used as a holding area for stray animals. 
• 🌍 The Star Pub, Main St, ☎ [phone]. The Star is one of the oldest pubs in Swords and is owned by the Taylor family. The pub is famous for it's food and more importantly the price of the grub, it's one of the largest pubs in Swords. The bar is to the front of the premises, the pool lounge is upstairs at the front and is frequented mostly by young people. 

Bars (rest of town)

• 🌍 The Inn Lounge & Sams Snug, Kettles Country House Hotel, Lispopple, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The ground floor of the hotel you have two public bars to choose from, "Sam's Snug" with it's open roaring fire where you can enjoy a pint with the local characters who are a very friendly bunch. Or if you perfer you could try "The Inn" lounge where a selection of good food is served all day and is an ideal place to unwind after a long journey, hard day at work or simply just to sit back relax and soak up the homely atmosphere. 
• 🌍 O'Callaghan's Bar, Roganstown Golf & Country Club, Naul Rd, Roganstown, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Residents and members can enjoy a quiet drink or excellent dining in a relaxed setting in the members only lounge or join visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere of O’Callaghans bar. 
• 🌍 Bar Bistro, Premier Inn, Lakeshore Drive, Airside Retail Park, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The Bar Bistro is the ideal location to unwind, enjoy a quiet drink with colleagues or friends. 
• 🌍 The Coachman's Inn, Swords Rd, Cloghran. 
• 🌍 O'Dea's Bar, Radisson Blu Hotel, Corballis Way, Dublin Airport, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening with a stop at O’Dea’s Irish Bar. Comfortable, cosy with a number of quiet, out of sight alcoves, this is the ideal place to grab a pint or a quintessential meal. This traditional Irish bar serves a tempting carvery lunch menu as well as a more extensive bar menu and light snacks all day. In the summer, guests can enjoy dining in the outdoor seating section. 

Sleep

Camping

Swords is not well-served for visitors who wish to camp in designated sites. Caravan and camping space is available but is limited. Visitors planning to camp can get more information from Fingal Tourism, Main Street, [phone], .

Budget

• 🌍 Forty Four Main Street, 44 Main St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Forty Four main street (formerly the Hawthorn Hotel) is located in the heart of Swords village, surrounded by bars, shops and championship golf courses. 
• 🌍 Travelodge Swords, Pinnock Hill Roundabout, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. An ideal accommodation for anyone travelling through Dublin Airport, the Travelodge offers comfortable, three-star guest rooms as well as an on-site restaurant. The hotel is a short walk from Swords Main Street. 
• 🌍 Premier Inn Swords, Lakeshore Drive, Airside Retail Park, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A stylish and comfortable accommodation, the three-star Premier Inn is a great choice for anyone travelling through Dublin Airport. 10 minutes walk from Swords Main Street. 
• 🌍 San Augustine Bed and Breakfast, Rathbeale Rd (On Bus route 41 to airport and Dublin), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Detached, modern, Georgian type town house. Five minutes walk to Swords, with pubs, shopping centre, restaurants and castle. €70 double/twin room. 
• 🌍 Evergreen B&B, Balheary Avenue, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 3 km to Swords, very convenient for Dublin Airport (8 mins drive), city of Dublin (25 mins drive) Great touring location, close to M50 motorway. Warm welcome, quiet country location, great breakfast. €74 double/twin room. 
• 🌍 Rathview House, 3 Rathbeale Court (On main bus route to airport and Dublin), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Rathview is an elegant detached Georgian town house. Situated in a quiet leafy cul de sac yet only 2 minutes walk from Swords main street with restaurants, pubs, shopping mall and multi screen cinema. €70 double/twin room. 
• 🌍 Seamount House, 18 Seamount View, Malahide Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Comfortable and friendly home in quiet cul de sac on the outskirts of Swords. Ideally located, easy access to Dublin Airport (seven minutes drive), within walking distance of Swords Village and the Pavilion Shopping Centre. 
• 🌍 Stellamaris, 22 Watery Lane, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Town house 5 minutes walk from Swords Main Street, 5 minutes drive from Dublin Airport and 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre. Frequent buses. Good taxi service. Car parking. 
• 🌍 Tirconaill, 2 Longlands, Malahide Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Beautifully refurbished home, located in the village of Swords, only a 7 minutes drive from Dublin airport and on direct swift bus link to city centre. ( 20 minutes ) Also located 3km from Malahide railway station. There are many restaurants and pubs one minute walk away. All our bedrooms are ensuite with TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There is free private parking at the rear of the house and prices include breakfast. 
• 🌍 Blackbridge Airport Lodge, Spittal Hill, Lissenhall, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. En suite bedrooms with television. Conservatory for guest use. Five kilometres from airport. Transport arranged. 
• 🌍 Highfield House, Forest Rd, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Beautiful family home, only 3km from Dublin Airport. On bus route 102 from airport & 41c & Swords Express. Three star tourist board rating. Ground floor accommodation available. Free Wifi, tea/coffee. 
• 🌍 Collinswood, 1A Rathbeale Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Beautiful detached Georgian style home within walking distance of Swords Village. Bus stop outside which services the airport and Dublin. 2 miles from Dublin Airport. 
• 🌍 Ard Cill, Rath Lane, Rowlestown, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Peaceful setting, yet only a 5min drive to Swords Village and 10min drive to Dublin Airport. Surrounded by several recreational activities, such as horse-riding, golf and many more. Spacious rooms. Tea & Coffee making facilities. 

