Places of Interest

Skerries is a popular fishing town in north county Dublin. It is a particularly scenic coastal town which is renowned for its safe bathing, pleasant walks and friendly atmosphere, offshore islands with an abundance of wildlife and a harbour where the famous Skerries seals are often seen to relax.

Nearby is Ardgillan Demesne, which was built in 1737 and is unique among Dublin's regional parks for the magnificent views it enjoys of the coastline. The castle was formerly the home of the Taylour family. An impressive castle, lovely rose and walled gardens, rolling pastureland and woodland walks combine to make this attraction one of the most appealing in Dublin. It is situated on the elevated coastline between Skerries and Balbriggan.

Nearby Balbriggan, known in Irish as Baile Brigin, the town of small hills.

The abundance of remarkable golf courses to be found in the area has earned the county a national and international reputation as a golfing haven. Picturesque open countryside and a magnificent coastline are ideal environments against which to fashion great golf courses. The golfing visitor is well catered for in Skerries where both novice and experienced golfers will find a course nearby to suit their ability, taste and pocket among the many fine parkland and links courses in the county. There are almost 30 different courses from which to choose, many lying in the open countryside stretching from Castleknock, Blanchardstown and St. Margaret's right up to Hollywood and Balbriggan, and coastal areas such as Howth, Portmarnock and Donabate.

Medieval Lusk, one of the oldest ecclesiastical settlements in Ireland is to the south. It is a charming village, with it's 9th Century Round Tower and 15th Century Normal towers. The old church now houses the heritage centre and is open to the public. Also nearby is the ruined Baldungan Castle, Balrothery Church and St. Movee holy well and Church. The Man-O-War Inn is also nearby.

Check out the historic 15th century castle, church and tower of Portrane.

Malahide Castle & Demesne was built in the 12th Century by the Talbot family, who remained in residence until 1975. There are many period rooms on view and the castle contains the National Portrait Collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The Fry Model Railway Museum, in the castle gardens, houses a unique collection of hand-made models of Irish trains.

Newbridge House & Demesne, Donabate, a mere ten minutes drive away, was built in 1736 for Archbishop Cobbe. Original furniture, paintings and objets d'art are a feature of this gracious Georgian house. The extensive 150h demesne includes a walled garden, a wildlife and Deer Park, playing and walking areas and a 19th Century working farm, where animals, machinery and old farming techniques are on view.

Dublin, the Capital City and premier tourist destination, is rich in heritage and the arts and is excellent for shopping. It has a very vibrant night life and is a mere 30 minutes away by car or train.

Also closeby is the Boyne Valley, famed for its three passage tombs including Newgrange which is over 5000 years old. Slane, Mellifont Abbey and Monsterboice are also in the area.