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Swords, Dublin facts for kids
| Swords Sord
Sord Cholmcille
|
|
|---|---|
| Town | |
North Street, Swords
|
|
| Motto: Your Swords, an Emerging City | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Leinster |
| Region | Dublin |
| County | Fingal |
| EU Constituency | Dublin |
| Dáil Constituencies |
Dublin North, Dublin West |
| Local Electoral Areas | Swords, Malahide |
| Founded | 560 |
| County Town | 1994 |
| Founded by | St Colmcille |
| Named for | (possibly) St Colmcille's Well |
| Area | |
| • Swords Local Electoral Area | 114.02 km2 (44.02 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 11.35 km2 (4.38 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 15.99 km2 (6.17 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 1 |
| • Swords CT | 10.21 km2 (3.94 sq mi) |
| • Kinsealy-Drinan CT | 1.14 km2 (0.44 sq mi) |
| Source: CSO Sapmap Viewer | |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | Expression error: Unexpected < operator. m (Expression error: Unexpected < operator. ft) |
| • Width | Expression error: Unexpected < operator. m (Expression error: Unexpected < operator. ft) |
| Highest elevation | 60 m (200 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Swords Local Electoral Area | 68,583 |
| • Rank | 1 |
| • Density | 531/km2 (1,380/sq mi) |
| • Density rank | 1 |
| • Urban | 42,738 |
| • Urban density | 3,765/km2 (9,750/sq mi) |
| • Swords CT | 36,924 |
| • Swords CT density | 3,615/km2 (9,360/sq mi) |
| • Kinsealy-Drinan CT | 5,814 |
| • Kinsealy-Drinan CT density | 5,101/km2 (13,210/sq mi) |
| Source: Census 2011 | |
| Demonym(s) | Fingalian |
| Ethnic or Cultural Background | |
| • White Irish | 30946 |
| • White Other | 7089 |
| • Asian or Asian Irish | 1169 |
| • Black or Black Irish | 1142 |
| • White Irish Traveller | 96 |
| Religion | |
| • Roman Catholic | 34021 |
| • Orthodox | 1335 |
| • Protestant | 944 |
| • Other Christian | 850 |
| • Muslim | 569 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC0) |
| • Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC+1) |
| Postal Hub | DUBLIN K67 |
| Postal Sorting Office | SWORDS |
| Dialing Code | +353(0)1 |
| Geocode | O184469 |
| ISO 3166 code | IE-D |
| Vehicle registration | D |
Swords (from Irish: Sord or Sord Cholmcille) is the county town of Fingal in County Dublin, Ireland. It is variously defined as an expansive satellite town within commuting distance of Dublin city, as a large suburb of the capital and as an emerging city in its own right. It is about 13 km north of Dublin city centre. The name "Swords" may also be applied to the townland, to the civil parish or to the local electoral area. At the 2011, census the total urban population of greater Swords was 42,738 but when local electoral area definitions are taken into account, the population is 68,583. It lies in Dublin's K67 postal code routing area, commonly known as eircode in Ireland. Its proximity to Dublin Airport has made it one of the most significant hubs in the capital - even though it doesn't have its own rail service. However, Dublin's planned metro north will link with Swords.
Fingal County Council's Strategic Vision for Swords is to create a sustainable new city. They have referred to Swords as an "emerging city" and project that the population of Swords will rise towards 100,000 by the year 2035. The town is the seventh largest urban area in the country, and the second largest in County Dublin.
In 2012, Swords was named the third best town in Ireland to live in. The survey conducted by Retail Excellence Ireland took into account safety, retail, dining, entertainment, events, car parking and overall attractiveness of the town. Since the mid-1990s Swords has seen improvements in shop fronts, public buildings and footpaths and the restoration of Swords Castle. In 2003 the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Survey scored Swords the worst litter blackspot in the country. Following a huge improvement to litter in the town, in their 2011 survey Swords was declared the second cleanest town in Ireland.