Mid-range

• 🌍 Carnegie Court Hotel, North St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This three-star hotel is conveniently located on Swords Main Street, just minutes from Dublin Airport. The hotel prides itself on providing comfortable accommodation, traditional hospitality and excellent service. 
• 🌍 Kettle's Country House Hotel, Ashbourne Rd, Lispopple, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This three-star hotel is situated in rural countryside just outside the town of Swords. The elegant hotel has 25 bedrooms and a range of special events facilities. Only ten minutes by bus to Swords with five daily services (route 41b ). 
• 🌍 Harap Farm Self Catering, Harap Farm, Magillstown, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Attractive semi-detached two, three and five bedroom self catering homes set on a family run tillage farm in rural countryside north of Swords. The property is located only 5 minutes from the centre of Swords and 10 minutes from Dublin Airport. Not served by public transport but ideal location if you are bringing or hiring a car. 
• 🌍 Riversdale Bed & Breakfast, Balheary Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Family run modern house on spacious landscaped gardens, quiet location, 8 mins drive from Dublin Airport. 1km from Swords Village with restaurants,pubs,shops. All rooms en-suite. €60 double/twin room. 
• 🌍 Abbeyglen Cottage Bed and Breakfast, 47 Dublin Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This B&B offers quality and comfort in a privileged location, quiet yet just a five minute stroll to Swords Town Centre with all its amenities. Five minutes drive from Dublin Airport. €60-70 double/twin room. 
• 🌍 Newport Farm, Ballymadrough, Donabate, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Approached by a private avenue of lime trees, this refurbished farmhouse overlooks the Broadmeadow Estuary which is beautifully located to explore the treasures of a world renowned wildlife sanctuary. Waders, Brent Geese and Kingfisher are in abundance. Newport Farm is unique, Set on 55 acres of pasture and woodland walks, with its double arch bridge dating back to 1650, its award winning walled gardens all add to create an incredible tranquil experience. 

Splurge

• 🌍 Roganstown Hotel and Country Club, Naul Rd, Roganstown, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This four-star Hotel and Country Club is a destination for relaxation, fine food and exceptional golf, set among 120 hectares of peaceful lakes and rolling hills. Each one of the luxuriously appointed bedrooms is cleverly designed to offer spectacular views over our championship golf course, Japanese style courtyard or mature front gardens. All guestrooms include complimentary high speed internet access, mini bar, laptop safe, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Facilities include restaurant, bar, full leisure centre, indoor swimming pool, 18 hole golf course, wedding and conference venues and ample free car parking. Not served by public transport but shuttle bus available on request to Swords or Dublin Airport for €5. 
• 🌍 Heyward Mews, Roganstown Hotel and Country Club, Roganstown, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. These holiday homes are in a courtyard setting with open plan living area and French doors onto the patio. Guests have full access to the leisure facilities at the adjacent Roganstown Golf & Country Club. 
• 🌍 Clarion Hotel Dublin Airport, Corballis Avenue, Dublin Airport, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This is a four-star hotel situated within the airport complex and only five minutes from Swords by frequent bus service. The elegant hotel comprises comfortable bedrooms, bar, restaurant and meeting rooms. 
• 🌍 Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport, Corballis Way, Dublin Airport, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This four-star accommodation was formerly The Great Southern Hotel Dublin Airport and is located within the airport complex just five minutes from Swords by frequent bus service. 24 hour courtesy shuttle to passenger terminals. 

Retreat

• 🌍 Emmaus Retreat & Conference Centre, Ennis Lane, Lissenhall, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The centre welcomes people who wish to take time out to find meaning in their lives. It sits on 10 acres of rural grounds with tree-lined paths, landscaped gardens and a river walk. It offers modern accommodation in 62 ensuite rooms, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Rates include breakfast, toiletries, WiFi, and use of the dining, oratory and prayer rooms. €70 double/twin room. 

Connect

Internet

Eir provide WifiHub Hotspots at 22 locations throughout Swords. The first 10 minutes is free, then you can purchase access until midnight for €1. You can pay by credit card or by SMS. If you are an Eir Broadband customer, you can register for free access.

Phones

+353 is the country code for Ireland. To call a landline in the Dublin region dial +353 1 xxx xxxx. To call a mobile phone in Ireland dial +353 8x xxx xxxx. If calling from an Irish landline or mobile +353 can be replaced by 0. 2G, 3G and 4G mobile phone services are available throughout Ireland. Eir is the largest telecommunications operator with Vodaphone, O2 and 3 also providing services.

Television

8 Irish TV stations are available for free on Saorview DTT and a further 16 UK stations are available for free on Freeview DTT. A large number of international stations are also available on free to view satellite. Subscription services are available from UPC Horizon(cable) and Sky(satellite).

Cope

• 🌍 Swords Police Station (An Garda Síochána), Main St, ☎ [phone]. 

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