Skerries – A Charming Coastal Town in County Dublin

Overview

Skerries sits on the north‑east coast of County Dublin, about 30 km (45 min by car) from Dublin city centre. The town grew from a medieval fishing port into a thriving commuter hub, yet it retains a strong sense of place with its harbour, two sandy beaches and a string of historic attractions. Whether you arrive by train, bus or car, the town’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot.

History & Background

The name Skerries derives from the Norse word skere, meaning “rocky islands”. Early records note a monastic settlement on Church Island (St Patrick’s Island) founded in the 5th century, and the area later became a strategic landing point for Viking raids. By the 18th century the town had developed a bustling fishing harbour and a reputation for hand embroidery. The 19th century saw the arrival of the railway (1844) and the construction of the iconic Martello Tower on Red Island, built to deter a possible Napoleonic invasion. Today, the town’s heritage is most visible at Skerries Mills – a restored complex of two windmills, a watermill and a bakery dating back to the 12th century.

What to See & Do

Beaches & Coastal Walks

• South Beach – a 2.5 km sandy strand with low dunes, perfect for a long walk, a dip in the sea or a sunset picnic. The beach is lined by a promenade that gives easy access to the Martello Tower and the three offshore islands (Shenick, St Patrick’s and Colt). The Captains and the Springers are popular concrete‑platform swimming spots on the south side.
• North Beach – a more sheltered cove protected by the headland, ideal for families and paddle‑boarding. The water is calmer, and the beach is flanked by the Red Island promenade.
• Skerries Coastal Walk – a 2.5 km one‑way path that links North and South beaches, looping around Red Island. The route offers panoramic sea views, benches for bird‑watching and occasional interpretive panels about the local geology and history.

Heritage Attractions

• Skerries Mills – the town’s crown jewel. The heritage centre houses three National Monuments: a four‑sail windmill (c. 1460), a five‑sail windmill (c. 1780) and a watermill. Guided tours run daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed on Christmas and New Year). Admission is €12 for adults, €11 for students and seniors, and €31 for a family of two adults plus two children. Saturday visitors can also enjoy the Skerries Mills Farmers Market (10:00‑15:00 in summer, 10:00‑14:00 in winter) where local produce, crafts and baked goods are on sale.
• Ardgillan Castle & Demesne – a Georgian country house set in 81 ha of parkland north of Skerries. The estate features formal gardens, a rose garden, woodland trails and a children’s playground. Guided castle tours run every 15 minutes from 11:00 am to 4:15 pm, seven days a week.
• St Patrick’s Way and Art Trail – a free 5 km walking route that weaves through the town’s seafront, punctuated by five commissioned public‑art pieces. QR‑coded information boards provide insight into local history and the artists’ concepts.
• Martello Tower (Red Island) – a well‑preserved early‑19th‑century defensive tower offering sweeping views of the harbour and the three islands.

Water‑Based Activities

• Sea Kayaking – local outfit Portobello Adventure offers guided tours (≈ €40 per person) that paddle to Shenick Island, Colt Island and St Patrick’s Island. Beginners can join a short introductory session.
• Boat Tours – Skerries Sea Tours runs seasonal trips to Rockabill Lighthouse (≈ 5 km offshore, a major seabird colony) and Lambay Island (the largest private island off the east coast, with historic castle ruins). Tours last 1‑2 hours and include commentary on wildlife and maritime history.
• Stand‑up Paddleboarding – Skerries Watersports provides SUP rentals and sunset paddle tours from the harbour.

Food, Drink & Nightlife

• Stoop Your Head (Harbour Road) – award‑winning seafood gastro‑pub with a view of the boats; famous for its crab claws and chowder.
• The Brick House (Harbour Road) – Spanish‑style tapas bar with a sunset terrace.
• Joe Mays (Harbour Road) – family‑run pub dating back to 1865; outdoor seating overlooks the bay.
• Nealon’s, The Snug, Blue Bar – other popular pubs offering everything from Guinness to craft cocktails.
• Di Vino, Potager, 5 Rock, Olive Café & Deli, Molly’s Café – a range of eateries from Italian pasta to vegetarian café fare.

Sports & Leisure

• Skerries Golf Club – an 18‑hole parkland course founded in 1905, offering sea‑and‑mountain vistas. Online tee‑time booking is available.
• Fishing – the harbour pier yields pollack, mackerel, mullet and coalfish; the rocky outcrops are good for wrasse.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Train – Dublin Pearse or Connolly to Skerries (30‑40 min). Services run every 30‑60 minutes on the Dublin‑Belfast line.
• Bus – Bus Éireann 101 (Dublin‑Busaras to Balbriggan) passes through Skerries; Dublin Bus 33 also connects the town (≈ 90 min from city centre).
• Car – Follow the M1 north; exit 4 for Lusk/Rush/Skerries or exit 6 for Balbriggan. Parking is free in the town centre and at the Mill complex.

Opening Hours & Fees (selected attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

• Summer (June‑August) – longer daylight for the coastal walk, full‑day boat tours to Rockabill and Lambay, and an extended farmers‑market schedule (10:00‑15:00).
• Winter – the Mills remain open, but the market closes at 14:00; the Martello Tower and art trail are still accessible year‑round.

Useful Contacts

• Skerries Mills – website: https://www.skerriesmills.ie/ (tour bookings, market details)
• Skerries Sea Tours – Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/skerriesseatours/
• Portobello Adventure – booking: https://portobelloadventure.ie/booking/sea-kayaking-around-the-skerries-islands/
• Ardgillan Castle – website: https://www.ardgillan-castle.com/

Skerries offers a seamless mix of natural beauty, historic intrigue and modern hospitality, making it an ideal base for a day‑trip from Dublin or a relaxed coastal weekend.