Contents
History
The town's origins date back to 560 AD when it was founded by Saint Colmcille (521–567). Legend has it that the saint blessed a local well, giving the town its name, Sord, meaning "clear" or "pure". However, An Sord also means "the water source" and could indicate a large communal drinking well that existed in antiquity. St. Colmcille's Well is located on Well Road off Swords Main Street. Sord may also refer to a "sward", an 'expanse of grass'. The most ubiquitous landscape indicators of Early Christian Settlement are the ecclesiastical enclosures. In Swords case the street pattern has been influenced by the circular alignment of the settlement. The medieval town developed in a linear pattern along the Main Street in a north – south direction. Swords has one of the best examples of this settlement pattern in the Dublin region. The round tower, 26m in height, is also an indicator of early Christian settlement. At the northern end of the street stands Swords Castle, 200m northeast of the ecclesiastical site, which was built in the early 13th century. A short distance north of the Castle is an elevation known as Spittal Hill, where a hospital once stood.
In 1994, Swords became the county seat of the new county of Fingal after the breakup of the former County Dublin; in 2001, it also became the administrative centre for Fingal, upon the completion of Fingal's County Hall.
In June 2006, the R.N.L.I. Ireland officially opened its new all-Ireland headquarters at Airside Business Park, within greater Swords. The new Irish H.Q. was officially opened by President Mary McAleese. In attendance at this Presidential ceremony was Admiral Sir Jock Slater, RN, a former British First Sea Lord then serving as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the R.N.L.I..
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of Swords has hugely improved in recent years. In 2003 the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Survey scored Swords the worst litter blackspot in the country. Following a huge improvement to litter in the town, in their 2011 survey Swords was declared the second cleanest town in Ireland.
Historical society
Swords Historical Society was founded in 1982, and its volunteers have worked to record, promote and preserve all aspects of the heritage of the greater Swords area. The Society's Museum and Heritage Centre at the Carnegie Library on North Street is run by volunteers and is open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4.30p.m. There is a collection of old photos and artefacts on display. Their oral history project has produced the annual 'Swords Voices' publication, which has chronicled the memories of local people, thus creating a unique social history of the area.
Geography
Landscape
Swords is situated roughly in the centre of the county of Fingal. The Ward River, from Meath, runs west to east to near the centre of the town, and then turns to run north, before flowing into the Broad Meadow Water or Broadmeadow River. The Broadmeadow, also from Meath, borders the north of the town. It runs from Dunshaughlin in the west and across the north of Swords, before receiving the Ward and flowing into the wide Broadmeadow Estuary, then into the Irish Sea past Malahide. The estuary is crossed by a railway embankment and bridge from Malahide.
Swords is surrounded by a green belt. Dublin Airport has prevented the town from expanding further south and the large Broadmeadow Estuary and town of Malahide limit expansion further east. To the north and west of Swords there is sparsely-populated, relatively flat, farmland.
Townlands and baronies
The civil parish of Swords mainly lies in the ancient barony of Nethercross. Swords Demesne is the name of the townland in the heart of the urban town of Swords. It is one of 58 such geographic units in the civil parish. However, a single parcel of land, 5 acres in extent, is situated in the barony of Coolock as an exclave of the parish proper.
There are 10 townlands in the electoral division of Swords which is not co-terminous with the parish.
Urban layout
The main retail area is located in the centre of the town, and includes the Main Street, with the Pavilions and Swords Central shopping centres, Swords Plaza and Swords Town Mall. Most civic faciities are also in this central area, with some subsidiary shopping and civic centres in surrounding housing areas.
The west of the urban area is mainly residential, with the neighbourhoods of Applewood, Rathbeale and Brackenstown to the north of the Ward River and Knocksedan, River Valley, Rathingle and Boroimhe to the south side of the river.
The main business and industrial areas are located to the east of the town centre, along the R132 dual carriageway. These include Balheary Industrial Park, Swords Business Campus, Swords Business Park, and the Airside campus (Business Park, Retail Park and Motor Park). The neighbourhoods of Seatown, Holywell and Drynam are also to the east of the town core.
Climate
The climate of Swords is, like the rest of Ireland, classified as a maritime temperate climate (Cfb) according to the Köppen climate classification system. It is mild and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August with temperatures of around 17 – 20 degrees. Swords gets rainfall all year round and the wettest months are October to January.
