Skerries Attractions
Skerries Mills
A beautifully restored complex featuring working windmills and a watermill. Take a guided tour to learn about the milling process and the history of this 12th-century site.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Skerries South Beach
A beautiful sandy beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag status. Perfect for swimming, walking, and water sports with stunning views of the Skerries Islands.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ardgillan Castle & Demesne
A stunning 18th-century country house set in 200 acres of parkland with beautiful gardens, woodland walks, and spectacular views of the Irish Sea.
Distance: 3 miles
Hours: Park: Daily, 8:00 AM - dusk; Castle tours: Wed-Sun, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Baldongan castle and church
The ruins at Baldongan are all that is left of a large castle and church. The castle was built around a large quadrangular (four sided) court. The castle had four square towers at each corner. The church was adjoining the castle. Originally the Knights Templar built this fortress in the 13th century on the site of an ancient (fort). The knights Templar were a semi-military religious order, founded in 1119. They took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and devoted themselves to the recovery of Palestine from the Saracens. They played an important part in the Crusades of the 12th. and 13th. centuries. As time went by the order accumulated enormous wealth. This wealth aroused the jealousy of King Philip IV of France, who arranged for charges of heresy to be brought against the order. In 1307 the Pope suppressed the order. At the beginning of the 16th century the castle became the property of the De Birmingham family. Ownership eventually passed to the Lord of Howth through marriage. Later it came to be owned by the Barnwells, an old Norman family that has been associated with Fingal for many centuries. Finally, in 1642, the confederates held it. The confederates were a loose federation of many elements in Irish life that found common cause against the parliamentary forces of Cromwell. In June 1642 Colonel Trafford and his Parliamentary forces besieged the castle. It was destroyed by artillery and gunpowder and the entire garrison of 200 were put to death. Two priests, who were among the defenders of the castle, were examined on the rack and afterwards deported to France. The Parliamentary forces left it in a ruinous condition and time and weather have all but completed its destruction. Close to the ruins at Baldongan is a field known as the "Nuns' Stood", where nuns from Baldongan are said to have stood and look back on the destruction of the castle. The shelling supposedly originated from troops stationed at Cromwell's bush, a thorn tree in a hedge in Balcunnin. The church is only 10 minutes walking distance from Lolaido House..
Distance: 600 meters
Hours: Open to view all year round.
Skerries Islands
Take a boat trip to explore the five islands off the coast of Skerries: Shenick, St. Patrick's, Colt, Rockabill, and Red Island. Home to diverse wildlife and a historic lighthouse.
Distance: 1 mile to boat departure
Hours: Boat trips run seasonally, weather permitting
Newgrange
About Newgrange Newgrange was built about 3,200 BC (5,200 years ago) during the Neolithic period, which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by large stones known as kerbstones some of which are engraved with artwork..
Distance: 31Km - 40 mins drive
Booking: Check website: - https://www.newgrange.com. Highly recommend to book in advance
Mellifont Abbey
Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland. St Malachy of Armagh created it in 1142 with the help of a small number of monks sent by St Bernard from Clairvaux. The monks did not take well to Ireland and soon returned to France, but the abbey was completed anyway and duly consecrated with great pomp. It has several extraordinary architectural features, the foremost of which is the two-storey octagonal lavabo. The monks at Mellifont hosted a critical synod in 1152. The abbey was central to the history of later centuries, too, even though it was in private hands by then. The Treaty of Mellifont, which ended the Nine Years War, was signed here in 1603, and William of Orange used the abbey as his headquarters during the momentous Battle of the Boyne..
Distance: 31Km - 40 mins drive
Opening Times 08 May – 01 October 2025: Daily : 10:00 – 18:00
Battle of the Boyne Visitor Center
Visit The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House on the banks of the River Boyne. Learn the story of one of the most important battles in Irish history. See models of the battle brought to life through narration and lasers showing the cunning guile of the victors. Plan your visit around the historical reenactments where guides dress up in replica costumes and recreate the famous battle..
Distance: 31Km - 40 mins drive
Opening Times - All year: Booking advised
Emerald Park
Previously knownas Tayto Park, this is situated near Ashbourne Co. Meath. At Emerald Park, enjoy over 45 eye-popping rides, a diverse zoo with unique experiences, and fantastic show-stopping events. A full day of family fun awaits!
Distance: 31Km - 40 mins drive
Hours: Check website for details. Open Daily, 8:00 AM - 5PM
Food & Wine Day trips
Guinness Storehouse
Ireland's most popular tourist attraction tells the story of Ireland's famous beer, with a complimentary pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar offering 360째 views of Dublin.
Distance: 22 miles
Hours: Check website for details. Daily, 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (last admission 5:00 PM)
Temple Bar Food Market
Every Saturday, Meeting House Square hosts Dublin's premier food market featuring artisan producers, bakers, and street food vendors.
Distance: 21 miles
Hours: 1000 to 1630 - Check website for details.
Irish Whiskey Museum
Take a guided tour through the history of Irish whiskey with expert guides and finish with a tutored tasting of premium Irish whiskeys.
Distance: 21 miles
Hours: Check website for details. - https://irishwhiskeymuseum.ie