Overview
Skerries has two sandy beaches, a working fishing harbour lined with seafood pubs, and a skyline of windmills, all 30 km up the coast from Dublin and about 35 minutes by train. Once a modest fishing port, it’s now a coastal commuter town that has kept its maritime character. The compact layout means you can cover the main sights on foot in an afternoon, whether you’re stopping for a few hours or making a day of it.
History & Background
The name Skerries comes from the Old Norse skere, meaning ‘rocky islands’. Long before it was a seaside retreat, the area was shaped by early monks and Viking raiders: St Patrick is said to have landed on Church Island (St Patrick’s Island) around AD 432, and Vikings raided the monastery there in AD 797. By the 18th century Skerries was a busy fishing harbour and a centre for hand embroidery, and the arrival of the railway in 1844 connected it to Dublin and brought the first tourists. The 19th century left two Martello towers, on Red Island and Shenick Island, built against the threat of a Napoleonic invasion. Milling on the site of Skerries Mills goes back to the 12th century.
What to See & Do
Beaches & Coastal Walks
Skerries has two distinct sandy beaches linked by a coastal path.
- South Beach – A wide, 2.5 km stretch of sand backed by low dunes, good for long walks, swimming and sunset picnics. A promenade runs its length, with easy access to the harbour and clear sightlines to the three offshore islands. Concrete platforms known as The Captains and The Springers give sheltered spots for a dip.
- North Beach – A calmer, more sheltered cove behind the headland. A reliable choice for families and paddleboarders, with gentler water and a promenade alongside Red Island.
- Skerries Coastal Walk – A 1.5 km path linking North and South beaches around the headland, with uninterrupted sea views, benches for birdwatching, and panels on local geology and maritime history.
Heritage & Culture
The town’s historic buildings and public art are easy to reach and mostly free.
- Skerries Mills – The town’s standout attraction, protecting three national monuments: a four-sail windmill (first recorded in the late 1500s), a five-sail windmill (c. 1780) and a 13th-century watermill. Guided tours run daily, 10:00–17:00 (closed Christmas and New Year). Admission is €12 for adults, €11 for students and seniors, and €31 for a family ticket. On Saturdays the Skerries Mills Farmers Market runs 10:00–14:00, with local produce, crafts and baked goods.
- St Patrick’s Way and Art Trail – A free 5 km walking route along the seafront and through the town centre, marked by five commissioned artworks, each with a QR-coded board explaining the local history and the artist’s idea.
- Martello Tower (Red Island) – A well-preserved early-19th-century coastal defence tower, with clear views across the harbour and the offshore islands.
- Ardgillan Castle & Demesne – Just north of town, a Georgian estate in 81 hectares of parkland, with formal gardens, woodland trails and a children’s playground. Castle tours run every 15 minutes from 11:00 to 16:15, seven days a week. Grounds entry is free; castle tours cost €5.
Water-Based Activities
The sheltered harbour and nearby islands make Skerries a practical launch point for coastal trips.
- Sea Kayaking – Portobello Adventure runs guided trips to Shenick Island, Colt Island and St Patrick’s Island. Tours cost around €40 per person, with shorter introductory sessions for beginners.
- Boat Tours – Skerries Sea Tours runs seasonal trips to Rockabill Lighthouse (about 5 km offshore, known for its seabird colonies) and Lambay Island (the largest private island off the east coast, with historic castle ruins). Trips last 1–2 hours with commentary on wildlife and maritime history.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Skerries Watersports hires SUPs and runs guided sunset paddles from the harbour.
Food & Drink
The harbour front is lined with pubs and cafés. Stoop Your Head on Harbour Road is the one for seafood – crab claws and chowder above all. The Brick House serves Spanish-style tapas on a terrace with sunset views, and Joe Mays, a family-run pub going back to 1865, has outdoor seating over the bay. Other reliable spots include Nealon’s, The Snug and Blue Bar for drinks, while Di Vino, Potager, 5 Rock, Olive Café & Deli and Molly’s Café cover everything from Italian pasta to vegetarian café fare.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Train – Skerries is on the Dublin–Belfast line. Trains from Dublin Connolly take about 35 minutes, run roughly every half hour, and cost from €4 each way.
- Bus – Dublin Bus routes 33 and 33A connect the town with the city centre, though the trip is closer to 90 minutes.
- Car – Take the M1 north and use exit 4 (Lusk/Rush/Skerries) or exit 6 (Balbriggan).
Parking
Town-centre parking is pay-and-display, Monday to Saturday 8:00–18:00, with some areas giving a free first hour. The free spaces by the Mill complex are the ones to aim for; the train station has paid parking.
Opening Hours & Fees
- Skerries Mills: 10:00–17:00 daily (closed Christmas & New Year). Adult €12, Student/Senior €11, Family €31.
- Ardgillan Castle: Grounds open 11:00–16:15 daily. Castle tours €5.
- St Patrick’s Way & Art Trail: Open 24 hours. Free entry.
- Skerries Golf Club: 07:00–19:00 (seasonal). Green fees vary; online booking required.
Seasonal Tips
Summer (June–August) brings longer days for the coastal walks and a fuller schedule for boat tours and the farmers market; lifeguards patrol the beaches in the season. In winter the Mills and art trail stay open, though the market still closes at 14:00. Dogs are generally welcome on both beaches, but seasonal leashing rules apply in peak summer weeks – check the harbour-side signage for current restrictions.
For a day visit, the efficient route is to park by the Mill complex, walk the coastal path to South Beach, and finish with a harbour-side lunch. The compact size means you can cover the main sights, grab a coffee and catch a train back to Dublin in a single afternoon.