| Climate data for Swords (Dublin Airport) (1981–2010 averages) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 16.5 (61.7) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.2 (63) |
20.5 (68.9) |
23.5 (74.3) |
25.7 (78.3) |
27.6 (81.7) |
28.7 (83.7) |
24.6 (76.3) |
21.0 (69.8) |
18.0 (64.4) |
16.2 (61.2) |
28.7 (83.7) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 8.1 (46.6) |
8.3 (46.9) |
10.2 (50.4) |
12.1 (53.8) |
14.8 (58.6) |
17.6 (63.7) |
19.5 (67.1) |
19.2 (66.6) |
17.0 (62.6) |
13.6 (56.5) |
10.3 (50.5) |
8.3 (46.9) |
13.3 (55.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 5.3 (41.5) |
5.3 (41.5) |
6.8 (44.2) |
8.3 (46.9) |
10.9 (51.6) |
13.6 (56.5) |
15.6 (60.1) |
15.3 (59.5) |
13.4 (56.1) |
10.5 (50.9) |
7.4 (45.3) |
5.6 (42.1) |
9.8 (49.6) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 2.4 (36.3) |
2.3 (36.1) |
3.4 (38.1) |
4.6 (40.3) |
6.9 (44.4) |
9.6 (49.3) |
11.7 (53.1) |
11.5 (52.7) |
9.8 (49.6) |
7.3 (45.1) |
4.5 (40.1) |
2.8 (37) |
6.4 (43.5) |
| Record low °C (°F) | -9.5 (14.9) |
-6.7 (19.9) |
-7.9 (17.8) |
-4.0 (24.8) |
-1.6 (29.1) |
2.1 (35.8) |
4.6 (40.3) |
2.4 (36.3) |
1.2 (34.2) |
-3.3 (26.1) |
-8.4 (16.9) |
-12.2 (10) |
-12.2 (10) |
| Rainfall mm (inches) | 62.6 (2.465) |
48.8 (1.921) |
52.7 (2.075) |
54.1 (2.13) |
59.5 (2.343) |
66.7 (2.626) |
56.2 (2.213) |
73.3 (2.886) |
59.5 (2.343) |
79.0 (3.11) |
72.9 (2.87) |
72.7 (2.862) |
758.0 (29.843) |
| % Humidity | 80.6 | 75.7 | 71.0 | 68.3 | 68.0 | 68.3 | 69.0 | 69.3 | 71.5 | 75.1 | 80.3 | 83.1 | 73.3 |
| Avg. rainy days | 17 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 191 |
| Avg. snowy days | 4.6 | 4.2 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 2.9 | 16.6 |
| Source: Met Éireann | |||||||||||||
Demographics
- See also: Demographics of Swords
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1821 | 1,727 | — |
| 1831 | 2,537 | +46.9% |
| 1841 | 1,788 | −29.5% |
| 1851 | 1,294 | −27.6% |
| 1861 | 1,296 | +0.2% |
| 1871 | 1,008 | −22.2% |
| 1881 | 1,088 | +7.9% |
| 1891 | 983 | −9.7% |
| 1901 | 944 | −4.0% |
| 1911 | 907 | −3.9% |
| 1926 | 839 | −7.5% |
| 1936 | 838 | −0.1% |
| 1946 | 703 | −16.1% |
| 1951 | 1,136 | +61.6% |
| 1956 | 1,629 | +43.4% |
| 1961 | 1,816 | +11.5% |
| 1966 | 1,892 | +4.2% |
| 1971 | 4,133 | +118.4% |
| 1981 | 11,138 | +169.5% |
| 1986 | 15,312 | +37.5% |
| 1991 | 17,705 | +15.6% |
| 1996 | 22,314 | +26.0% |
| 2002 | 27,175 | +21.8% |
| 2006 | 37,762 | +39.0% |
| 2011 | 42,738 | +13.2% |
Swords has developed into one of the largest urban areas in Ireland. The town's population boom began in the 1970s with the construction of the sprawling Rivervalley Estate, then Ireland's largest private housing development, ahead of Kilnamanagh Estate in Tallaght North. It continued during the 1990s and 2000s, with many new residents moving to the area due to its proximity to work at Dublin Airport and various industrial estates.
At the 2011 census the total urban population of greater Swords was 42,738. This wider area of Swords had a population density in 2011 of 3765/km2, making it the most densely populated urban area in Ireland.
Fingal County Council have referred to Swords as an "Emerging City", and have suggested that the town's (or city's) population may reach 100,000 by 2035.
