Swords, the administrative capital of Fingal endured a millennium of misrule from the Anglo Normans, The Vikings and The British. Fingal which covers North County Dublin became an independent district around the 11th century. The Town is 13 Km from Dublin City with many historical buildings as a reminder of it's bloody past. 

• Historical Spots
  Don’t miss the Round Tower which dates back to the sixth century and stands seventy five foot tall. On a good clear day four of the surrounding counties of Dublin can be seen from the top of the tower.    Swords Castle is well preserved, with battlements, towers, and centre courtyards, covering about six acres. Its architecture is probably ninth or tenth century. The floors of rooms were supported by arched ceilings. The entrance gate is a perfect arch and a square window immediately above. The gate is flanked by two square towers lighted by slit windows. The top of each tower is flat, reached by a spiral stone stairs which comes outside just before reaching the top.
• Politics Never Change
  In front of the Castle was Tyrells Pub, beside the Pub was an open space which was the usual verve for Public Meetings. Here, the United Irish League and candidates for election to the Rural District Council held their meetings. Five or six empty beer barrels were rolled out of Tyrells Pub, planks were laid across them, ensuring a steady platform for the speakers. On special occasions, a framework of wood would be erected in front with branches of evergreens and some green flags for decoration
• Industry in Olden Days
  Agricultural produce was conveyed to Dublin Market in farm carts. Loads of hay started in the early hours of the morning, sometimes before Dawn, to reach the hay market in time. The Rush market gardeners came in a long string of ponies and drays through the town in the early hours of the morning. They halted for refreshments at the Big Tree, public house, at the North end of the town where an all night license was granted to cater for these cars. On the return journey many of these farmers would be asleep in their drays, trusting their pony to take them home, who knew the road well. The local people used to wake them up before they passed the R.I.C. Barracks in Main Street, as they would be prosecuted for not being in proper control of their carts. There were no motor cars and no speed, so they were quite safe for 40 winks or more.
• Swords Today
  The main street in Swords is a hive of activity during the day, with its well laid out off street shopping malls in a compact area.  Shops carry almost anything from books, sports gear and hardware. Swords is also well catered for with excellent restaurants including Chinese, Indian, and Italian, not forgetting Irish food which every pub sells. At night the town really comes alive with the late night pubs and clubs attracting revellers from all parts of Dublin.

For more information see http://swordsdublin.net/

Located 18 minutes drive from CityNorth Hotel

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