Take in the scenery

There are two beaches in Skerries, north and south of Red Island.

Both are good for walking, paddling and swimming. The sandy south beach, which has a Blue Flag, is around 2.5 kilometres long. It has public toilets, with access for the disabled, and there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer season. 

There is a coastal walkway running along the two beaches. This 1.2 kilometre cove-like north beach adjoins the harbour. There is a playground and a car park at Red Island.

There are two Martello Towers in Skerries, one on Red Island and one on Shenick Island. These are two of around 50 structures around Ireland’s coast built by the British in the early 1800s to defend against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

Some of the towers have been converted into museums or private dwellings. The tower on Red Island was actually used as a ballroom in the 1920s. Little is known about the past uses of the tower on Shenick. They are both currently closed to the public.

There is an imposing Carnegie library, opened in 1911, in Skerries town centre (01-8491900). The building has a decorative gabled front façade with central tower. The interior retains the original staircase. To the front there is a striking limestone sculpture of three seals by Paul D’Arcy.

The ruins of Baldongan Church and Tower is a national monument located between Lusk and Skerries. The 13th century castle (thought to have been constructed by the Knights Templar) is completely gone.

The church, built in the 15th century, has a 21 metre high fortified bell tower.

If you like to play golf, Skerries Golf Club (01-8491567) is a championship 18 hole parkland golf course. Founded in 1905, it is renowned as a challenging course with spectacular coastal views.

With the sea nearby, water sports and activities are popular in Skerries. Outdoor Dublin (01-8493333) offers classes locally in stand up Paddleboarding (SUP’ing), kayaking and surfing.

The company also runs RLSS lifeguard courses, summer camps and caters for parties of all types and corporate team building. 

Skerries Water Sports Academy (086-2257434) provides tuition in kayaking, SUP’ing, kite boarding and windsurfing to all age groups and abilities.

Skerries also has a vibrant sailing club. Dinghy and keelboat racing for adults and juniors with Skerries Sailing Club (01-8491233) takes place up to three times a week in season.

Skerries Sea Tours (086-3043847) runs two passenger trips daily to Rockabill Lighthouse (1 hour, 15 mins) and Lambay Island (2 hours). Custom tours are also available.

The trips are run by local RNLI crewman Eoin Grimes, aboard an 8.4 metre Redbay Rib. The boat can carry seven passengers (and one crew member).

The scenery in Skerries would make anyone want to get out and about and there are a variety of cycling and walking routes on visitskerries.ie, as well as lots of other tips for visitors.

To explore more in Skerries click here.