Dublin - Surroundings

Ardgillan Castle, built in 1738, perches overlooking the Irish Sea north of Dublin. It was in private hands until 1962 and only recently was opened to the public and after being restored in its Georgian/Victorian style. The estate sits on 194 acres of pasturelands and woodlands with extensive walking trails and coastal views.

From Skerries the R127 runs along the coast to Balbriggan on the River Delvin, a quiet seaside resort with lovely beaches and a 9-hole golf course. Its stocking factories, established in the 18th C., still play an important part in the local economy.

This walled garden contains an excellent collection of perennial plants, including some rare rhododendrons, orchids and mountain daisies from New Zealand.

Offshore of Skerries is a little islet, one of a group of three, called Colt Island.

On the coast to the east of Lusk is the village of Rush, a bulb-growing center. From here a boat can be taken to Lambay Island. In the eighth century the island was the scene of one of the first Viking incursions and fortifications dating from about 1550 can still be seen. The rocky islet of Porphyry (highest point 427ft/130m) is now a bird sanctuary.

North of Donabate the R127 diverges off the N1 on the right for Lusk, which has a round tower (National Monument), all that remains of a ninth century monastery suppressed by the Anglo-Normans. The square tower belongs to a later structure. The church (1847) contains a number of good medieval tombs.

The belfry houses an exhibition on medieval churches of North County Dublin and also the 16th C. effigy tomb of Sir Christopher Barnewall and his wife Marion Sharl.

Going north along the N1 from Swords and taking the R126 after 2mi/3km is Donabate. Here in Newbridge House and in the surrounding park and farmland a museum was opened in 1992, with the object of portraying rural life in Ireland as it was in the 18th C. The buildings open to visitors include Newbridge House itself, as well as the adjoining farm with its animals and 18th C. equipment.

The N1, going north from Dublin, runs through Santry. St Pappin's Church (1709) has a 14th C. font, a reredos of 1709 and a fine pulpit. In the churchyard is the 17th C. tomb of Richard Barry and his wife.

Offshore of Skerries is a little islet, one of a group of three, called Shenick's Island (which can be reached by foot at low water) with a Martello tower. Further out to sea on Rockabill there is a lighthouse.

From Lusk the R127 passes the ruined church (15th C.: National Monument) and castle of Baldongan to Skerries (good sandy beach, 18-hole golf course).

Offshore of Skerries is a little islet, one of a group of three, called St Patrick's Island, with a ruined church.

Driving from Dublin 2mi/3km north of Santry, on the N1, is Swords, with the ruins of Swords Castle (13th-15th C.; National Monument). The castle, pentagonal in plan, was the seat of the archbishops of Dublin. It preserves a chapel, the gatehouse and towers. Adjoining the village church are a 74ft/22.5m high round tower (entrance and roof modern) and the tower (14th C.) of a former monastic church.