Transport
- See also: Transport in Dublin
Roads
- See also: List of roads in Swords
Swords has good road links due to its proximity to Dublin city, which is the main focus for the Irish road network. The M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway passes along the eastern edge of the town and is the main route to/from Dublin City, Drogheda, Dundalk and Northern Ireland. The M50 Dublin semi-orbital motorway passes to the south of the town and provides connections with all of the other main roads out of Dublin (N2, N3, N4, N7, N81 and M11). The R132 dual-carriageway by-passes the centre of Swords, and runs south to Dublin Airport and north to Balbriggan. The proposed Swords Western Ring Road dual carriageway will run from the M1 at Lissenhall, north of Swords, along the western edge of Swords to the M2 motorway at Cherryhound. It will improve access to the western side of Swords and will also create a full ring road. Other main roads from Swords include the R106 to Malahide and Portmarnock, R108 to Ballyboughal and Naul, R125 to Ashbourne and the M2 motorway, R126 to Donabate and Portrane and R127 to Lusk and Skerries.
| M1 Motorway Junction List (Swords area) | ||
| Northbound exits (read up) | Junction | Southbound exits (read down) |
| M1 continues towards Drogheda, Dundalk and Belfast | — | M1 from Belfast, Dundalk and Drogheda |
| Balbriggan (R132) |  |
Lusk, Rush (R132) |
| Lusk services |  |
Lusk services |
| Skerries, Rush, Donabate (R132 (R126)) |  |
Swords (North), Malahide, Donabate (R132 (R126)) |
| Swords (Centre) (R125) |  |
No exit |
| Dublin Airport, Swords (South) (R132) |  |
Dublin Airport, Swords (South) (R132) |
| Start of M1 motorway |  |
Malahide (N32), ALL OTHER ROUTES (M50 ) Motorway continues as M50 for Dublin and Dublin Port |
| R132 Dual Carriageway Junction List (Swords area) | ||
| Northbound (read up) | Junction | Southbound (read down) |
| R132 continues towards Balbriggan | — | R132 from Balbriggan |
| Services | Turvey Roundabout | Donabate, Turvey Avenue (L2136) |
| Bealinstown, Batter Lane | Tesco Roundabout | Tesco Ireland Distribution Centre |
| Belfast, Balbriggan (M1 ) |
Lissenhall Interchange | Donabate (R126), Dublin (M1 ) |
| Ennis Lane, Emmaus Retreat Centre | — | Estuary Centre |
| Town Centre, Applewood, Ashbourne (R125) | Estuary Roundabout | Fingallians GAA, Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant (L1241) |
| No right turn | — | Seatown Road |
| Town Centre, Swords Castle, Rathbeale Road | Seatown Roundabout | Seatown, Broadmeadow Estuary, Swords Recycling Centre |
| No right turn | — | Swords Business Park |
| Town Centre, Pavilions Shopping Centre | Malahide Road Roundabout | Malahide (R106), Kinsealy, Drynam (L2065) |
| Pavilions Shopping Centre | — | No right turn |
| Town Centre, Highfields | Pinnock Hill Roundabout | Airside Retail Park, Holywell, Dublin (R125 (M1 )) |
| Boroimhe, River Valley (L2300) | Nevinstown Cross | Airside Retail Park, Holywell (L2203) |
| No right turn | — | Kettles Lane, Kingdom Hall (L2060) |
| Naul, St. Margarets (L2020) | Cloghran Roundabout | Baskin, National Show Centre |
| No right turn | — | Stockhole Lane |
| Dublin Airport Terminals 1 & 2 | Airport Roundabout | Dublin, Belfast (M1 ) |
| Dublin Airport Terminals 1,2 & Cargo | Corballis Cross | Red Long Term parking, ALSAA |
| Ballymun, Blue Long Term parking (L2015) | Collinstown Cross | Dardistown Cemetery |
| R132 from Santry | — | R132 continues towards Santry |
Bus
The town's Main Street is served by Dublin Bus routes 33, 33a, 33b, 33n, 41, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41n, 41x, 42n, 43, 102 and 142, Bus Éireann routes 101 and 101n, and Swords Express routes 500, 500x, 501, 501x and 502. Buses operate between Swords and Dublin city centre approximately every 5 minutes throughout the day, through a combination of Dublin Bus routes 33, 41, 41b, 41c, 41n, 41x & 43, with a journey time of about an hour. Swords Express operate express services through the Dublin Port Tunnel which take about 35 minutes. Other buses serving Swords include Dublin Bus route 102 to Malahide, Portmarnock and Sutton, route 33b to Donabate and Portrane, routes 33 and 33a to Lusk, Rush, Skerries, and Balbriggan and Bus Éireann route 101 to Balbriggan, Julianstown and Drogheda. Connect Bus and Coach operate route H1 every 20 minutes between Dublin Airport and the Travelodge Hotel in Swords.
