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Swords, Co. Dublin

Swords (Sord Cholm Cille in Irish) is a medium-sized suburban town to the north of the city of Dublin. The town can trace its origins dating back to 560, having been 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". However, An Sord also means "the water source" and could indicate a large communal drinking well that existed in antiquity.

Swords has a wide range of shops, banks, pubs and other businesses, including a large modern shopping centre, the Pavilions Centre, off the N1. The town now boasts the largest selection of nightclubs and pubs on the northside of Dublin outside of the city-centre.

Swords Castle is undergoing a significant redevelopment and is intended to become a centre of leisure and a tourist attraction. The body of Brian Boru was said to have been brought there after the Battle of Clontarf, though recent evidence would suggest that the destination was Swords Abbey, which lies slightly to the west of the Main Street.

Featured Establishment

Eat

Indie Spice

Swords, Co. Dublin

Restaurant

Located above a pet shop, with a narrow door leading up steep stairs to the first floo ...

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Gardens

National Botanic Gardens

Dublin 9, Dublin City

These extensive gardens on the north of Dublin city contain an important plant collection which includes approximately 20,000 species and cultivars. Features worth travelling for include include some stunning herbaceous displays, rose garden, roc ...

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Golf

Carton House Golf Club

Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Course Type: Parkland / Inland Links

Carton House is located in an area that is rich in the quality of golf that is offered, yet it still provides a challenge that is worthy of any of its illustrious neighbours. It offers a golfing resort containing two testing championship courses, ...

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Self Catering

The Merrion Mews & Stables

Dublin 2, Dublin City

Dublin’s only surviving intact example of Georgian Domestic architecture at No. 63 Fitzwilliam Lane, Dublin 2. This quaint and charming 18th Century holiday retreat in the heart of the city has been restored to its original charm. The Mew ...

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What's On

Coppinger Row Outdoor Food Market - Thursdays

Coppinger Row Outdoor Food Market - Thursdays 11am-7pm

Coppinger Row beside Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2

Contact: Brendan Whelan on 086 815 0836 casualtradi ...

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Tourist Attractions

St Marys Abbey

Dublin 1, Dublin City

St. Mary's Abbey was once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland, founded in 1139 it played a large role in the affairs of the state until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539. It was here in St Mary's Abbey that Silken Thomas Fitzgerald ...

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Wedding Venues

Leixlip House Hotel

Leixlip, Co. Kildare

Up on a hill overlooking Leixlip village, just eight miles from Dublin city centre, this fine Georgian house was built in 1722 and is furnished and decorated to a high standard in period style and, with gleaming antique furniture and gilt-framed ...

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