Major city · Ireland
SwordsSord
Use Swords as an airport-adjacent base for 1 night, or a half-day for the castle and round tower; 2 nights only if you want Newbridge House and the estuary.
Swords is a commuter town 12 km north of Dublin and the county town of Fingal, with Dublin Airport inside its limits. Its old core — a 13th-century castle, a 9th-century round tower and a holy well — sits within a 2.5 km walk, and the town works best as a cheap, quiet bed near the airport rather than a sightseeing destination in its own right.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark early)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Swords112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Swords, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA low-crime commuter town; the practical risks are traffic on the R132, dark unlit stretches of the Ward River Valley path at night…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 999 police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the centre; Dublin Bus 41 or 102 from stop 7348 in Zone 13, roughly 10–15 min).DUB Dublin Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) south of the centre; Dublin Bus 41 or 102 from stop 7348 in Zone 13, roughly 10–15 min).
- Getting aroundWalk: the whole town sits within a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) radius.Walk: the whole town sits within a 1.6 mi (2.5 km) radius.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- Street or quick mealDublin Bus fare, airport to Main StreetExact change; check€2.15 (≈ US$3)
- BeerPint of stout€5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the centre; Dublin Bus 41 or 102 from stop 7348 in Zone 13, roughly 10–15 min)DUB Dublin Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) south of the centre; Dublin Bus 41 or 102 from stop 7348 in Zone 13, roughly 10–15 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Swords: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk: the whole town sits within a 2.5 km radius. Bus 41/41c is the most useful local route; exact change in coins on board, or use a Leap card for a lower fare. Taxis wait at County Hall, Chapel Lane and the Pavilions; a run within town or to the airport is about €15. There is no train station in Swords — the nearest is Malahide, linked by bus 102.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–60 min
Swords Express from Main Street through the port tunnel, or Dublin Bus 41/33 from Lower Abbey Street
Swords Express is the quickest; bus 41 runs 24 hours.
Malahide
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Dublin Bus 102 from Swords to Malahide, about 15 min
Castle, gardens and estuary walks; DART from Malahide into the city.
Howth
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus to Malahide or the airport, then DART or bus 102 towards Sutton
Cliff walk and harbour; a full half-day.
Balbriggan
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus Éireann 101 north from Swords, about 30 min
Coastal town with a beach; runs every 20 min.
Newbridge House & Farm
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 33b from Swords, or train to Donabate
Georgian villa with guided tours and a traditional farm; house adult €14 (check).
Dún Laoghaire
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Bus or Swords Express to the city, then DART south
Long for a day return; better as a Dublin-side stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Swords Village (Main Street)
Shops, bars and restaurants on the doorstep; castle and round tower within a 10-min walk.
Airside retail park
Hotels and chain restaurants 1 km (0.6 mi) south of the village, under the flight path; good for an early departure.Hotels and chain restaurants 0.6 mi (1 km) south of the village, under the flight path; good for an early departure.
Pavilions area (Malahide Road)
Main shopping centre and cinema; bus 41/41c stops here.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €140 | €140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Dublin Bus 41 airport to Swords Main Street, one way2 × €2 · check | €4 |
| Swords Express city to Swords, one way2 × €5 · check; €4.50 with Leap card | €10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €38 |
| Trip total≈ €211 per person per day, bed included | €422≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Taxi within Swords or to the airportcheck | About €15 (≈ US$18) |
| Dublin Bus fare, airport to Main StreetExact change; check | €2.15 (≈ US$3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No rail service to Swords; the MetroLink line to the airport and city is not open — check before relying on it.
- Dublin Bus fares are exact change only if you pay the driver; buy a Leap card or ticket from a machine.
- Airside is a retail park, not a secure airport zone, despite the name.
- Coastal paths at Portrane are eroding; stay back from the edge.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SwordsSord
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)999
Embassy
The US Embassy is in Dublin (check the address); most other countries keep embassies in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dublin Airport → Swords Main Street, bus 41: €2.15 (≈ US$3), about 10–15 min, exact change (check)
- Swords → Dublin city, Swords Express: €4.90 (≈ US$6) cash / €4.50 (≈ US$6) Leap, about 30 min (check)
- Taxi Swords → Dublin Airport: About €15 (≈ US$18) (check)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Gabh mo leithscéal — Excuse me (gov muh lesh-kayl)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
Bus fares are exact change in coins if you pay the driver; a Leap card is cheaper.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Swords. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark early) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last bus 41 times, taxi fallback, hotel shuttle list.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Main Street and the castle, Church Road and the round tower, Ward River Valley Park, the Pavilions.
- Place pages with verified hours (Swords Castle, St Columba's Church, Newbridge House) and eat pages with last orders.
- Coastal and weather fixtures so the estuary and Donabate beaches can go green.
Sources
- officialFingal County Council — Welcome to Swords
- officialSwords Castle
- officialNewbridge House & Farm
- officialDublin Bus route 41 timetable
- officialSwords Express
- secondaryWikivoyage: Swords, revision 5223290 (CC BY-SA 4.0)