Jarlath Regan Live
Watch comedian Jarlath Regan perform his latest stand-up set at Peacocks Bar & Lounge.
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Swords
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ℹ️Practical info — Swords
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Swords Castle is located right in the town centre and is often free to explore the grounds.
- Because of its proximity to Dublin Airport, it's an excellent place to spend your last hours before a flight.
- Parking at the Pavilions Shopping Centre is usually the easiest option, with the first couple of hours often free.
- Take a walk along the Main Street to appreciate the mix of medieval history and modern development.
🍽 Food
🍽
Traditional Carvery
Find a hearty Sunday carvery lunch in one of the large pubs on the Main Street.
🍽
Full Irish Breakfast
Start your day with a classic breakfast at a local cafe near the castle.
🍽
Pub Seafood
Enjoy locally caught seafood specials in a traditional tavern setting.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Pavilions Shopping Centre
One of the largest in the area, excellent for fashion and high-street brands.
🛍
Main Street Butchers and Bakers
Pick up fresh, locally sourced goods from the independent shops along the main road.
🧘
Ward River Valley Park
A surprising green oasis offering quiet walking trails away from the busy centre.
🧘
Swords Castle Grounds
A peaceful spot for a short stroll right in the heart of the town.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Swords Castle Christmas Fair
Swords Castle turns into a festive Christmas fair in late November and early December, with market trading over multiple days.
Andrew Maxwell Stand-up
Join comedian Andrew Maxwell for a night of stand-up comedy at Peacocks Bar & Lounge.
Fingal Festival of Fire
This Halloween event brings music, visual spectacle and Samhain atmosphere to several locations including Swords Castle.
The 4 OF Us Live
Enjoy a live rock performance by The 4 OF Us at Peacocks Bar & Lounge in Swords.
Music of Nina Simone
Experience the soulful music of Nina Simone, beautifully performed by Karen Underwood at Peacocks Bar.
Roddy Collins Live
Join an engaging evening of soccer stories and insights with the legendary Roddy Collins in Swords.
Let it Beatles Tribute
Sing along to your favorite Beatles hits at this spectacular live tribute show at Peacocks Bar.
Summer Poetry Classes for Teens
Swords Library runs a multi-week summer poetry series for teenagers.
Summer Stars at Swords Library
The national summer reading programme brings crafts, quizzes and storytime sessions to Swords Library.
Swords is a historically significant town and the administrative capital of Fingal, located north of Dublin. The town's origins can be traced back to 560 AD, when Saint Colmcille founded a monastery on the site. The centerpiece of the town is Swords Castle, a sprawling fortified residence built around 1200 for the Archbishops of Dublin. The castle is unique because it was designed as a palace and manorial residence rather than a purely military fortress, and it remains one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Ireland today. Nearby, an ancient round tower and a 14th-century belfry stand as remnants of the early religious community. During the 20th century, Swords evolved from a quiet market village into one of Ireland's fastest-growing towns, largely due to its strategic location near Dublin Airport. Today, it is a major commercial and industrial hub, home to the large Pavilions shopping center. Despite its modern development, the town retains its historic charm and reflects over 1,500 years of continuous human settlement.
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A postcard from Swords
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Create a postcard- Location: Ireland
- Highlights: Portraine Asylum Reservoir · Ushers Lake · Swords Castle
- Nearby: Malahide (5 km)
- Population: ~40.776
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 70 | 70 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 91 | 76 | 102 | 106 | 97 |
Geography
Facts
- Swords was founded in 560 AD by St. Colmcille.
- Swords Castle was built as an episcopal palace around 1200.
- The town is the administrative center of Fingal County.
- The historic round tower stands 26 meters high.
- It is located just north of Dublin Airport.
- The Pavilions is one of the largest shopping centers in the region.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Swords (10)
Frequently asked questions
How far is Swords from Dublin Airport?
It is located just north of the airport, about a 5 to 10-minute drive away.
Is there a castle in Swords?
Yes, Swords Castle is a well-preserved medieval complex in the town centre.
Where is the best place for shopping in Swords?
The Pavilions Shopping Centre is one of the largest malls in the Dublin region.
Is Swords a good place to stay?
Yes, especially if you have an early flight or want to be close to the airport.
How do you get from Swords to Dublin city centre?
There are frequent bus services (e.g., Swords Express or Dublin Bus routes).
Swords: where is it located?
Swords is located in Ireland.
Swords: what is there to see?
Highlights include Portraine Asylum Reservoir, Ushers Lake, Swords Castle.
Swords: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Swords: why is it worth visiting?
Swords is a historically significant town and the administrative capital of Fingal, located north of Dublin.
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