There are a large range of long distance bus services from the Atrium Road and Coach Park in Dublin Airport to various locations throughout the country operated by Bus Éireann and other private companies, including 50 daily services to Belfast (route 1/X2 & Aircoach), 12 to Derry (route 33 & John Mc Ginley), 11 to Letterkenny (route 32 & John Mc Ginley), 9 to Donegal (route 30), 3 to Sligo (route 23), 1 to Ballina (route 22), 52 to Galway (route 20, Citylink & gobus), 14 to Limerick (route 12 & JJ Kavanagh), 24 to Cork (GoBé & Aircoach), 6 to Clonmel (JJ Kavanagh), 21 to Waterford (route 4/X4 & JJ Kavanagh) and 31 to Wexford (route 2, Ardcavan & Wexford Bus).
Rail
Swords has no railway services. The nearest railway stations are Malahide Station and Donabate Station. Malahide is served by the frequent Dublin area rapid transit service to Bray, through the city centre. Both Malahide and Donabate are served by Dublin – Drogheda commuter services.
Metro
The Dublin – Swords route is the busiest bus corridor in the country, and there are plans for a new light rapid transit line along the route. The future Metro North line is proposed to run from St Stephen's Green in Dublin City Centre to Swords via the Mater Hospital, Drumcondra Railway Station, Dublin City University, Ballymun and Dublin Airport. Due to the financial situation, the €2.5 billion project was deferred, to be reconsidered should funding become available.
In 2015, the Government announced that Metro North would be redesigned to a cheaper cost. Construction of the line would begin in 2021 and be completed by 2026. It is planned to carry over 34 million passengers a year and have capacity for 20,000 passengers an hour in each direction. Trains will run up to every 2 minutes during peak times.
Three stops have been proposed in or near the Swords area:
- Estuary – at the edge of Balheary Park, would serve passengers for north Swords and the Applewood and Balheary areas
- Swords Central – planned to run in the median of the R132 adjacent to the Pavilions Shopping Centre and Barrysparks future development lands, would serve passengers for the town centre and Brackenstown and Swords Manor areas
- Fosterstown – adjacent to Airside Retail Park, would serve passengers in River Valley / Boroimhe / Holywell areas – would also include a 300-space "park-and-ride" facility
- Airport – between Terminals 1 and 2 in Dublin airport, to serve air passengers and workers
A further three stops were originally proposed but were refused planning permission. The reasons were mainly because of a lack of development in the area, so these stops could possibly be built in the future following development in the relevant areas:
- Belinstown – originally proposed to include a 3000-space "park-and-ride" facility just off the M1, for passengers travelling from places north of Swords
- Lissenhall – north of Estuary stop
- Seatown – between Estuary and Swords stops, refused because Estuary and Swords stops were considered close enough for passengers
Belinstown was originally proposed as the location for the metro depot, which would have created a lot of jobs for the Swords area. But planning permission was refused for all of the line north of the Estuary Stop, including the depot. It is now proposed to locate the depot in Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport.
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport, the main airport in Ireland, is located at Collinstown, several kilometres to the south of Swords. The airport has direct flights to Britain, Europe, North America, North Africa and the Middle East. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the largest operators from the airport. In 2011, 18.7 million passengers passed through the airport, making it the busiest on the island airports by total passenger traffic. There are approximately 50 daily departures from Dublin to all six London airports (Stansted, Luton, Gatwick, Heathrow, London City and Southend). As of 2014, Dublin – London is the world's 2nd busiest international air route, behind Hong Kong - Taipei. There are over 40 daily departures to other UK airports.
Knocksedan Heliport
Knocksedan Heliport is a private heliport on the western side of Swords, run by Celtic Helicopters. The heliport has four hangars and they provide a helicopter wash facility and Jet A1 Fuel. Irish Helicopters also use the heliport. They provide aerial crane, filming and survey services, helicopter charter and maintenance, spraying and special project services.
Features and historical attractions
Some historical attractions are listed below. Many of these are promoted by Swords Historical Society.
Swords Castle
Main page: Swords Castle
Swords Castle was built as the manorial residence of the 1st Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn, around 1200 or a little later in Swords, just north of Dublin. It was never strong in the military sense, but covers a large pentagonal walled area of nearly 1.5 acres (6,000 m2) with a tower on the north, probably the Constable's residence, and an impressive gateway complex on the south. The warder may have occupied the quarters to the left of the gate, while to the right was the janitor's room with the priest's room overhead. The adjoining chapel, built in the late thirteenth century, was probably used as the Archbishop's private oratory.
