Swords Travel Guide, Ireland

Swords, Ireland - Overview

The origin of the town of Swords dates back to 560. Located very close to the Dublin Airport, the town was established by Saint Colmcille. The town derives its name from the word ‘Sord’ meaning ‘clear’ or ‘pure’. According to a legend, the saint showered his blessings on a local well. And that’s how Swords got its name. Sub-urban Swords turned into a county seat as the former county Dublin split up in 1994.

Today, Swords is a bustling town and the rapid growth is expected to carry on in the next 20 years as well. The town has gained importance also due to its positioning in the vicinity of the Dublin Airport. Large expanses of green can be noticed in the northern and western parts of the town. Latest developments continue to give Swords a new face. The Pavilions Shopping Mall and the M1 motorway are among the most recent improvements in the town.

The burgeoning population (33,998 as per the 2206 census) of Swords has made it the third largest town in Ireland. For many years, Swords had fallen into a state of disrepair. It was after 2004 that developments began in the town to turn it into a suburb, unlike the rural town of Lusk or Rush. Today, the Main Street is lined up with a number of bars, pubs and nightclubs.

To make Swords even more tourist friendly, renovation works are going on in full swing. The very popular Swords Castle is being revived to make it an important centre of attraction for travelers coming here. The Pavilions Centre, a modern shopping junction, is also in an extension mode.

Travelers from all around keep flocking to Swords as it is fast becoming a favorite holiday destination of all. Not only because of what awaits one in the town, but also because what surrounds it. A number of towns, parks and other tourist attractions encircle the suburb of Swords. Malahide, Croke Park and North Bull Island are some of the most famous places to see during your visit to Swords.