landmark
Dublin Zoo
Ireland's largest zoo in Phoenix Park, one of the oldest zoos in Europe, home to over 400 animals.
13 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeIrelandLeinster
Swords
Leinster, Ireland · Europe
About Swords
Swords works well as a base: 10 minutes from Malahide, 29km from Hill of Tara.
Swords is a town located in Leinster, Ireland. With a population of 42,738, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Swords sits in Ireland, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/Dublin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Swords to your route.
About Swords
Fingal (English: FING-gawl; from Irish Fine Gall, meaning 'foreign tribe') is a county in Ireland. It is in the province of Leinster and is part of the Eastern and Midland Region. It is one of three successor counties to County Dublin, which was disestablished for administrative purposes in 1994. Its name is derivedRead more
from the medieval territory of Scandinavian foreigners (Irish: gaill) that settled in the area. Fingal County Council is the local authority for the county. In 2022 the population of the county was 330,506, making it the second most populated council in Dublin and the third most populous county in the state.
Where to Stay in Swords
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Swords?
Swords offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Swords?
Plan your road trip to Swords with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Swords as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Swords located?
Swords is located in Leinster, Ireland, Europe. The coordinates are 53.4597 latitude, -6.2181 longitude.
What is the population of Swords?
Swords has a population of approximately 42,738 people, making it a town in Ireland.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 42,738
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Ireland
- Region
- Leinster
- Timezone
- Europe/Dublin
- Coordinates
- 53.4597, -6.2181
Tags
Worth the detour from Swords
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral
Ireland's largest cathedral and national cathedral of the Church of Ireland, once led by Jonathan Swift.
14 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Howth Cliff Walk
A looped cliff path around Howth Head with views to Ireland's Eye and the Wicklow mountains, easily reached from Dublin.
14 km · about 25 min drive
ancient ruins
Hill of Tara
The ceremonial seat of the High Kings of Ireland, a set of grassy earthworks with the Lia Fáil standing stone on top.
29 km · about 35 min drive
ancient ruins
Newgrange
A 5,200-year-old passage tomb in Ireland's Boyne Valley, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, famous for its winter solstice illumination of the inner chamber.
31 km · about 35 min drive
ancient ruins
Knowth
A great passage tomb in the Boyne Valley ringed by kerbstones carrying the largest collection of megalithic art in Europe.
32 km · about 35 min drive
waterfall
Powerscourt Waterfall
Ireland's highest waterfall at 121 metres, cascading down a rock face in the beautiful Powerscourt Estate in the Wicklow Mountains.
35 km · about 40 min drive
mountain pass
Sally Gap
A high crossroads pass over the Wicklow Mountains amid blanket bog, with the famous Military Road running through.
36 km · about 40 min drive
Driving roads near Swords
- Right hereHowth Cliff WalkA looped cliff path around Howth Head with views to Ireland's Eye and the Wicklow mountains, easily reached from Dublin.
- 36 kmSally GapA high crossroads pass over the Wicklow Mountains amid blanket bog, with the famous Military Road running through.
- 39 kmLough Tay (Guinness Lake)A dark lake with a pale sand beach at one end, viewed from the R759 above; used as the Viking village in the series Vikings.
- 48 kmWicklow GapHigh mountain pass on the R756 across the Wicklow Mountains between Hollywood and Glendalough, following the medieval pilgrims' route of St Kevin's Road through wild granite moorland.
- 51 kmThe Spinc, GlendaloughA boardwalk ridge walk high above the Upper Lake at Glendalough, climbing beside the Poulanass waterfall.
- 67 kmVale of AvocaA wooded river valley on the R752 in Wicklow at the meeting of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers.
Driving in Ireland
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.78/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€2.10/100km
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
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