Other buildings, recorded in an inquisition in 1326, have now vanished, including the great hall on the east side of the enclosure. The Archbishop abandoned Swords once a new palace was built at Tallaght in 1324 – a move no doubt encouraged by damage sustained during Bruce's campaign of 1317. The stepped battlements suggest some form of occupancy during the fifteenth century, but by 1583, when briefly occupied by Dutch Protestants, it was described as "the quite spoiled old castle". It was used as a garden in the nineteenth century and sold after the Church of Ireland was disestablished.
Swords Castle is undergoing a significant redevelopment and is intended to become a tourist attraction. The newly renovated castle was used as a film location for the production of TV series The Tudors in spring 2010. Swords Castle and Courtyard is open to the public from Monday to Friday by appointment only by calling 01 890 5600.
St. Colmcille's Well
On Well Road, and also known as St. Columb's Well. In a locked chamber. Reputed to be where Swords got its name when St. Colmcille blessed the well of clear water, 'Sord' being the Irish for 'clear or pure'.
St. Columba's Church, Belfry & Round Tower
The round tower is the surviving remnant of St. Colmcille's monastic settlement. The only remaining relic of the medieval church is its belfry, from c. 1300, which is open to the public in summertime, when fine days afford the visitor a view of four counties from the tower's height. The original church is said to have fallen into ruin sometime in the seventeenth century. The new church of early Gothic style was built in 1811 on the foundations of the old. The Sexton's Lodge is also of architectural interest and was built in 1870. The body of Brian Boru was said to have been brought there in 1014 to be waked after the Battle of Clontarf, while on the way to be buried in Armagh.
Old Vicarage
Dating from around 1730, the Old Vicarage is now an apartment complex with part of original building retained.
Old Borough School
Located on Main Street, the building was designed by noted architect of the time, Francis Johnston. The story of the school is well documented.
In 2015, Wetherspoon bought the premises, and now operate The Old Borough as a public house.
St. Colmcille’s RC Church
On Chapel Lane, a pre-Catholic Emancipation church built in 1827 on a site donated by James Taylor of Swords House. The graveyard contains many interesting headstones, including one for nationalist politician Andrew Kettle, who was known as "Parnell’s Righthand Man."
The Courthouse
Designed by Alexander Tate, Swords Courthouse is located on North Street, and was built in 1845 in Classical style.
Teachers' residences
North Street – built in 1890. Now part of Fingal Community College.
Carnegie Library
North Street, built in 1909. Redbrick building typical early 20th century. Now houses Swords Museum/Fingal Genealogy Centre.
Fingal County Hall
The award-winning modern Fingal County Hall by Bucholz McEvoy architects dominates the northern end of Main Street. It is built on the site of Swords House, the home of the Norman family, the Taylors of Swords. Records show the family arrived there in the 13th century and built a 'Mansion House' in 1403.
Leisure facilities
Ward River Valley Park
The Ward River Valley Park is a linear park on the banks of the Ward River approaching town. It covers an area of 89 ha. (220 acres) between Swords town centre and Knocksedan Bridge. Features of interest include some 12th-century fortifications, woodland habitats, wetlands and rolling grassland. There are viewing points, picnic sites, sports pitches and tennis courts.
Swords Town Park (with Swords Castle)
Swords Town Park is a small park situated in the centre of the town of Swords, along the Ward River. It has tennis courts and a playground. Swords Castle lies within the park. It is the former residence of the Archbishop of Dublin and it is the only fortified residence of the Archbishop to survive in a reasonable state today (see above).
Balheary Park
Balheary Park is north of the town centre near the confluence of the Broadmeadow River and the Ward River, which flow to the northern and southern edges of the park. It meets Swords Business Campus / Balheary Business Park on three sides, and has some playing pitches which are used by St. Colmcille's GAA club. In mid-2006, Fingal County Council built a skatepark and adjoining basketball courts/football court in Balheary Park. The park contains a bowl, a vertwall, a spine, some quarterpipes, and a section of boxes in the middle of the park.
Broadmeadow River Linear Park
The Broadmeadow Linear Park is a small park north of Applewood along the Broadmeadow River. Fingal County Council plan to extend the park eastwards to Balheary Park and westwards into the proposed Swords Regional Park.
Proposed Swords Regional Park
A 65 ha. new regional park for Swords is to be formed north-east of Swords, stretching from the Rathbeale Road to the Broadmeadow River. The park will be immediately west of Oldtown and adjoining and ultimately extending into the Broadmeadow River Valley Linear Park. The Park will serve Swords and its hinterland, and will comprise active recreational and passive activities, commensurate with the Council's vision for the emerging city of Swords.
National Show Centre
A little south of Swords, the National Show Centre is a modern exhibition and conference venue near to Dublin Airport. It is owned by the Irish Kennel Club, who use it as their main venue for dog shows in Ireland.
The National Show Centre is used as the count centre during elections for the Dublin Fingal constituency.
Events
Fingal Film Festival
Is an annual festival for independent filmmakers Website
Fingal Horticultural Show
The Fingal Horticultural Society holds their annual flower show in Swords every August. It includes competition classes in Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets, Pot Plants, Flower Arranging, Fruit, Vegetables, Cookery, Wine Making, Photography, Painting and Handcrafts, as well as special classes for children. The Fingal Horticultural Society also hold an annual Garden Competition, Allotment Competition and Pub Frontage Competition in Swords.
Flavours of Fingal Agricultural Show
The first Flavours of Fingal Show took place on the 21 and 22 July 2012 in Newbridge House near Donabate. The Flavours of Fingal Show combined the sights and sounds of an agricultural show. The farm section of the two-day show featured a program of livestock and sheep competitions, equestrian contests and other agricultural displays. Meanwhile, the historic walled garden of Newbridge House hosted the food producers section of the show and features an array of favourite local delights, cooking demos and all things food in Fingal. Also on offer over the course of the weekend were family and musical entertainment and a programme of walks, talks and festival antics.
Dog shows
In 2012 over 80 dog shows were held in the National Show Centre. The Celtic Winners Dog Show, held on St. Patrick's Day, is the most prestigious dog show in the country.
Fingal 10k Road Race
The first ever Fingal 10k Road Race took place on 22 July 2012 around the streets of Swords. It was part of the Dublin Race Series and over 4200 people entered. Michael MacDiarmada was the winner in a time of 00:31:31 and Siobhan O' Doherty was the first woman over the line in a time of 00:35:30. The event went well and since it has been run ever year.
Religion
| Population by religion (Census 2011) | Persons |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | 34021 |
| Orthodox (Greek, Coptic, Russian) | 1335 |
| Church of Ireland, England, Anglican, Episcopalian | 944 |
| Apostolic or Pentecostal | 201 |
| Presbyterian | 195 |
| Other Christian religion | 454 |
| Total Christian religions | 37150 |
| Muslim (Islamic) | 579 |
| Other stated religions | 1003 |
| No religion | 3006 |
| Not stated | 1000 |
| Total Population | 42738 |
Christianity
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Swords. The town has six Roman Catholic churches. St. Colmcille's, the Church of the Visitation and Our Lady Queen of Heaven are all within Swords parish. St. Cronan's and St. Finian's each belong to distinct parishes, while the Church of the Immacuate Conception lies within Donabate parish. There are also a further eight Christian churches and a retreat centre.
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- St. Colmcille's Church, Chapel Lane
- St. Cronan's Church, Brackenstown
- St. Finian's Church, River Valley
- Church of the Visitation, Drynam
- Church of the Immacuate Conception, Balheary
- Our Lady Queen of Heaven Chapel, Dublin Airport
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- St. Columba's Church of Ireland, Church Road
- Baptist
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- Swords Baptist Church, Drynam (under construction – meeting in St. Finian's Community College)
- Lighthouse Baptist Church, Seatown West
- Other Protestant and evangelical
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- Apostolic Faith Church (meets in St. Columba's Parish Centre)
- Churchtown Trust, Rathbeale Road
- Welcome to Church, North Street Business Park
- Non Chalcedonian
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- The Syriac Orthodox Church – meets as the St. Ignatius Jacobite Congregation in St Columba's Church (Church of Ireland), Church Road, Swords
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- Jehovah's Witnesses, Kingdom Hall, Kettles Lane
- Retreat centre
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- Emmaus Retreat and Conference Centre, Lissenhall (includes private chapel and 2 prayer rooms)
Islam
- The Dublin Welfare Society manage a makeshift mosque in a Swords industrial estate
Images for kids
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Pavilions Shopping Centre